Partners
Kevin Hancock LLB (Hons) CTA EA
Tax Partner
After gaining a degree in Law, I started my career in the City of London specialising in private client taxation, before working in a number of larger international firms gaining experience in the taxation of large multi-national companies, corporate restructuring and international tax. I then moved into a senior position locally dealing with all aspects of UK taxation before joining Humphrey & Co in 2011. I am a Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA) and as well as heading up the tax department at Humphrey & Co providing technical advice on all aspects of UK direct taxation and VAT, I am also a qualified US tax practitioner (being authorised to represent taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service as an Enrolled Agent).
Mike Bryan BSc (Hons) FCA
Partner
I embarked on my ACA qualification after graduating in Accounting and Finance in 2010. I joined Humphrey & Co when nearing completion of my ACA training contract in 2014 and was fortuitous enough to be invited into the partnership in 2020 (in the midst of the first Covid-19 lockdown!).
Over my years at the firm I have continued building a specialism of accountancy in the healthcare industry, acting for doctors, dentists and other healthcare professionals across the UK. The specialism is needed here as tax can be more burdensome with high earners plus, given the quirks of the NHS, care and attention to detail are needed.
I do, however, continue to enjoy working with all businesses in all industries. I am keen to embrace AI and technological advances, implementing these at the earliest opportunity, where relevant.
I regularly assist with mergers and acquisitions, I find this work intriguing, meticulous and extremely self-rewarding. I lecture and present seminars on accountancy and taxation to healthcare professionals, particularly focusing on selling their business.
Outside of work, most of my attention goes to my young boy, Otto. I am also a keen supporter of Brighton and Hove Albion and occasionally hack around a golf course.
- XERO
Lewis Hampton FCA CTA
Partner
I joined Humphrey & Co in 2010 and qualified as a Chartered Accountant and Chartered Tax Adviser in 2011 and 2017 respectively. I am based in the Eastbourne office and act for a broad range of clients located in different areas of the UK.
I take a proactive approach to assisting clients to ensure they are best prepared to operate their business in the most tax efficient manner. Whilst I enjoy acting for clients in a wide range of business sectors, I have a special interest in a number of areas including the Lloyd’s of London insurance market, financial services and the property sector.
Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my family and trying to stay fit through running and a number of different sports.
Craig Manser BSc (Hons) FCA
Partner
I joined Humphrey & Co in 2004 after completing a degree in Physics and Mathematics at Keele University. I qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 2008.
I act for a wide range of clients, including sole traders, partnerships and limited companies, providing practical advice on accounting, taxation and business matters.
I have a particular interest in the legal sector and have developed specialist expertise in advising barristers on their tax affairs. I work closely with clients to ensure they receive clear, proactive advice tailored to their individual circumstances.
Greg Penfold BA (Hons) FCCA
Partner
I graduated from London in 2000 with an honours degree in Accounting and Business Finance. I joined Humphrey & Co in the same year. I qualified as a Chartered Certified Accountant in 2003 and obtained the status of Fellow in 2008. I am located in the Eastbourne office. My focus is on individual taxation and I specialise in acting for healthcare professionals, particularly dentists. I have a broad range of experience assisting clients to start their business, obtain finance for growth, tender for contracts and the purchase and sale of businesses throughout the UK. I regularly lecture on taxation around the country.
Ian Simpson BSc (Hons) FCA
Partner
I joined Humphrey & Co in August 1999, after graduating from the University of Wales in Swansea. I completed my professional studies with Humphrey & Co and qualified as a Chartered Accountant in July 2002. I am based in the Hove office and assist small and medium sized businesses with their accountancy and taxation affairs. I am part of the specialist Dental Team and have interests in the construction industry and personal taxation areas. I prepare the annual dental statistics report on behalf of NASDAL each year
Anthony Smith MA MEng FCA
Senior Partner
My route into accountancy wasn't the obvious one. I read engineering at Cambridge, and after graduating in 1996 I spent a year in civil engineering design. I joined Humphrey & Co in the spring of 1997, qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 2000, then spent two years in a finance role in the aerospace industry. The pull of the firm (and Sussex) brought me back, and I became a partner in 2006.
I'm based in Eastbourne, where I combine my internal responsibilities across various departments of the firm with a deliberately varied client base of my own — from individuals and first-week start-ups through to international corporates — most of them spread across East and West Sussex. Outside work you'll usually find me sailing or kayaking, or being dragged across the South Downs by a very enthusiastic Dalmatian.
- XERO
Emily Smith BSc (Hons) FCA
Partner
I have been with Humphrey & Co since joining in 2009 after graduating from Lancaster University and undertook my training with the firm, qualifying as a Chartered Accountant in 2012.
Over the years I have provided a range of business and taxation advice for both individual and corporate clients. Whilst based out of our Eastbourne office I am always happy to travel to see clients across the UK.
More recently, as well as continuing to provide general practice services, I specialise in undertaking audits across a wide variety of industries, heading up our audit team, and providing services to not-for-profit clients.
Outside of work you will typically find me running around after my two children entertaining their current interests, trying to squeeze in a gym session, and looking for inspiration for new recipes to try in the kitchen.
Sebastian Stracey ACA CTA
Partner
I qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 2015 and joined Humphrey & Co in 2016. In 2018 I qualified as a Chartered Tax Adviser, so I can better assist clients with their tax needs.
I work with a wide range of clients, mostly providing accounting and taxation advice. As a dental and healthcare specialist accountant for the firm, I provide lectures across the country to Foundation Dentist, Associates and Practice Owners.
My spare time is spent with my family and I also enjoy hacking my way round a golf course or running with local athletics club.
Karen Wicks LLB FCA
Partner
I joined Humphrey & Co in 2007 having completed a Law degree at the University of Leeds where I focused on both company and business law. I went on to become a qualified Chartered Accountant in 2010 and became a partner 2015. I am based at the Eastbourne office with clients spread across the UK and assist them in a number of areas including financial accounting, business advice and personal taxation services. I have a particular interest in dental businesses and the medical sector in general. In my spare time, I like to keep active and particularly enjoy snowboarding and sea kayaking.
Consultants
Sue Pocklington CTA TEP
Consultant
I joined Humphrey & Co in 2007. I am qualified as both a Chartered Tax Adviser and Trust and Estate Practitioner. I also passed The Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) Advanced Certificate in Will Preparation. I specialise in personal tax planning, including inheritance tax. I advise and assist both individuals and other professionals in all aspects of Trust and Estate administration.
Andrew Robinson BA (Hons) ACA
Consultant
I joined Humphrey & Co in 1983 after graduating from Leeds University with a degree in Modern Languages. I qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1986, became a partner in 1989 and I have been a consultant of the firm since 1 May 2024. I am based in the Eastbourne office but a good proportion of my clients are based in London and other parts of the UK. I have a special interest in insurance related businesses with particular emphasis on individuals and corporate bodies associated with the Lloyd's of London insurance market.
Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my family and playing golf when time permits.