About

About us

At Harris Lacey & Swain, we are often referred to as being “refreshingly different.” Whilst we provide everything from everyday accounting and taxation advice to full-scale financial planning and business development, our approach is always geared towards creating a perceptive, modern and highly personalized service. We're different because we see accountancy as a much wider-reaching service than just numbers.
We understand that developing a working relationship is every bit as important as an aptitude for figures. We get pleasure from helping your business develop, succeed and grow rather than being seen as an annual necessary evil. We carry on where other accountants stop! What really makes us tick is getting to know you and your business, then sharing our experience and insight in ways which turn your vision of growth into a hard and fast reality. Our client relationships are built on trust and communication, but with a sense of humour also which is often missing from our competitors. We believe that the relationship we have with our clients is a two way thing and hope that both parties prosper from it.

Partners

Frank Swain

FCA

It all started way back in 1975 and I am now in my 5th decade with the firm. Having left Hymers College and obtaining Articles (remember them?) and training with Hodgson Harris in Hull, I left to become Don Lacey's (Richard's father) assistant, and the rest, as they say, is history.

My main focus is on tax and business planning, particularly in the Health Care and agricultural sectors, and in keeping with the rest of the Practice, trying to work with clients in a warm, friendly and approachable manner and with a sense of humour whenever possible.

I still continue to play competitive table tennis and very uncompetitive golf, and try to spend as much time as possible at our French office, which some, for reasons beyond me, think is my holiday home!

Richard D Lacey

BA FCA

I joined the Practice in 1993 from Coopers and Lybrand, where I worked on large scale audits and acquisitions and disposals of companies. Like Frank I trained with Hodgson Harris in Hull. My areas of specialism are Charities, Corporate Finance and Audit. I believe I am seen as a trusted adviser by my clients. Our willingness to “go the extra mile” is widely known and respected .
When away from work I am a Governor of East Riding College and my interests include archaeology , photography and I have recently learned to dive!

Rebecca Adamson

FCCA ACA

I joined the practice in 1996 as a young trainee and have never managed to escape! I am told, I am very determined to sort out problems and never let anything get the better of me. My main area of interest is management accounting and helping clients in making their business decisions. I also work closely with Richard on our “not for profit “ clients and on complex transactional work. I also lead the firm’s business development efforts. Outside of work I am kept on my toes by my 5 year old Son and some might say I am a little obsessed by the gym. This year's challenges are to complete the great north run and do a skydive, all for charity. I'll keep you posted!

Team

Christine Gash FCA

I joined the firm in 1989 and have covered all types of work from accounts and audit to taxation, trusts and probate.
Most of my time out of work for the last 20 years plus has been taken up with raising my two daughters but I also enjoy anything to do with life outdoors including hill walking. I have been researching my family tree and this has taken me to lots of different parts of the country including Lancashire (where I originally come from), Rutland, Suffolk, Scotland and Ireland (one of my ancestors was a Scottish policeman).
I also enjoy travelling, admittedly mostly to France, where I hope one day to retire to.

Shaun Taylor

In 1992 I moved from the South Bank to the North Bank and joined Harris Lacey and Swain and never returned, so I must enjoy working here!
I work on a number of clients from large manufacturing businesses to small charities. Out of the office I am a long suffering supporter of Grimsby Town and
Newcastle United and an active member of the Willows Chess Club.

Kate Fullard FCCA

I joined the firm in 1997 and qualified in 2000. I look after a wide range of clients from charities to manufacturing businesses. I have now supported many of my clients for over 10 years. Away from work I am the proud mum to twins Lucy and Ben who take up most of my spare time and keep me very busy! As a family we also enjoy holidays away in our caravan or preferably sunny ones abroad!

Richard Tucker ACCA

I joined the firm in 2001 studying AAT and ACCA becoming fully qualified in 2007. I now manage a large range of clients ranging from property companies to vehicle distributors.
My interests outside of work mainly revolve around sport. I am a keen football fan and have supported Arsenal for as long as I can remember! I play golf a couple of times a week and have played since the age of 11. I currently play at Hornsea Golf Club and play off a handicap of 7 which I am looking to improve this year.

Vikki Hall

I’ve been part of the team since way back in 2003. In that time my primary role within the company has moved from payroll and administration to Sage book keeping and management accounts. The company is friendly and innovative and my job gives me the satisfaction of both getting to know and help our wide range of clients.
Away from work I enjoy playing badminton in the local league, playing the piano and ‘fair weather’ walking!

Radeyah Elahee

Since joining in July 2008 my main role has been working on reception, payroll and book-keeping. I really enjoy what I do and the people that I work with.
This is by far the best company I have worked for and I think that can be seen from the dedication of all of the employees here.
Outside of work, if I’m not buying new shoes, I enjoy socialising with my friends and I have a large family that I love spending time with. I also have two gorgeous little dogs that I love to take out on long walks, providing it’s not too cold outside (me and cold do not work well together!!)
I’m a massive fan of holidays abroad (hot destinations only!) and there are a number of places I plan to visit at some point in my life.

Kayleigh Denton

I have been here since 2008 and am currently studying to achieve my ACCA qualification. I am involved in all aspects of accounting and taxation work in order to help me achieve this.
When I am not studying I enjoy shopping, socialising with friends and spending time with my family, which includes my three dogs. I am also getting married next year so much of my spare time is taken up planning this!

Billie Mcloughlin

I joined the Harris Lacey & Swain team in August 2009 and my colleagues soon learnt to park their cars three spaces away!
Currently studying at Kaplan, I am hoping to be qualified in little over 2 years. At the moment I am a trainee completing tax returns, management accounts and year end accounts, as well as getting more involved with auditing.
I enjoy playing netball and attempting to horse ride in my spare time although ‘All the gear, no idea’ does spring to mind. The compassionate, friendly and intimate nature of the firm is what I love about working here and hope to do so for many years to come

Jane Pinder

I joined Harris Lacey and Swain in December 2010 and have thoroughly enjoyed working with such a friendly and helpful group of people. My main role is to help clients with their bookkeeping both at their own premises and back at the office in Hessle. Outside of work I love socialising with family and friends, walking my lovely little dog and holidaying as much as possible.

Sophie Appleton

I only joined the team this year but am already involved in preparing accounts and doing taxation work. Outside of work I love music and have a number of festivals to go to this year, come rain or shine!