Recruitment Team

David Paulson QFP

Senior Manager, Global Franchise Recruitment

David joined The TaxAssist Direct Group in 2009 with the responsibility for franchisee recruitment in the UK. During this period, David was instrumental in recruiting 93 franchisees into the UK network, plus over 20 franchisees in Ireland and Australia. David was also responsible for brokering the sale of our first £1million ($1.6 million) franchise resale. As Senior Manager for Global Franchise Recruitment, David leads the expansion of the TaxAssist Accountants brand into targeted international markets. This role includes supporting Master Franchisees with franchisee recruitment and ensuring legal compliance with Australian franchise regulations.

Prior to joining TaxAssist, David worked for one of the UK’s leading franchise consultants and publishers and brings with him a thorough understanding of both the UK & International franchise markets and excellent contacts to further support TaxAssist master and single unit franchisees. After a two-year period of study, completing dissertations and a formal interview process, David has been recognised as a British Franchise Association (bfa) Qualified Franchise Professional (QFP). The QFP is a formal recognition of professional knowledge and experience in franchising and demonstrates the individual’s understanding of the complexities, best practice and expertise in franchising.

In December 2018 David was elected to the British Franchise Association’s Board of Directors. Representing all members – franchisors, franchisees and the professional advisors, the bfa is the ethical voice of franchising in the UK, representing members and helping to promote them within the industry and beyond. They also provide information and advice to businesses planning to franchise, or people considering joining a franchise.

Richard Chatten

Senior Business Development Manager, QFP DipFM

Richard joined TaxAssist in July 2015 following seven years at a leading international franchise consultancy and publishing company, FDS. Richard graduated from the University of Northampton with a First-Class degree in Retail Marketing before joining FDS and specialised in creating Franchise Operations Manuals for business expanding by franchising, working alongside experienced franchise consultants and working with a number of national and international clients.

With more than 10 years’ experience in national and international franchising, Richard is responsible for the running of the Business Development department to deliver sales and marketing campaigns across the UK. Leading a team of 12 sales and marketing professionals who are solely focused on winning new clients for the 300+ TaxAssist Accountants shops and offices we have in the network, Richard is also responsible for leading the Franchise Recruitment and International teams to recruit new franchisees and deliver support to our global network.

Richard holds a Diploma in Franchise Management and is recognised as a British Franchise Association Qualified Franchise Professional (QFP), which is a formal recognition of professional knowledge and experience in franchising and demonstrates the individual’s understanding of the complexities, best practice and expertise in franchising.

Nikki Haythorne QFP

UK Franchise Recruitment Manager

Nikki started working with TaxAssist in 2018 and is the main point of contact for prospective franchisees, guiding them through the process of exploring the opportunity through to making the move to join the network. She has several years of experience working with national franchise brands in the UK and also spent a year in franchising in Australia, a background that’s given her a deep understanding of ethical franchising and the importance of finding the right ‘fit’ between individual and franchisor. Proud to be recognised by the bfa as a Qualified Franchise Professional, in 2017 Nikki was shortlisted for EWIF’s Young Woman in Franchising award.

Clare Alexander

UK Recruitment Executive

Clare joined TaxAssist Accountants in March 2012 initially working in the Business Development Team where she was responsible for qualifying inbound client leads. In February 2013 she joined the UK Recruitment Team working closely with the UK Recruitment Manager. Prior to joining TAD Clare worked for HSBC for 31 years where she had experience in both Branch Banking and Commercial Banking. By using this experience and knowledge of businesses, Clare is able to offer support and guidance to both our new and existing Franchisees. Clare will work closely with our Prospective Franchisees as they complete their Business Plans and will help our existing network of Franchisees as they grow their businesses and when the time comes for them to realise the asset they have built.

UK Recruitment Officer

Efficient and organised, Sherie assists the UK Recruitment Manager and the UK Recruitment Executive with the administration support for UK franchise recruitment, as well as managing the administration for the Initial Training Course. Sherie joined TaxAssist in 2014 initially working in the Business Development Team where she was responsible for qualifying inbound client leads. In September 2015 she made the move over to the expanding UK Recruitment Team.

Hannah Westgarth

UK & International Recruitment Officer

Hannah is a long serving, competent and experienced member of the TaxAssist Accountants Support Centre. She joined the franchise recruitment team in 2003 and has experience of all roles within the department. Currently, she has responsibility for promoting the TaxAssist Accountants franchise opportunity in the UK and Internationally by writing articles and news stories and updating content on our websites and on social media platforms.