WHO I HELP

Corporate clients. Owner-managed businesses.

HOW I HELP

Reporting on client research and development projects. Helping clients access Research & Development tax relief.

SECTORS/SUPPORT

Engineering. Manufacturing. Energy. Industrial.

“THERE IS AN ENERGY & A DRIVE TO SUCCEED IN AAB GROUP’S CULTURE.”

Based in Dungannon, Chris Woods is a Manager within our Corporate Tax team. Chris’ role is specialised within the Innovations Tax team, with focus on Research & Development tax relief claims. This involves understanding clients, engineering practices, and research and development technologies.

Chris proactively works with clients to thoroughly understand their business and practices. He talks through and reports on client research and development projects at the leading edge of technology and the work being done all over the country. As a qualified mechanical engineer, Chris finds this to be truly fascinating work. He enjoys engaging with client companies that are creating and developing incredible advancements in disruptive technologies that will shape and define the future of areas like: information technology, artificial Intelligence, recyclables, renewable energy, building technologies, manufacturing systems, civil engineering, aerospace, automotive, marine and resource management.

CURIOUS & INVESTIGATIVE

“I am a born engineer and enthused by innovative and creative people. My curiosity in science, technology, and innovation allows me to remain up to date with developments in many industries. It is my nature to investigate, and this allows me to identify and develop new business opportunities with clients.

I have to readily understand innovative, leading-edge technological developments and be able to state these matters in plain and simple terms and demystify the complexities involved in their R&D processes.

For me the most satisfying thing about working with both colleagues and clients is learning new things; every day is a school day!”

ASSERTIVE & DISRUPTIVE

“Being assertive and disruptive in terms of challenging the way things are done purely because that’s how they’ve always been done is exactly how I work, which is great as AAB Group is the same! There is an energy about the company and a wish to succeed through merit, and that is instilled in the people and culture throughout the group.”

DIFFERENT WAYS OF COMMUNICATING

“Personally, I prefer to sit in front of a client rather than communicate virtually, but needs must, and so long as the work gets done and communication is effective, I am happy with both! Virtual technology certainly helps with a lot of aspects of communication, helping with efficiency and more frequent check ins.”

CHALLENGING & INTERESTING

“The most challenging aspect of my work is probably getting to know a client and their practices, and properly understanding how they change and grow, and what the benefits of their practices are. But at the same time, it’s also the most interesting and the most rewarding aspect! I love getting to a point where I fully understand all this, inside and out, and am able to help a client in achieving their goals.”

STRENGTH IN TEAMWORK & COLLABORATION

“One of the six core group values is that ‘Collaboration is our superpower’, and I truly believe this. When we work together there is no better team. We always seek out opportunities to collaborate. Collaboration, to state it simply, is working together, and who would want to do everything by themselves anyway? It is good to see and do what you can, but even better and so much more powerful to see and identify the skills in others and encourage their involvement and skills to benefit something greater for the team, company, and wider group.

Teams of diverse people working together with a shared foundation, agreed-upon values, and a common goal, can create immensely positive and successful outcomes through shared awareness and connections.”

A DYNAMIC APPROACH

“The greatest strengths I bring to AAB is that I am dynamic in my approach and have demonstrated abilities to take on and deliver a diverse range of products and services. I possess skills and capabilities in research and development, project and contract management, service delivery, and sales at all levels across a wide range of industries including manufacturing, construction, electronic systems, facilities management, and service-based environments.”

NEVER GIVE UP

“I can’t really understand people who do not make an effort. The inventor, Thomas Edison, famously once said “I didn’t fail 1,000 times, the light bulb was an invention of 1,000 steps.” It’s a good reminder to keep going even when it gets tough. The rewards will come, and are very much worth the time and effort.”