We sat down with Annabel Luxton, R&D Incentives Manager, who has been shortlisted for a prestigious Tolley’s Taxation Award in the Taxation’s Rising Star category.
Firstly, congratulations on your nomination!
What was your reaction on finding out you’d been shortlisted to the final six in the Taxation’s Rising Star category?
The day I received the news I had travelled to a client in the Midlands and received great feedback on my presentation from the client and our Innovation Partner. It was already a good day, which then became even better.
My reaction was a combination of surprise, joy, and excitement. I am glad that ideas that come naturally to me and the work I have implemented at Ayming, has been impactful and been recognised by the Tolley’s Taxation Awards.
And what about your husband?
My husband has been so supportive throughout my entire career, especially in all the small moments like cooking more than usual when my workload increases. I was so excited to share this news with him. He couldn’t stop smiling.
What do you think it was that meant you made it through to the final six in the shortlist?
That I must be doing something right! I have been in R&D Tax for over 6 years and I have learnt a lot, remained curious, built rapport with many senior stakeholders and delivered results. I have found a balance of exceeding client expectations and bringing my initiatives to life. It’s great to be recognised.
To be shortlisted, you must be on a pretty steep trajectory at Ayming – what’s next on your list of projects within Ayming and with clients?
My next focus is on the wider community with the objective of speaking with young people to encourage them to consider tax career options with an education in STEM. As part of Ayming’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy, I will be hosting discussions at schools to pupils about to begin their GCSE preparation.
Further down the line, I am looking to open up our offices for internships for those with low-socio economic backgrounds. I had no connections with the corporate world so I am really keen to open this door to others. As Head of the Women in Ayming group, I am also looking to collaborate with our clients on Identifying-female focused events with the aim of creating memorable experiences and expanding our network.
I have many plans, but being a great consultant and partner to my clients will always be a priority. Currently, I am talking to my clients to update them on the latest R&D guidance from HMRC.
If any of the judges are reading this, why should they pick you as the standout winner?!
To any judges reading this, I am absolutely honoured to be a finalist out of the many applications received. It would be amazing if the winner of the Rising Star category was someone who is not only a leading light but makes a positive impact in any environment they find themselves in and will continue to do so throughout their career. This embodies who I am, but you are, of course, best placed to judge.
Have you won any other awards previously – at school or work?
I won some awards at School and University. Winning the Tolley’s Award would certainly be the highest recognition of my work and the most impactful on my career.
Are you looking forward to the awards ceremony on the 18 May?
I am really looking forward to the evening. I have a wedding on the same day so it will be a day of full glamour!
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