Getting to know... Raj Nayyar

In the latest instalment of Bdaily’s Getting to know… feature, which looks at the person behind the business profile, Raj Nayyar, a business tax director at S&W, discusses building long-term client relationships, helping businesses navigate change and why the North East continues to be a hub for ambitious, growing companies.

We know you as a business tax director at S&W, but who is the person behind the title? Tell us a little about what makes you tick…

I’m really motivated by meeting clients and understanding what matters most to them.

Every business is different, and that’s what makes the role so interesting.

I enjoy learning about the challenges they’re facing, the opportunities they’re pursuing and the ambitions they have for the future.

The most rewarding conversations are often the broadest ones.

A discussion might start with a tax issue, but increasingly we find ourselves talking about growth plans, technology, artificial intelligence adoption or how businesses can build risk resilience in a rapidly changing environment.

Ultimately, what makes me tick is helping clients achieve positive outcomes.

If our advice helps them make better decisions and move forward with confidence, that’s a good day.

Did you always want to work in business tax?

Not at all.

I started my career in audit, which gave me a fantastic grounding in how businesses operate and allowed me to build relationships with clients from an early stage.

After qualifying, I realised I was more drawn to the advisory side of the profession.

What appealed to me about tax was the opportunity to work closely with business owners and help shape important decisions.

One of the things I’ve enjoyed most throughout my career is being part of a client’s journey.

You might begin working with a business when it’s relatively small, support it through investment and growth, help it navigate change and ultimately advise the shareholders through an exit.

Being able to build those long-term relationships is incredibly rewarding.

What’s the best bit about your job? And the worst?

The best part is definitely working with clients.

I enjoy meeting new businesses, understanding their challenges and helping them find practical solutions.

Every client is different, which means every day is different.

What is particularly interesting at the moment is how often conversations are turning towards technology and transformation.

Many businesses are exploring how artificial intelligence can help improve efficiency and unlock growth opportunities, but they’re also carefully considering the risks that come with adopting new technologies.

Being able to connect clients with the right expertise across S&W is something I really value.

The most difficult part of the job is when clients come to us too late.

Sometimes, opportunities have already been missed, or decisions have been made that limit the options available.

That’s why early planning and proactive advice are often so important.

What do you consider to be your greatest achievement?

Helping build and develop the Newcastle tax team.

We've grown significantly over the years, and one of the most satisfying aspects of that journey has been seeing people develop professionally and become trusted advisers in their own right.

I'm proud of what we've built and of the individuals who have progressed and contributed to that success.

How do you relax outside of work?

Family time is hugely important.

I have two young children, so a lot of my time outside work revolves around them. It's a great way to switch off and maintain perspective.

I'm also a big believer in health and fitness. I regularly go to the gym before work and find it helps me clear my head and recharge.

In a profession where there's always another challenge to solve, having that time away from the desk is invaluable.

What makes the North East such a great place to live and work?

The people.

The North East has an incredibly welcoming and supportive business community.

People are approachable, relationships matter and there's a genuine willingness to help one another succeed.

The region also has an exciting mix of heritage and innovation.

We've always had strong manufacturing and engineering foundations, but we're also seeing growing numbers of technology businesses and entrepreneurs choosing to build and scale their businesses here.

Tell us something about you we didn't know…

Many people are surprised to learn that health and fitness haven’t always been a major part of my life.

In my early 30s, I had a bit of a wake-up call and decided to make some significant lifestyle changes. 

Since then, fitness, nutrition and wellbeing have become an important part of my routine.

It has taught me a lot about consistency, discipline and playing the long game – lessons that are just as valuable in business as they are in the gym.

Raj Nayyar is a business tax director at S&W. S&W provides accountancy and advisory services across the UK and Ireland, with regional offices in Newcastle, Manchester, Leeds and Harrogate.

Want your business, product or service to be seen regionally and nationally? Bdaily helps you get your story in front of the right audience, every day. Find out how Bdaily can help →

Join more than 55,000 subscribers by signing up to our daily bulletin each morning here.