Take 5 with Will Barraclough

Take 5 is where we get to know a little more about the Mercer & Hole team, today we would like to introduce Will Barraclough, our new Associate Director in Audit and Business Advisory. Will previously trained and worked at Evelyn Partners.  He is based in our Rickmansworth office where he works with a wide range of clients from start-ups and SMEs through to large groups and high-growth equity-backed businesses.

Will enjoys the variety of his work as his clients’ businesses cover a range of sectors including property, retail, financial services, technology and FCA regulated industries. As Mercer & Hole continues to expand, he relishes the opportunity of gaining an in-depth understanding of the latest issues facing his clients in a wide spectrum of industries.

What is your approach to Audit & Business Advisory?
I always like to start by getting to know my clients and understanding their aims and objectives for both the short and long term. This ensures we tailor our service to meet their expectations and we can add value throughout the service enabling them to reach their goals.  I have worked with a large range of clients in different sectors from small start-ups to SMEs and large groups. I understand that no two businesses are the same and encounter different issues at different times in their business life cycle. Through this understanding, I can advise them on the ever-changing business environment and what solutions are available to them. This is supported by working closely with clients, planning and implementing the smooth running of audits and technical accounting advice.

How would you describe yourself in three words?
Reliable: I will always make time and be there for my clients or team.
Passionate: I am passionate about our clients and developing our team to be the best they can be.
Flexible: I understand that things pop up or plans must change and can adapt quickly to this.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
I love that each client and every day is different, and I gain fulfilment in finding unique solutions to particular challenges and situations. I work on these solutions as part of a great team at Mercer & Hole. It is so fulfilling working in a team where everyone is passionate about working in the best interest for our clients. I take great pride and enjoyment mentoring junior members of the team and seeing them grow in confidence and knowledge year on year.

Favourite holiday destination?
I have been lucky to do a lot of travelling and I love seeing different cultures, places and generally, being outside. Two holidays that really stand out and are very different are: hiring a camper van and driving around Scotland for three weeks while on paternity leave with our then 10-month-old baby. In Scotland you are allowed to camp pretty much anywhere, so we found some quiet spots to pull up for the night.
The other holiday that stands out was going to the Maldives. It was incredible! There was so much to do from, scuba diving with sharks and manta rays, snorkelling with turtles, paddle boarding and surfing as well as just having a beer and watching the sunset as a pod of dolphins swam by I was never bored and I would thoroughly recommend it.

A random fact about you?
I have been on stage at Live at the Apollo. When we arrived, we were sat in the front row, and I was ‘lucky’ enough to be chosen to go on stage and ended up with Nick Helm in my lap serenading me. Dave kindly keeps playing it on repeat, so my two minutes of fame keep popping up on TV every few months (please don’t YouTube Live at the Apollo Nick Helm!).