Hazel
Hughes

WHO I HELP

Large UK groups. Foreign groups with a UK presence.

HOW I HELP

UK tax compliance. SAO/CCO risk management. International expansion.

SECTORS/SUPPORT

Manufacturing. Engineering. Energy.

“COLLABORATION IS OUR SUPERPOWER.”

Hazel Hughes is a Corporate Tax Senior Manager based in Glasgow. She works with large UK groups with complex domestic and international tax requirements, offering tailored advice and guidance to help her clients navigate the constantly changing tax landscape. With a background in in-house tax operations, Hazel provides an operational, risk-focused approach, ensuring her clients’ needs are met with pragmatic and efficient solutions.

BUILDING LASTING RELATIONSHIPS

“I believe an ideal relationship with a client is one where they feel confident reaching out to me for any query, big or small. My goal is to provide the best service possible and answer their questions in a clear, no-nonsense way. It’s incredibly rewarding when a client specifically requests my input—knowing I’ve earned their trust and respect is the ultimate compliment.”

FINDING SOLUTIONS THAT WORK

“Being disruptive and feisty means never settling for ‘this is the way we’ve always done it.’ I’m always thinking of ways to improve processes and am not afraid to ask tough questions, whether it’s with clients or colleagues. By challenging assumptions, I aim to fully understand the core issue and outline the best solution. This helps ensure that we as a team address the real problem, and not just the symptoms.”

BALANCING TECH AND PERSONAL CONNECTIONS

“While virtual meetings are efficient and often necessary, I value in-person collaboration. Face-to-face interactions often lead to a more natural flow of conversation and a deeper understanding on both sides. That said, technology plays a crucial role in making our work more accessible and flexible. It’s about finding the right balance between virtual and hands-on approaches to deliver the best results for clients.”

KEEPING UP IN A FAST-PACED FIELD

“One of the greatest challenges in tax is keeping up with the ever-changing landscape of legislation and policies, both domestically and internationally. For me, this is also one of the most exciting aspects of the job. I enjoy staying up to date with the latest developments and ensuring my knowledge is current, so I can provide clients with the most accurate and effective advice. It’s like solving a complex puzzle that’s always evolving.”

WORKING TOGETHER TO SUCCEED

“Collaboration is one of AAB’s key values, and it’s something I truly believe in. Every member of our team brings a unique set of experiences and strengths to the table. Learning from each other not only helps us grow but also allows us to provide the best possible service to our clients. Whether it’s stopping by someone’s desk for advice or working together on a challenging issue, I know I can count on my colleagues to genuinely want to help.”

A PASSION FOR TAX

“It can be frustrating when tax is seen as a ‘necessary evil’ because it doesn’t reflect the broad scope and importance of the work we do. Tax impacts nearly every business decision and transaction, and while it may not always be the primary driver, it plays a critical role in avoiding potential pitfalls. I try to bring a sense of perspective and organisation to my work, focusing on the bigger picture and helping clients navigate the complexities with confidence.”

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

“I’m excited to continue developing my skills and working with clients across a wide range of industries. For AAB, I see incredible potential in leveraging technology to streamline processes and provide even greater value to clients. It’s an exciting time to be part of such a forward-thinking firm.”