Meet the directors and key team members

Tony Hobbs, Managing Director

I was press-ganged into service with CRM in 1986, and hope to complete my probationary period shortly! As managing director I have an overview of all activities at CRM, but have a particular interest in business development. This has evolved through a combination of working closely with clients on the financial management of their business, and background studying and courses that I have undertaken, which has led to the development of our Business Mentoring Programme. Certainly for me this is the aspect of CRM that I have found the most rewarding and enjoyable. I get a great deal of satisfaction from seeing clients succeed and knowing that CRM have made a positive contribution towards this success.

Away from the office I am interested in most sports, particularly Rugby Union, and also walking and climbing. Having said that, with three young children I am not allowed out to play that often!!

Jim Moore, Director

As a founder director of the business, my client work involves all aspects of accountancy.

My interests out of the office include golf and travel.

Alan Sowden, Technical Director

I joined CRM in 1998 as a trainee. Following the successful completion of my ACCA exams I decided to further my tax expertise by studying for the Chartered Tax Adviser qualification (having vowed at my ACCA finals never to sit another exam!).   Having attained both of these qualifications, along with the Financial Planning Certificate from the Chartered Insurance Institute, I was appointed a director of CRM in 2004.   Although my qualifications and work have given me a wide and varied experience of numerous aspects of business, my main focus and specialism has long been that of taxation, and in particular that of offering pro-active and innovative tax planning solutions and advice. 

 Outside of work my main interests are in keeping fit through kickboxing training (in between all too frequent injury breaks!) and the less healthy pursuit of being a dedicated London Irish RFC supporter.

Noel Heaven, Director

After leaving Magdalen College School in 1979 I worked in accountancy practices in Oxford before joining CRM in 1990. I was appointed a partner in 1995 and subsequently became a director.

My particular interest is with the small business sector. I enjoy the interaction with the clients and discussing with them the various ways in which I can help them, and their business, to be successful. It is a very positive and rewarding experience to assist people  to achieve their own goals and those of their business. Accountancy is much more than producing year end accounts and tax returns.   Away from work I enjoy most sports ( as long as a ball is involved!), in particular football and cricket. I have supported Everton since 1968 so my loyalty to lost causes has never been in question! In the last few years I have started to play golf and my ambition is to hit the fairway on two successive holes. I am also a member of The Salvation Army and have played in the band for many years. If you need someone to blow your trumpet then I’m your man!

Becky Honour, Trainee

I joined CRM in 2006 after passing my A levels at sixth form. I am currently studying towards my ACCA qualification at Reed Business School and once I am qualified, I wish to complete my degree in applied accounting.

During my time at CRM I have gained experience in a wide range of areas such as accounts preparation, personal and corporate tax, bookkeeping and payroll. Within my role, I particularly enjoy being involved in visiting clients’ premises to carry out regular bookkeeping.

Paul Skinner– Systems manager

I joined CRM in July 2004 at the age of 18 after finishing my A levels. I then went on to studying and working towards becoming a member of ACCA. I completed my final exam in December 2009 and was very relieved to find out in February 2010 that I had passed! I have since become a member of ACCA and am a fully qualified accountant.

Since I have been at CRM I have gained experience and skills in a wide range of areas including accounts preparation, audit work, payroll, manual and computerised bookkeeping, personal & company tax including tax planning.

Away from work I enjoy most sports, in particular football which I play and watch very regularly. I had trials for Oxford United, Wycombe Wanderers and Peterborough United when I was younger but unfortunately I did not make it as a professional so chose to become an accountant! I am also a qualified football referee and regularly officiate junior/youth football. I don’t get too much hassle from the players but the parents can get a bit excited sometimes!

I have supported Arsenal since I was 5 and was lucky enough to have played at Highbury before Arsenal moved stadiums. I have been a season ticket holder at Arsenal since 2007, which is not cheap but certainly worth the money due to the style of football they play!

Hayley Lucas – Trainee

I joined CRM in July 2008, since then I have completed my AAT qualification and am now studying towards my ACA qualification.

Since joining CRM I have gained experience and knowledge in many different areas including Taxation, Accounts preparation, Audit and Bookkeeping, my particular favourite being Taxation.

My spare time is usually shared between my son, studying and going to the Gym.

Charlotte McInerney – Trainee

I joined CRM in 2008 having completed my A-levels in Applied Business and Double Applied Science. I have passed the first level of AAT and I am now studying towards my ACCA qualification which I hope to get by 2012.

The areas that I enjoy the most are preparing tax returns, sole trader accounts, and meeting clients.