Our Team

Each member of our team helps to grow a portfolio of clients with a personal touch, creating a strong relationship our clients enjoy. With flexible hours and home working our colleagues find the best solution to manage their time working closely to business owners.

HLWA Partners

Steve Herbert

Partner

As a career choice from a very young age, accountancy has been at the forefront of my education and working life. Coming from a background of managing corporate clients, I have broad experience in accountancy and tax; from company to personal tax, sole traders to large companies, start-ups to IHT. Outside of work, my wife, three children and dog keep me very active. I support Bristol Bears Rugby from growing up in the South West and was once a keen player. Never too far away from my laptop which my wife has dubbed my fourth child.

Marcus Williams

Partner

Having a background as a publican, Stocktaker, Client Manager, Management Accountant for hospitality, I have over 30 years of experience in the licenced trade and 20 years looking after Management Accounts. Previously running several successful businesses including hotels and bars with over 100 employees combined, I have gained a reputation within my industry as a down to earth business advisor. I have successfully assisted hundreds of businesses from a young age through to maturity and beyond, as well as enjoying a drink or two on the right side of the bar. From my twin teenagers’ social life to enjoying holidays with the whole family I am always making good use of spare time. As an England and Bristol Rugby member I am always looking to catch games when available.

HLWA Team

Suzanne Westlake, Office Manager

Starting off in administration within an accountancy firm, I soon learned my skillset was suited to office management. I oversee the core staff, preparing management accounts from bookkeeping through to VAT, MGD returns and alike with a working knowledge of various different systems, businesses and clients. My husband and I are frequent travellers with New York being our favourite destination, occasionally visiting a tattoo parlour on route to admire their handiwork. I am very social and thoroughly enjoy a busy office environment full of banter.

David Tucker, Senior Accountant

Being fully qualified as a Chartered Certified Accountant, I have undertaken more technical work in the firm and building a portfolio of clients. Coming from a background in private industry, I joined the practice to further my career and gain experience. With a young family the amount of spare time has dwindled. When I can I enjoy socialising, football, tennis & cricket.

Helen Western, Accounts Assistant

I have been working in practice for over 30 years gaining a wealth of knowledge. Specialising in owner managed business for small enterprises, I enjoy building relationships with proprietors and assisting with their finances. My partner’s background is in leisure and tourism, which is where our interests mostly lie. Together we have travelled the world mostly ‘off the beaten track’ to experience different cultures and places of natural beauty.

Mike Lloyd, Client Manager

I have been involved in hospitality for over 42 years starting as an assistant manager to operating 23 public houses. I then changed route to assisting publicans as a client manager using my wealth of experience to help them run their businesses from stocktaking, financial control to more practical guidance. As a Brighton & Hove fan I regularly attend their matches with a pint or two. Now that my daughters have flown the nest, I have more time to work out how to charge my electric car!

Thomas Buck, Accounts Assistant

Having completed AAT and gained hands on experience with HLW, I am looking after a couple dozen accounts from bookkeeping through to management accounts. Big sports fan especially football - Bristol Rovers (Gas Head). I play football for Lodway FC and watch Lodway in the cricket, often ending in a tipple or two.

Vitali Gabets, Management Accountant

Running my own manufacturing business, I was responsible for bookkeeping, accounting, cost accounting, VAT returns, corporate tax returns and PAYE. After finishing a project, I decided to fully concentrate on accounting. I have completed the AAT Level 3 Advanced Diploma in Accounting course achieving a distinction. I like an early morning walk with my dog and travelling to see family.

Madison Dalton, Trainee Accounts Assistant

Starting my career in accountancy in July 2021, I joined the team at HLW as a Trainee Accounts Assistant. I have gained a wealth of experience from Bookkeeping to Management Accounts whilst in practice and at college. I am currently studying for my AAT Level 3 which I hope to complete by September. My hobbies consist of going to watch rugby with family as an avid Welsh supporter. Home and abroad, I have an active social life with friends.

Taya Cerkasova – Trainee Accountants

I am a recent Forensic Accounting graduate and a part-qualified CIMA member. I have gained over 2 years of invaluable practical experience in the finance and research-related sectors while working for one of the busiest and largest NHS Trusts. Working in the private sector allowed me to obtain Microsoft Power BI knowledge which helped me to understand database fundamentals and taught me quickly transform data into reporting and analytics solutions. Currently working towards my CIMA qualification to qualify as a chartered accountant. Outside of work my fiancé and I enjoy going on a hike, listen to vinyl on rainy gloomy days and go for adventurous trips with our friends all around the world.

Valentyna Savage – Management Accountant

Having worked in practice for 12 years at the same company, it was strange to move to HLW but the whole team have made me feel welcome. In my previous role I was responsible for many businesses and would complete all bookkeeping, VAT returns and Management Accounts monthly, being the first point of contact in most cases. I moved to the UK from Ukraine in 2005 and have lived in Bristol since, regularly enjoying a trip to the theatre or a live concert, followed by fish and chips, which is my idea of a great night out. In my spare time I enjoy reading and when time permits my husband and I do like to travel, countries in Africa being our favourite place.

Chrissie Alexander – Accounts Assistant

I have many years’ experience working within the hospitality industry predominantly in bar management based in the UK and Greece. I enjoy travelling and the occasional festival with my partner and friends. Most of my spare time is taken up looking after my Horse, Monty.

Ali Cunningham – Accounts Assistant

Ali brings with her an impressive 40 years of experience in managing accounts and bookkeeping for small businesses. Throughout her career, Ali has gained expertise across a broad range of industries, including stonemasonry, horse breeding, farming, construction, electrical work, IT, and festival catering. In 2023, Ali made the decision to shift from working independently in smaller business environments and joined HLWA to bring her considerable experience to a more collaborative firm. Ali is passionate about teamwork, having played rugby for 15 years during her youth and, more recently, becoming involved in lawn bowls with her local club.

Hayley Stone – Payroll and Administration

Hayley leads the Payroll Department, overseeing all payroll-related matters. As the head of this department, Hayley ensures that payroll processes are managed with utmost efficiency and accuracy. Hayley also plays a key role in helping clients keep on top of compliance obligations including PAYE and Pensions. Outside of work, Hayley is a dedicated supporter of the Bristol Rovers football team and is rarely absent from their home games. She also enjoys spending quality time with her family, particularly in the garden, and enjoys socializing at local pubs where she can unwind with a shandy or two. Her active social life has helped Hayley develop strong interpersonal skills which she brings into the firm to create excellent relationships with both clients and colleagues.

Brandon Burnett – Accounts Assistant

Brandon brings over 10 years of experience as an Accounts Assistant. He currently manages a diverse portfolio, offering support in both bookkeeping and management accounts. Brandon is focused on enhancing his career by pursuing further qualifications with the goal of advancing into a role as a qualified accountant. In addition to his professional pursuits, Brandon is an active Welsh squash player who enjoys both training and participating in competitions. He remains engaged with his social circle, enjoying time with friends and family.

Beki Williams – Accounts & Payroll Administration

Beki has over 11 years of experience in both accounting and payroll, having developed her skill set through continuous training and guidance. Over the years, she has expanded her expertise, contributing to a range of accounting functions and also playing an integral role in the accounts and payroll department. Outside of work, Beki enjoys a fulfilling family life with her partner, young daughter, and more recent addition of twins, who bring a lot of joy and energy into her life. They are a family that enjoys spending time outdoors, particularly on trips to the beach, exploring the woods, and engaging in water sports. When possible, Beki enjoys sea swimming at various locations along the Southwest coast of the UK.