Meet our experts: Paula Fraser

Wednesday, June 29, 2011 | Posted by: Grant Thornton
Categories: India, Interviews | Tags: tax, India, Grant Thornton, HNWIs, UK, South Asia Group, Grant Thornton India, Anuj Chande, interview, Glasgow, Edinburgh, staff, people, Scotland, Meet our experts, Paula Fraser, profile, Q&A, Asia

In the first of a new series, we’re introducing some of our key people at Grant Thornton and asking them about their work, and the issues facing their clients. First up is Paula Fraser, a tax director based in Glasgow, who specialises in advising businesses and individuals on tax but also works closely with the South Asia Group.

What is your job title?
Tax Director – I work with the Private Client Advisory Services team.

What does your work involve?
Mainly, I advise private individuals, HNWIs, entrepreneurs and family-owned companies on how to improve their overall tax position. This covers all types of tax, including inheritance tax, capital gains tax and income tax.

What is Grant Thornton’s South Asia Group?
The South Asia Group was set up because of the strong relationship that exists between Grant Thornton UK and Grant Thornton India. It is headed by Anuj Chande, an experienced corporate finance partner, and the team has more than 16 years’ experience working with UK and South Asian businesses – either helping UK-based companies do business in South Asia or advising South Asian companies looking to invest or list in the UK.

How are you connected to it?
My current focus is raising the profile of the South Asia Group in Scotland – advising Asian businesses and individuals there. This involves a number of meetings, discussions, presentations and marketing campaigns to tell people about the services we offer, such as:

• tax planning
• market and feasibility studies
• raising finance
• cross-border acquisition services
• assistance with joint ventures and strategic alliances
• transaction advisory services such as due diligence and public reporting
• capital markets advisory for both London Stock Exchange (LSE) and AIM
• assurance services
• transfer pricing.

Describe a typical working day.
Lots of phone calls, meetings and travel, especially between Glasgow and Edinburgh. I’m also a working mum so my hours depend on whether I am dropping my daughter off at nursery or picking her up after work – or even after she has gone to bed.

Which part of business do you enjoy most?
The business development aspect as this gives me an opportunity to meet new and interesting people.

And which is the most challenging part?
The most challenging part of my role is dealing with family dynamics when advising some/all family members – especially when all are looking for different outcomes.

What do you bring to the role?
My dedication and my drive to succeed in the role. Which helps with those challenging moments!

What was a pivotal career moment?
Deciding to relocate to Scotland from Yorkshire.

Any particular ambition?
Career-wise, to feel that I have added or can add something to help a client improve their financial situation.

What was the last thing a client asked you?
Technically, ways to save inheritance tax (IHT). But socially I was asked whether I wanted tickets for Take That at Hampden as my client had some spare. Unfortunately, I had already bought my tickets.

What should companies or private clients be thinking about right now?
For family-owned companies, succession is always an issue as the next generation will not always want to become involved with a family company. Planning for succession to avoid unnecessary tax costs is essential and should be considered sooner rather than later.

Any final thoughts or words of advice?
It’s never too early to plan for the future.

To find out more about Grant Thornton’s UK-South Asia business and advisory services, or to contact someone on the team, please visit our South Asia Group page. If you are based in Scotland and would like to talk to Paula Fraser directly, call +44 (0)141 223 0747 or email Paula.L.Fraser@uk.gt.com

You might also find these posts useful:

* Introducing our experts in emerging markets
* International Track 100 – who’s in the Top 10?
* Read more posts on India and also check out latest India Watch issue.