Meet Team Zest
About us
We are Zest Accountants and Business Advisors Limited; a team of experienced accountants who believe in providing friendly expert advice to our clients.
We offer an end-to-end service from bookkeeping all the way through to supporting growing businesses with their own part-time FD. This ensures that our clients have all the financial support they need for their journey. But we're not just about numbers - we're friendly, approachable, (and don't take ourselves too seriously) but we're here to help our clients thrive.
Whether you're a small business looking to grow or a more established company wishing to take your financial management and strategy to the next level, we're here for you so why not contact us today.
Being somewhere outside and green. Favourite weekends spent walking the nutty dog; camping or having a G&T in the garden.
Who, what and why ?
Founder
Lucy Thomas
Founder
Who, what and why ?
With a sharp eye for tech innovation, Lucy saw the potential for small businesses to access top-tier accounting services previously only accessed by larger enterprises. Lucy founded Zest in 2015 as a Xero-cloud based practice, maximising the use of technology to move the focus away from number-crunching and instead providing clients with valuable insights and tax advice. Since starting as trainee accountant back in 2000, Lucy brings over twenty years of accountancy and tax experience, working with multi-million companies , sole traders and start-ups. Lucy is fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).
Zest for?
Being somewhere outside and green. Favourite weekends spent walking the nutty dog; camping or having a G&T in the garden.
About us
Our company was founded in 2015 by Lucy Thomas, who saw the potential for technology and automation to revolutionise the way we work with our clients. Today, Lucy heads up tax advisory and accounting compliance services, bringing a wealth of expertise and knowledge to the table. Her passion for technology has helped us focus more on value-adding insight and analysis, giving our clients the competitive edge they need to succeed.
Steve Thomas heads up our business advisory team. He shares Lucy's passion for technology and is dedicated to helping our clients leverage the latest tools and techniques to achieve their business goals.
Our company was founded in 2015 by Lucy Thomas, who saw the potential for technology and automation to revolutionise the way we work with our clients. Today, Lucy heads up tax advisory and accounting compliance services, bringing a wealth of expertise and knowledge to the table. Her passion for technology has helped us focus more on value-adding insight and analysis, giving our clients the competitive edge they need to succeed. Steve Thomas heads up our business advisory team. He shares Lucy's passion for technology and is dedicated to helping our clients leverage the latest tools and techniques to achieve their business goals. Our team also includes Sophie Hofayz, who has recently completed her ACCA exams and qualified as an accountant. She supports both directors in providing accounting, tax and business advisory services. Tracey Goatcher heads up our payroll services, ensuring that our clients stay compliant with all the latest regulations. Phil Evans provides bookkeeping services, helping our clients keep their financial records up to date and accurate. Whilst Callum Davies is our newest member and apprentice accountant and is testament to our commitment to investment in talent for the future.
We offer an end-to-end service from bookkeeping all the way through to supporting growing businesses with their own part-time FD. This ensures that our clients have all the financial support they need for their journey. But we're not just about numbers - we're friendly, approachable, (and don't take ourselves too seriously) but we're here to help our clients thrive. Whether you're a small business looking to grow or a more established company wishing to take your financial management and strategy to the next level, we're here for you so why not contact us today.
Steve Thomas
Finance director and lover of tech
Who, what and why ?
Steve heads our business advisory team and he is passionate about providing top-notch financial and commercial services to our clients. He has a wealth of experience working at a senior level in various organisations, from owner managed businesses to multinationals like Siemens. Leaving industry in 2020 to join team Zest, Steve acts as part-time finance director for a number of clients in various sectors including a sports product start-up, a manufacturer of premium pet food, warehousing and logistics, a medical products manufacturer, and a TV production company. Whether planning for growth or succession and exit, Steve brings the same analytical approach to developing strategy and meaningful actions. Steve is member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.
Zest for?
Dusting down Elvis the motorhome and heading somewhere warm and by the sea. Beer on ice, and a sunset playlist.
Steve Thomas
Finance director and
lover of tech
Who, what and why ?
With a sharp eye for tech innovation, Lucy saw the potential for small businesses to access top-tier accounting services previously only accessed by larger enterprises. Lucy founded Zest in 2015 as a Xero-cloud based practice, maximising the use of technology to move the focus away from number-crunching and instead providing clients with valuable insights and tax advice. Since starting as trainee accountant back in 2000, Lucy brings over twenty years of accountancy and tax experience, working with multi-million companies , sole traders and start-ups. Lucy is fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).
Zest for?
Being somewhere outside and green. Favourite weekends spent walking the nutty dog; camping or having a G&T in the garden.
Who, what and why?
Steve heads our business advisory team and he is passionate about providing top-notch financial and commercial services to our clients. He has a wealth of experience working at a senior level in various organisations, from owner managed businesses to multinationals like Siemens.
Leaving industry in 2020 to join team Zest, Steve acts as part-time finance director for a number of clients in various sectors including a sports product start-up, a manufacturer of premium pet food, warehousing and logistics, a medical products manufacturer, and a TV production company. Whether planning for growth or succession and exit, Steve brings the same analytical approach to developing strategy and meaningful actions.
Steve is member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.
Zest for?
Dusting down Elvis the motorhome and heading somewhere warm and by the sea. Beer on ice, and a sunset playlist.
Tracy Goatcher
Payroll guru and accounts assistant
Who, what and why ?
Tracey handles our clients’ weekly and monthly payroll, as well as CIS reporting, auto-enrolment duties and generally ensuring all our clients are compliant with ever-changing HMRC rules and legislation. She also helps Lucy out on the accounts side of things; as a Xero certified advisor, she can step in at the drop of a hat! She joined the team in May 2016, bringing more than 20 years of payroll and accounting experience with her and adding up to a fantastic investment.
Zest for?
Walking her schnauzer Alfie, pilates classes and regularly indulging in afternoon teas, preferably ones which include a glass of something sparkling.
Tracy Goatcher
Payroll guru and
accounts assistant
Who, what and why ?
With a sharp eye for tech innovation, Lucy saw the potential for small businesses to access top-tier accounting services previously only accessed by larger enterprises. Lucy founded Zest in 2015 as a Xero-cloud based practice, maximising the use of technology to move the focus away from number-crunching and instead providing clients with valuable insights and tax advice. Since starting as trainee accountant back in 2000, Lucy brings over twenty years of accountancy and tax experience, working with multi-million companies , sole traders and start-ups. Lucy is fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).
Zest for?
Being somewhere outside and green. Favourite weekends spent walking the nutty dog; camping or having a G&T in the garden.
Who, what and why?
Tracey handles our clients’ weekly and monthly payroll, as well as CIS reporting, auto-enrolment duties and generally ensuring all our clients are compliant with ever-changing HMRC rules and legislation. She also helps Lucy out on the accounts side of things; as a Xero certified advisor, she can step in at the drop of a hat!
She joined the team in May 2016, bringing more than 20 years of payroll and accounting experience with her and adding up to a fantastic investment.
Zest for?
Walking her schnauzer Alfie, pilates classes and regularly indulging in afternoon teas, preferably ones which include a glass of something sparkling.
Phil Evans
Bookkeeper and Xero champ
Who, what and why ?
Phil is our resident bookkeeper meaning he takes care of all our Xero bookkeeping and invoice processing, as well as preparing quarterly VAT returns. Phil loves the detail! Phil’s previous career within the Armed Forces and NHS meant challenging work and worldwide travels. Ready for a quieter time, Phil started with Zest in October 2015. Initially responsible for helping with admin, he took a shine to Xero and made the role his own, becoming another of our Xero certified advisers!
Zest for?
Out of hours, Phil’s a big fan of Welsh rugby. Come to think of it, he’s a big fan of any sport that can be watched with a glass of red wine in hand.
Phil Evans
Bookkeeper and Xero champ
Who, what and why ?
With a sharp eye for tech innovation, Lucy saw the potential for small businesses to access top-tier accounting services previously only accessed by larger enterprises. Lucy founded Zest in 2015 as a Xero-cloud based practice, maximising the use of technology to move the focus away from number-crunching and instead providing clients with valuable insights and tax advice. Since starting as trainee accountant back in 2000, Lucy brings over twenty years of accountancy and tax experience, working with multi-million companies , sole traders and start-ups. Lucy is fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).
Zest for?
Being somewhere outside and green. Favourite weekends spent walking the nutty dog; camping or having a G&T in the garden.
Who, what and why?
Phil is our resident bookkeeper meaning he takes care of all our Xero bookkeeping and invoice processing, as well as preparing quarterly VAT returns. Phil loves the detail! Phil’s previous career within the Armed Forces and NHS meant challenging work and worldwide travels. Ready for a quieter time, Phil started with Zest in October 2015. Initially responsible for helping with admin, he took a shine to Xero and made the role his own, becoming another of our Xero certified advisers!
Zest for?
Out of hours, Phil’s a big fan of Welsh rugby. Come to think of it, he’s a big fan of any sport that can be watched with a glass of red wine in hand.
Callum Davies
Trainee accountant and the man with a plan
Who, what and why ?
After attaining excellent grades at A-level, Callum decided to pursue a career in accountancy. Having exercised some initiative and making a call to Zest, we were blown away by his enthusiasm and work ethic and had no hesitation in offering Callum a role as trainee accountant. Callum is currently studying for his AAT exams before progressing onto his professional level exams and he is loving seeing how he can applying his learning to real-life situations.
Zest for?
In between trips to the bar and gym, Callum loves an old school dance banger. rhythm is a mystery you know!
Callum Davies
Trainee accountant and the man with a plan
Who, what and why ?
With a sharp eye for tech innovation, Lucy saw the potential for small businesses to access top-tier accounting services previously only accessed by larger enterprises. Lucy founded Zest in 2015 as a Xero-cloud based practice, maximising the use of technology to move the focus away from number-crunching and instead providing clients with valuable insights and tax advice. Since starting as trainee accountant back in 2000, Lucy brings over twenty years of accountancy and tax experience, working with multi-million companies , sole traders and start-ups. Lucy is fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).
Zest for?
Being somewhere outside and green. Favourite weekends spent walking the nutty dog; camping or having a G&T in the garden.
Who, what and why?
After attaining excellent grades at A-level, Callum decided to pursue a career in accountancy. Having exercised some initiative and making a call to Zest, we were blown away by his enthusiasm and work ethic and had no hesitation in offering Callum a role as trainee accountant. Callum is currently studying for his AAT exams before progressing onto his professional level exams and he is loving seeing how he can applying his learning to real-life situations.
Zest for?
In between trips to the bar and gym, Callum loves an old school dance banger. rhythm is a mystery you know!
Sophie Hofayz
Accountant and technical pro
Who, what and why ?
After a decade of worldwide travel and living in Australia, Sophie settled back in the UK in 2020. She joined Zest as a trainee accountant and after smashing her way through the exams, completed her accountancy training in January 2023, just three years after starting her studies. She is a fantastic addition to the team and is the queen of multi- tasking, working alongside both Lucy and Steve she offers a broad range of services but also heads up our practice management.
Zest for?
Well after the last three challenging years, Sophie’s new hobby is not studying! With all this time on her hands, she has been able to return to doing what she loves which is being outside, exploring new places and walking and hiking her way around Wales.
Sophie Hofayz
Accountant and technical pro
Who, what and why ?
With a sharp eye for tech innovation, Lucy saw the potential for small businesses to access top-tier accounting services previously only accessed by larger enterprises. Lucy founded Zest in 2015 as a Xero-cloud based practice, maximising the use of technology to move the focus away from number-crunching and instead providing clients with valuable insights and tax advice. Since starting as trainee accountant back in 2000, Lucy brings over twenty years of accountancy and tax experience, working with multi-million companies , sole traders and start-ups. Lucy is fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).
Zest for?
Being somewhere outside and green. Favourite weekends spent walking the nutty dog; camping or having a G&T in the garden.
Who, what and why?
After a decade of worldwide travel and living in Australia, Sophie settled back in the UK in 2020. She joined Zest as a trainee accountant and after smashing her way through the exams, completed her accountancy training in January 2023, just three years after starting her studies. She is a fantastic addition to the team and is the queen of multi- tasking, working alongside both Lucy and Steve she offers a broad range of services but also heads up our practice management.
Zest for?
Well after the last three challenging years, Sophie’s new hobby is not studying! With all this time on her hands, she has been able to return to doing what she loves which is being outside, exploring new places and walking and hiking her way around Wales.
Meet team Zest
Meet team Zest
Our team also includes Sophie Hofayz, who has recently completed her ACCA exams and qualified as an accountant. She supports both directors in providing accounting, tax and business advisory services. Tracey Goatcher heads up our payroll services, ensuring that our clients stay compliant with all the latest regulations. Phil Evans provides bookkeeping services, helping our clients keep their financial records up to date and accurate. Whilst Callum Davies is our newest member and apprentice accountant and is testament to our commitment to investment in talent for the future.
Phil Evans
Bookkeeper and Xero champ
Who, what and why ?
Phil is our resident bookkeeper meaning he takes care of all our Xero bookkeeping and invoice processing, as well as preparing quarterly VAT returns. Phil loves the detail! Phil’s previous career within the Armed Forces and NHS meant challenging work and worldwide travels. Ready for a quieter time, Phil started with Zest in October 2015. Initially responsible for helping with admin, he took a shine to Xero and made the role his own, becoming another of our Xero certified advisers!
Zest for?
Out of hours, Phil’s a big fan of Welsh rugby. Come to think of it, he’s a big fan of any sport that can be watched with a glass of red wine in hand.
Being somewhere outside and green. Favourite weekends spent walking the nutty dog; camping or having a G&T in the garden.
Steve Thomas
Finance director and lover of tech
Who, what and why ?
Steve heads our business advisory team and he is passionate about providing top-notch financial and commercial services to our clients. He has a wealth of experience working at a senior level in various organisations, from owner managed businesses to multinationals like Siemens.
Leaving industry in 2020 to join team Zest, Steve acts as part-time finance director for a number of clients in various sectors including a sports product start-up, a manufacturer of premium pet food, warehousing and logistics, a medical products manufacturer, and a TV production company. Whether planning for growth or succession and exit, Steve brings the same analytical approach to developing strategy and meaningful actions.
Steve is member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.
Zest for?
Dusting down Elvis the motorhome and heading somewhere warm and by the sea. Beer on ice, and a sunset playlist.
Callum Davies
Trainee accountant and the man with a plan
Who, what and why ?
After attaining excellent grades at A-level, Callum decided to pursue a career in accountancy. Having exercised some initiative and making a call to Zest, we were blown away by his enthusiasm and work ethic and had no hesitation in offering Callum a role as trainee accountant. Callum is currently studying for his AAT exams before progressing onto his professional level exams and he is loving seeing how he can applying his learning to real-life situations.
Zest for?
In between trips to the bar and gym, Callum loves an old school dance banger. rhythm is a mystery you know!
Being somewhere outside and green. Favourite weekends spent walking the nutty dog; camping or having a G&T in the garden.
Tracy Goatcher
Payroll guru and accounts assistant
Who, what and why ?
Tracey handles our clients’ weekly and monthly payroll, as well as CIS reporting, auto-enrolment duties and generally ensuring all our clients are compliant with ever-changing HMRC rules and legislation. She also helps Lucy out on the accounts side of things; as a Xero certified advisor, she can step in at the drop of a hat!
She joined the team in May 2016, bringing more than 20 years of payroll and accounting experience with her and adding up to a fantastic investment.
Zest for?
Walking her schnauzer Alfie, pilates classes and regularly indulging in afternoon teas, preferably ones which include a glass of something sparkling.
Being somewhere outside and green. Favourite weekends spent walking the nutty dog; camping or having a G&T in the garden.
Callum Davies
Trainee accountant and the man with a plan
Who, what and why ?
After attaining excellent grades at A-level, Callum decided to pursue a career in accountancy. Having exercised some initiative and making a call to Zest, we were blown away by his enthusiasm and work ethic and had no hesitation in offering Callum a role as trainee accountant. Callum is currently studying for his AAT exams before progressing onto his professional level exams and he is loving seeing how he can applying his learning to real-life situations.
Zest for?
In between trips to the bar and gym, Callum loves an old school dance banger. rhythm is a mystery you know!
Being somewhere outside and green. Favourite weekends spent walking the nutty dog; camping or having a G&T in the garden.
Phil Evans
Bookkeeper and Xero champ
Who, what and why ?
Phil is our resident bookkeeper meaning he takes care of all our Xero bookkeeping and invoice processing, as well as preparing quarterly VAT returns. Phil loves the detail! Phil’s previous career within the Armed Forces and NHS meant challenging work and worldwide travels. Ready for a quieter time, Phil started with Zest in October 2015. Initially responsible for helping with admin, he took a shine to Xero and made the role his own, becoming another of our Xero certified advisers!
Zest for?
Out of hours, Phil’s a big fan of Welsh rugby. Come to think of it, he’s a big fan of any sport that can be watched with a glass of red wine in hand.
Being somewhere outside and green. Favourite weekends spent walking the nutty dog; camping or having a G&T in the garden.
Sophie Hofayz
Accountant and technical pro
Who, what and why ?
After a decade of worldwide travel and living in Australia, Sophie settled back in the UK in 2020. She joined Zest as a trainee accountant and after smashing her way through the exams, completed her accountancy training in January 2023, just three years after starting her studies. She is a fantastic addition to the team and is the queen of multi- tasking, working alongside both Lucy and Steve she offers a broad range of services but also heads up our practice management.
Zest for?
Well after the last three challenging years, Sophie’s new hobby is not studying! With all this time on her hands, she has been able to return to doing what she loves which is being outside, exploring new places and walking and hiking her way around Wales.
Tracy Goatcher
Payroll guru and accounts assistant
Who, what and why ?
Tracey handles our clients’ weekly and monthly payroll, as well as CIS reporting, auto-enrolment duties and generally ensuring all our clients are compliant with ever-changing HMRC rules and legislation. She also helps Lucy out on the accounts side of things; as a Xero certified advisor, she can step in at the drop of a hat!
She joined the team in May 2016, bringing more than 20 years of payroll and accounting experience with her and adding up to a fantastic investment.
Zest for?
Walking her schnauzer Alfie, pilates classes and regularly indulging in afternoon teas, preferably ones which include a glass of something sparkling.
Callum Davies
Trainee accountant and the man with a plan
Who, what and why ?
After attaining excellent grades at A-level, Callum decided to pursue a career in accountancy. Having exercised some initiative and making a call to Zest, we were blown away by his enthusiasm and work ethic and had no hesitation in offering Callum a role as trainee accountant. Callum is currently studying for his AAT exams before progressing onto his professional level exams and he is loving seeing how he can applying his learning to real-life situations.
Zest for?
In between trips to the bar and gym, Callum loves an old school dance banger.
Steve Thomas
Finance director and lover of tech
Who, what and why ?
Steve heads our business advisory team and he is passionate about providing top-notch financial and commercial services to our clients. He has a wealth of experience working at a senior level in various organisations, from owner managed businesses to multinationals like Siemens.
Leaving industry in 2020 to join team Zest, Steve acts as part-time finance director for a number of clients in various sectors including a sports product start-up, a manufacturer of premium pet food, warehousing and logistics, a medical products manufacturer, and a TV production company. Whether planning for growth or succession and exit, Steve brings the same analytical approach to developing strategy and meaningful actions.
Steve is member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.
Zest for?
Dusting down Elvis the motorhome and heading somewhere warm and by the sea. Beer on ice, and a sunset playlist.
Being somewhere outside and green. Favourite weekends spent walking the nutty dog; camping or having a G&T in the garden.
Sophie Hofayz
Accountant and technical pro
Who, what and why ?
After a decade of worldwide travel and living in Australia, Sophie settled back in the UK in 2020. She joined Zest as a trainee accountant and after smashing her way through the exams, completed her accountancy training in January 2023, just three years after starting her studies. She is a fantastic addition to the team and is the queen of multi- tasking, working alongside both Lucy and Steve she offers a broad range of services but also heads up our practice management.
Zest for?
Well after the last three challenging years, Sophie’s new hobby is not studying! With all this time on her hands, she has been able to return to doing what she loves which is being outside, exploring new places and walking and hiking her way around Wales.
Being somewhere outside and green. Favourite weekends spent walking the nutty dog; camping or having a G&T in the garden.
Lucy Thomas
Founder
Who, what and why ?
With a sharp eye for tech innovation, Lucy saw the potential for small businesses to access top-tier accounting services previously only accessed by larger enterprises. Lucy founded Zest in 2015 as a Xero-cloud based practice, maximising the use of technology to move the focus away from number-crunching and instead providing clients with valuable insights and tax advice.
Since starting as trainee accountant back in 2000, Lucy brings over twenty years of accountancy and tax experience, working with multi-million companies , sole traders and start-ups. Lucy is fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).
Zest for?
Being somewhere outside and green. Favourite weekends spent walking the nutty dog; camping or having a G&T in the garden.
Being somewhere outside and green. Favourite weekends spent walking the nutty dog; camping or having a G&T in the garden.
Phil Evans
Bookkeeper and Xero champ
Who, what and why ?
Phil is our resident bookkeeper meaning he takes care of all our Xero bookkeeping and invoice processing, as well as preparing quarterly VAT returns. Phil loves the detail! Phil’s previous career within the Armed Forces and NHS meant challenging work and worldwide travels. Ready for a quieter time, Phil started with Zest in October 2015. Initially responsible for helping with admin, he took a shine to Xero and made the role his own, becoming another of our Xero certified advisers!
Zest for?
Out of hours, Phil’s a big fan of Welsh rugby. Come to think of it, he’s a big fan of any sport that can be watched with a glass of red wine in hand.
Phil Evans
Bookkeeper and Xero champ
Who, what and why ?
Phil is our resident bookkeeper meaning he takes care of all our Xero bookkeeping and invoice processing, as well as preparing quarterly VAT returns. Phil loves the detail! Phil’s previous career within the Armed Forces and NHS meant challenging work and worldwide travels. Ready for a quieter time, Phil started with Zest in October 2015. Initially responsible for helping with admin, he took a shine to Xero and made the role his own, becoming another of our Xero certified advisers!
Zest for?
Out of hours, Phil’s a big fan of Welsh rugby. Come to think of it, he’s a big fan of any sport that can be watched with a glass of red wine in hand.
Being somewhere outside and green. Favourite weekends spent walking the nutty dog; camping or having a G&T in the garden.
Lucy Thomas
Founder
Who, what and why ?
With a sharp eye for tech innovation, Lucy saw the potential for small businesses to access top-tier accounting services previously only accessed by larger enterprises. Lucy founded Zest in 2015 as a Xero-cloud based practice, maximising the use of technology to move the focus away from number-crunching and instead providing clients with valuable insights and tax advice.
Since starting as trainee accountant back in 2000, Lucy brings over twenty years of accountancy and tax experience, working with multi-million companies, sole traders and start-ups. Lucy is fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).
Zest for?
Being somewhere outside and green. Favourite weekends spent walking the nutty dog; camping or having a G&T in the garden.
Lucy Thomas
Founder
Who, what and why ?
With a sharp eye for tech innovation, Lucy saw the potential for small businesses to access top-tier accounting services previously only accessed by larger enterprises. Lucy founded Zest in 2015 as a Xero-cloud based practice, maximising the use of technology to move the focus away from number-crunching and instead providing clients with valuable insights and tax advice. Since starting as trainee accountant back in 2000, Lucy brings over twenty years of accountancy and tax experience, working with multi-million companies , sole traders and start-ups. Lucy is fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).
Zest for?
Being somewhere outside and green. Favourite weekends spent walking the nutty dog; camping or having a G&T in the garden.
Who, what and why?
With a sharp eye for tech innovation, Lucy saw the potential for small businesses to access top-tier accounting services previously only accessed by larger enterprises. Lucy founded Zest in 2015 as a Xero-cloud based practice, maximising the use of technology to move the focus away from number-crunching and instead providing clients with valuable insights and tax advice.
Since starting as trainee accountant back in 2000, Lucy brings over twenty years of accountancy and tax experience, working with multi-million companies , sole traders and start-ups. Lucy is fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).
Zest for?
Being somewhere outside and green. Favourite weekends spent walking the nutty dog; camping or having a G&T in the garden.