Today we meet Giles Morison, Tax Director at Moore Stephens

Giles Morison, Tax Director at Moore Stephens in Jersey, draws on over 25 years of experience to oversee UK and Jersey tax matters for trusts, companies and individuals. We’re delighted to have the chance to get to know Giles through this insightful Q&A.

Tell us about your background and how you got into your current role?

I began my career in Jersey and UK tax over 25 years ago at Abacus Tax Services, which later merged with RBC, before moving to Bracken Rothwell as a manager in 2014.

I had a clear brief to use the experience I’d built to grow our client base. It was hands-off in the sense that I was trusted to get on with it, which I appreciated as it gave me the space to focus on developing the service, building relationships with existing clients, and bringing in new ones. I later became Director and Head of Tax Services and shareholder in the business.

Since the acquisition by Moore Stephens at the end of last year, I’ve continued in the role of Director and Head of Tax Services, and assisting the wider teams with the integration of clients, staff, and services.

What is a typical day in the office for you?

My role is a blend of leadership, integration and strategy. Building strong relationships has always been a key part of how I work and I’m enjoying bringing people and clients together.

I’ve spent time reviewing and assisting with the growth from all sides of the business, whilst also taking a holistic view to make sure that clients have consistency and continuity of service.

Leading the tax team is a big part of my day-to-day work, ensuring they have what they need, whilst remaining focused on relationships between clients and staff.

What are the most interesting parts of your work?

I really enjoy helping clients know when to pick up the phone, and helping our team know when to ask the right questions. Watching someone grow from a trainee to a confident tax professional is one of the most rewarding parts of the job.

Building successful relationships are everything, without strong connections, the business can’t thrive, and the relationships that exist between our clients and staff, I believe, is why we continue to grow from reputation and word of mouth alone.

What motivates you to get up and come to work every day?

I’m usually in the office by around 7:30am and I value that quiet hour before the day kicks off. It gives me the opportunity to tie up any loose ends from the day before and map out my day.

Ultimately, my motivation is doing good work, supporting the team so they can learn and grow turning things around quickly and efficiently for clients. Client retention is high, and feedback is positive, which tells me we’re doing something right.

What do the next few years in your business look like?

Looking ahead, the merger has opened more opportunities, and I see the team expanding and client growth continuing.

One important thing I’ve learned is that integration across the business is essential.

One important thing I’ve learned is that integration across the business is essential. When everyone works together, it not only strengthens our internal culture but also presents new opportunities to service new or existing clients. This will be a key area of focus for me.

What is the best thing about working at Moore Stephens?

When I was training in my 20s, Moore Stephens was a big name you always heard about, so it’s great to be part of that wider network with like-minded people.

Now with the backing of the Moore Stephens brand, we’ve even more to offer. We can draw on wider resources from the UK and Europe allowing us to provide a broader, more comprehensive service whilst keeping the local, personal approach that our clients trust and value.

Tell us about your team?

My immediate team includes five people – two of whom came into the industry completely fresh, and I’d say they’re now cornerstones of our tax team.

Stef heads up the accounts team and she’s brilliant on the operational side, she also steps in to support the tax work when needed. Alan is based in our Madeira office, bringing over 35 years of experience, having run his own tax business in Jersey.

The wider teams in accounts and audit also help with the tax side as well which strengthens our abilities to take on new business.

It really is a team effort. Everyone plays a part, and it’s that collaborative approach that helps us deliver consistently.

Who inspires you and why?

I’ve always liked Richard Branson. Not because I want to build an empire like his, but I respect how he approaches things. He doesn’t always follow convention, but he listens, takes on board what’s important to staff and clients and is about being a provider of choice.

What advice would you give your younger self?

I’d say be brave. I was quite shy when I was younger, I still am to some extent, even if it doesn’t show. At 20, if someone asked me to give a presentation, I’d have found a way to avoid it completely – but over time, I’ve learned the value of stepping out of my comfort zone.

What do you do with your free time?

I’m married with two boys: one’s 11 and the other’s 13. The younger one is football mad, so I spend a lot of time at Springfield watching him play. My eldest is into reading, films and TV series, so we spend quite a bit of family time watching things together that he’s into.

We do lots of dog walking. We’re lucky to live near plenty of country lanes and fields, so there’s no shortage of good routes to get out and about.

What’s your favourite way to spend a weekend?

I’m a member of the Jersey MGB club. We meet once a month and drive from coast to coast. Despite the island’s size amazes me how many country roads I hadn’t discovered! It‘s a great way to appreciate where we live and how beautiful Jersey can be, especially when the sun’s out and the roof is down!

Moore Stephens Channel Islands has offices in Guernsey and Jersey providing wealth structuring, corporate and fund administration, accounting, audit and assurance services. For more information, please contact the Jersey office by email or on 01534 880088, or the Guernsey office on 01481 811700 or via email.