Getting to know... Glen Small

In the latest instalment of Bdaily’s Getting to know... feature, which looks at the person behind the business profile, Glen Small, head of VAT and indirect tax at accountancy and business advisory firm Johnston Carmichael, talks about family life, his career calling and the joy he takes from helping clients succeed.

We know you as the head of VAT and indirect tax at Johnston Carmichael, but who is the person behind the title? Tell us a little about what makes you tick…

My family is at the core of everything I do. 

I live in my home village outside Chester-le-Street, in County Durham – my wife is from there too and my three sons go to the same school and nursery I did. 

Doing what is best for my family and enjoying time with them is what makes me tick.

Did you always want to work in accountancy?

No. At 17, I was briefly convinced I was destined to be a rockstar, playing guitar in a highly unsuccessful band!

I then studied law at Northumbria University, spent five years at Lloyds Banking Group and then joined Deloitte.

It was Deloitte’s recruitment process that decided I was a ‘VAT person’. 

Any seasoned VAT adviser will tell you that VAT is more of a calling than a childhood ambition, but it suited me and I haven’t looked back.

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

There are three parts of my job that I love. 

The first is the entrepreneurial side, getting out into the business community and showing where our VAT team can add value. 

That leads into the second part, which is getting under the skin of the businesses we work with. 

And the third is developing people within our own team and seeing colleagues progress in their careers.

The hardest part is uncovering something that isn’t in a client’s favour. 

We always look for pragmatic solutions, but sometimes you have to deliver news they would rather not hear.

What do you consider to be your greatest achievement? 

My three boys, without question. 

They’re the first thing I see every morning – usually earlier than I’d like!

Professionally, being asked to lead Johnston Carmichael’s VAT team was an honour. 

I care deeply about the team, our clients and the firm, so that trust means a lot.

How do you relax outside of work?

With boys aged four, two and two (yes, twins), there isn’t much time for relaxation at the moment.

When I get free time, it usually involves sport. 

I’ll watch almost anything, but I’m particularly keen on snooker and attend the World Championship final each year.

I’m also a big Newcastle United supporter, which has been a joy in recent seasons.

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

The people are honest, hardworking and innovative, but there’s also a sense of working towards a collective good.

If you’re trying to get on, you’ll often find someone further up the ladder willing to put a hand down and help you onto the next rung. 

That generosity makes the region special.

Tell us something about you we didn’t know…

I once operated a spotlight for a production of the musical Chess at the Gala Theatre in Durham.

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