Richard Staunton

I love VAT. Yes, I admit it, so it’s out there now! I find that there is little better than finding solutions, anticipating any problems which may arise and giving my clients peace of mind, safe in the knowledge that everything is in hand. It’s a privilege to help my clients and being passionate about my area of practice means that it is easy to surpass expectations.

I advise my clients on all aspects of VAT and other indirect taxes, as well as providing VAT ‘health checks’. I am also experienced in preparing for tribunals and more recently in settling matters through Alternative Dispute Resolution.

If you’re interested…

After completing my degree in History and Social Psychology, I went on to become a Higher Executive Officer with HM Customs and Excise and subsequently worked both in private practice, specialist VAT consultancies and in industry for many years. I joined Gerald Edelman as a partner in 2018 and head the firm’s VAT department.

What is the most daring thing you’ve ever done?

I did a tandem skydive with my eldest daughter, jumping at 15,000 feet. It was a birthday gift for her and although risky activities are not my thing, I thought that her Dad should accompany her. Thankfully, I lived to tell the tale!

What is the most exciting thing on your bucket list?

I have over 70 marathons under my belt so my main aim is to get to 100. I can then join the ‘100 Marathon club’. When I do, I’ll get my first tattoo being the clubs emblem. Suffice to say my wife isn’t overly happy about that!

I would also like to see Spurs win the league before I die, but unless I live to be the world’s oldest man that’s unlikely to happen. If it does there’ll be another tattoo to add!

What one piece of advice would you give your 10-year-old self?

Plan for the future but also enjoy the present moment. I had a lovely childhood and probably didn’t realise how lucky I was at the time.

If you could have dinner with anyone who would it be?

Lemmy from Motörhead – he could tell me all about the songs he wrote and the tours he did, and I would tell him about interesting VAT cases I have had! A great evening!