Partners
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.
- What do you like most about your job? Learning about different businesses, speaking to a diverse range of people.
- What’s your best quality? Good communicator
- Secret skill? Ambidextrous at darts
- Last meal on earth? Steak & Chips
- What essential item would you take to a desert island? iPhone & Sonos
- XERO
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.
- What do you like most about your job? Being able to provide useful advice to people and their businesses when they most need it. It gives me great satisfaction. The people who help me do this aren't too bad either!
- What's your best quality? Friendly and approachable
- Favourite film? Ghostbusters
- What essential item would you take to a desert island? Ray-Bans and factor 50
- Perfect day? Fishing (and hopefully catching)
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
- What do you like most about your job? Acting for such a diverse mix of clients and being able to help people
- What's your best quality? My memory (although my wife may disagree)
- Gadget you couldn't live without? Sat Nav
- What essential item would you take to a desert island? Flip flops
- Perfect day? England v Wales in the Six Nations
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.
- What's your best quality? Humorous
- Gadget you couldn't live without? iPhone and my bookmark
- Favourite film? Lord of the Rings
- What essential item would you take to a desert island? A volleyball called 'Wilson'
- If you could be an animal what would you be? A puffin
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.
- What do you like most about your job? Working with people
- What's your best quality? I get things done!
- Gadget you couldn't live without? My Nespresso machine
- Favourite film? Disney's 'Cinderella' (watched with my daughter Isabelle)
- What essential item would you take to a desert island? My Nespresso machine!
Managers
Marco Belim MAAT ATT ACA
Senior Manager
I joined Humphrey & Co as an Apprentice in September 2015 and have developed my career with the firm ever since, completing a number of professional qualifications along the way before qualifying as a Chartered Accountant (ACA) in April 2021. I work closely with Greg Penfold as part of the Dental and Medical team, providing accountancy and taxation advice to a wide range of clients. Outside of work I enjoy going to the gym, getting out for walks, gaming, and spending time with family and friends.
- What do you like most about your job? The people, the social side
- What's your best quality? Helpful
- Last meal on earth? Macaroni cheese
- Favourite film? Avatar
- Perfect day? Waking up on a sunny day and you're off!
Leah Crellin MAAT FCA
Senior Manager
I joined Humphrey & Co in 2018, having worked in accountancy practice since 2008. I achieved my AAT qualification in 2010 and completed my ACA qualification in 2015.
I am a Senior Manager in Karen Wicks’ team, specialising in the dental industry. I enjoy the variety and fast pace of my role, particularly adapting to the constant changes within the profession and helping clients navigate them with confidence.
The part of my role I enjoy most is working closely with clients, getting to know their businesses and supporting them as they grow. It’s especially rewarding to see them achieve their financial and business goals and know I’ve played a small part in that success.
Outside of work, I have two young boys who keep me very busy. When (or if!) I do get some spare time, I enjoy musicals, going to the theatre and paddleboarding.
- What do you like most about your job? There is always something new to learn
- What’s your best quality? I’m patient
- Secret skill? I make jewellery
- Last meal on earth? Christmas dinner – with all the trimmings!
- If you could be an animal what would you be? A panda – I wear too much black and white!
Kristian Fuller FMAAT FCCA
Senior Manager
I joined Humphrey & Co in September 2013 from another accountancy practice in Sussex. I qualified as an Accounting Technician (AAT) in 2005 before becoming a Chartered Certified Accountant (ACCA) and have over 20 years of experience in the profession.
I work closely with Ian Simpson, as a Senior Manager in our Hove office and also as a member of our wider Dental and Medical team. I provide accountancy, taxation, and business advisory services to our diverse portfolio of clients. Having been with Humphrey & Co for over 12 years, I have developed strong, long-lasting relationships with clients and take pride in delivering practical, trusted advice tailored to their needs.
Outside of work, I'm an avid armchair sports fan and a loyal Manchester United supporter (for my sins!). As a family man with two children, life outside the office is always busy!
- What do you like most about your job? Our team and being able to make a difference to our clients
- Secret skill? Not a skill, but a little known fact. I can use the title Lord Fuller of Lochaber
- Gadget you couldn't live without? SatNav
- Perfect day? Watching my team United at Old Trafford
- If you could be an animal what would you be? A lion
Gemma Gaines MChem (Hons) FCA CTA
Senior Manager
I qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 2015 and have over 15 years’ experience in practice. I joined Humphrey & Co in 2021 looking for a new challenge and I have since qualified as a Chartered Tax Adviser. I am based in our Hove office and work as a member of Ian Simpson’s team, assisting with accounts and taxation work for his portfolio of clients as well as assisting with Trust Accounts and Taxation.
I live in sunny Shoreham-by-Sea and when I’m not working, I enjoy watching cricket, catching up on some good TV or spending time by the sea.’
- What do you like most about your job? Working with others to deliver quality advice and assistance to our clients and helping them to achieve their goals.
- What’s your best quality? I am a fast learner and a team player.
- Secret skill? I’m a PADI Rescue Diver
- Last meal on earth? Oysters
- If you could be an animal what would you be? A Manta Ray
Simon Gayton MAAT
Client Manager
I joined Humphrey & Co in 2014. I have completed my accounting technician (AAT) qualification and I am currently studying towards my Tax Technician (ATT) qualification. I am part of the Dental and Medical team working for Partner, Karen Wicks. Outside of work I enjoy taking part in a variety of sports including cricket, golf, football and basketball. I regularly take part in a six a side football league with colleagues and a squash league also run by Humphrey & Co.
- What do you like most about your job? The people I work with
- Secret skill? Playing cricket
- Last meal on earth? Steak & Chips
- Favourite Film? The Other Guys
- What Essential item would you take to a desert island? A guitar
Lyndsey Mantripp MAAT FCA
Senior Manager
After gaining my Chartered Accountant (ACA) qualification in 2010, I joined Humphrey & Co in April 2013 and I am a Senior Manager within the firm. As part of the specialist dental team, I work closely with dental professionals, including individuals, partnership and limited companies. The team also supports clients with practice sales and purchases, providing guidance through each stage of the process. Alongside this, I manage a small broader portfolio of clients across a range of sectors.
Outside of work, I have a strong interest in fitness and enjoy spending time in the gym, as well as running and swimming.
- What do you like most about your job? Dealing with numerous clients on a wide variety of matters
- Secret skill? I make great chocolate brownies
- Gadget you couldn't live without? iPhone and my food mixer
- Favourite film? Aladdin
- If you could be an animal what would you be? An elephant (they never forget)
- lmantripp@humph.co.uk
- 01323 730631
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/lyndsey-mantripp-maat-aca-9b456334
- Vcard
Ben Packer ACA CTA
Senior Manager
I joined Humphrey & Co as an apprentice in 2014. I went on to complete my Accounting Technician qualification (AAT) in 2016, Tax Technician qualification (ATT) in 2017, I qualified as a Chartered Accountant (ACA) in 2020 and a Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA) in January 2023.
I have over ten years of experience specialising in dental and medical clients, working closely with partner Greg Penfold.
Outside of work, I enjoy travelling the world and all things sport, including the never-ending battle to become a scratch golfer.
- What do you like most about your job? The people in the firm
- What's your best quality? Sociable, enjoy meeting people
- Last meal on earth? Pizza
- What essential item would you take to a desert island? A football
- If you could be an animal what would you be? An eagle
Michelle Stevenson MAAT FCCA
Senior Manager
I completed my AAT qualification in 2004, achieving my ACCA qualification in 2007 . I joined Humphrey & Co in August 2015 having previously worked with another local accountancy firm and I am based in the Eastbourne office. Working closely with partner, Greg Penfold as part of the Dental and Medical team, I help provide our clients with tax and accountancy advice. I am also a Xero certified advisor and I can assist our clients on using the cloud-based accounting software.
- What's your best quality? I'm always happy
- Secret skill? Play violin
- Gadget you couldn't live without? My electric toothbrush
- What essential item would you take to a desert island? Food!
- Perfect day? A pamper day
Lisa Strudwick FCA
Senior Manager
I joined Humphrey & Co in 2017 having worked at another local accountancy practice since 2007 and qualifying as a Chartered Accountant in 2010. I am based in the Eastbourne office working alongside Greg Penfold as part of the Dental and Medical team. I provide a variety of general accountancy and taxation services to businesses and personal tax clients. Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my friends & family, shopping and going out for dinner.
- What do you like most about your job? The friendly atmosphere around the office and the variety of people I get to work with.
- What’s your best quality? I’m reliable & organised
- Last meal on earth? Homemade Lasagne
- Favourite film? Bridesmaids
- What essential item would you take to a desert island? Somebody else for company
Jodie Wan ACA CTA
Senior Tax Manager
I joined Humphrey & Co in 2012 and qualified as an Accounting Technician (AAT) in August 2014. I then went on to take my Tax Technician (ATT) exams, qualified as a Chartered Accountant (ACA) in August 2019 and as a Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA) in August 2021.
I am located in the Eastbourne office and I work for partner, Greg Penfold in the Dental and Medical team, assisting with providing accountancy and taxation services and advice to his portfolio of clients.
Outside of work, I enjoy socialising with friends, reading, attending concerts and watching tennis.
- What do you like most about your job? The variety of tasks I do
- What's your best quality? Friendly & approachable
- Secret skill? Trained as a ballet dancer
- Gadget you couldn't live without? Too many to choose from
- Last meal on earth? My nan's chicken & sweetcorn rice
Cathy Wares BA (Hons) ACA
Senior Manager
I joined Humphrey & Co in July 2021 as part of the Dental Team in Eastbourne, working alongside Partner Karen Wicks.
After graduating from the University of Brighton with a degree in Accounting and Finance, I qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 2016 while working at a local accountancy practice. I then spent five years in senior finance roles within the construction industry before returning to practice.
I enjoy building strong relationships with clients and helping them manage their financial affairs, enabling them to focus on what they do best.
Outside of work, I enjoy making the most of the outdoors with my husband and two children and spending quality time with loved ones.
- What do you like most about your job? The variety of work – no two days are the same
- What’s your best quality? Approachable and helpful
- Secret skill? I can juggle!
- Gadget you couldn’t live without? Coffee machine
- Perfect Day? A day out in the countryside with my husband and young son