Meet Our People
Our Team
Our team are dedicated to providing a personal and approachable, yet professional service. We work collaboratively with our clients to take the fear away from accounting and tax affairs and tailor advice according to your business and personal situation. Investing time in getting to know our clients personally means we can help our clients to grow their business and maximise the value of their personal wealth.
Directors
Mark McLeman
Director | ACA, CTA, ATT
Director
Mark joined J.H. Greenwood & Company straight from School and began his training in Tax. He has gone on to become both a Chartered Accountant and Chartered Tax Adviser and Tax remains a huge part of his day-to-day life, with him regularly advising clients on all taxes but particularly Inheritance and Capital Gains Taxes.
Mark has a varied client portfolio encompassing Construction, Farming, Hospitality and Professional firms, including the Medical & Healthcare sector.
Mark is licenced by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales to carry out non contentious Probate and Estate Administration work.
A word from Mark
“At J.H. Greenwood & Company we pride ourselves on providing a personal service with good quality advice, explained in a clear and concise manner”.
Out of Work
Mark is married to Debbie and they have a teenage daughter, Mhairi. During his spare time Mark enjoys playing golf, watching football and spending time with his family.
Gillian O'Dea
Director | CA
Director
Gillian joined the firm in 2012 after relocating to the area from London.
Having achieved a BA (Hons) degree at university, Gillian qualified as a Chartered Accountant with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland, in 2008 in Edinburgh.
She brings a wide range of experience across many industries, having fulfilled roles within general practice since qualification, and has recently obtained her STEP certificate in Trust and Estates.
Gillian has strong links with ICAS, which results in her sitting on various Committees for the Institute.
A word from Gillian
“I love working with clients and their businesses to ensure they achieve both personal and business goals by following the most efficient paths. At J H Greenwood and Company, we pride ourselves in getting to know, and working closely with our clients to achieve the desired results”
Out of Work
In her spare time Gillian enjoys quality time with her young family, exploring new destinations whenever possible and loves discovering new restaurants.
Gareth Greenwood
Director | ACA, CTA, ATT
Director
Gareth joined the firm in 2003 having graduated from University with a BA (Hons). Having sat his Association of Taxation Technicians exams in 2006 Gareth went on to qualify as a Chartered Tax Adviser in January 2011.
A word from Gareth
“I get a great sense of reward from feeling that I have made a difference to a client’s business or personal circumstances. Adding value and offering a personal service is something that we take pride in and helps our clients to meet their goals.”
Out of Work
A young family keeps Gareth busy in his spare time. He has an enjoyment for all sport but following the fortunes of Scotland rugby team is his big interest!
Accounts and VAT
Neil Wharton
Accounts Manager
Having joined the firm in 1984, Neil provides over 40 years of experience in accounts, VAT and tax compliance, and all business and tax planning areas. Neil is also KashFlow, QuickBooks and Xero accredited and can assist clients with their Online Accounting Systems.
As Accounts Manager within the firm, working mainly with owner-managed businesses, Neil holds a wealth of experience in a variety of different sectors and in particular, the agricultural, construction and motor trades industries.
A word from Neil
“I find it hugely rewarding to help businesses of all sizes to analyse their financial performance. From here, we can help clients create strategic plans to maximise success and add value to their business.
It is both challenging and rewarding to work in a modern, forward-thinking, proactive practice which allows me to stay ahead of changes in technology and regulation in a constantly evolving industry.”
Out of work
Neil is married to Caroline, and their daughter Sophie has developed a keen interest in horse riding, which keeps the family busy most weekends. Neil also follows most sports, particularly football, rugby and motorsport.
Kay Astles
Accounts Senior | FCCA
Kay joined the firm in January 2021, having previously worked in another Accounting firm in Northumberland. Kay is a qualified Chartered Accountant and has a number of years of experience to add to the team.
A word from Kay
“I have worked in accountancy since leaving school at 16, earning qualifications along the way, starting with AAT then moving on to qualify with ACCA. I enjoy all aspects of the job but especially like to see client’s businesses grow and flourish.”
Out of work
Kay enjoys walking in the Northumberland countryside with her husband and spending time outdoors in their garden.
Tommy Dixon
Accounts Senior
Tommy joined the firm in 1988 from school and has many years of experience preparing business accounts over a variety of industries. Tommy is also Kashflow accredited.
A word from Tommy
“I really enjoy my work , speaking to clients, and watching businesses develop and grow over the years”
Out of Work
Tommy enjoys keeping fit and has been involved for a number of years with local amateur football team Tweedmouth Amateurs.
Nicola Young
Accounts Senior | MAAT
Nicola joined the firm in December 2018 after 4 years experience as a Finance Manager of a manufacturing company. Nicola is AAT qualified and also Quickbooks accredited and can assist clients with their Online Accounting queries.
A word from Nicola
“After working within a busy accounts department of a manufacturing company I am looking forward to furthering my knowledge within an accountancy practice. The ability to gain experience on the preparation of accounts for other businesses is a great opportunity for me and will aid me in the progression of becoming a Chartered Accountant.”
Out of work
Nicola loves spending time with her family, with two young children to keep her busy! She also likes to keep fit and travel, having previously spent 8 months travelling the world. Although she doesn’t get the opportunity to travel quite so much now with little ones in tow!’
Molly Patterson
Accounts Senior | MAAT
Molly joined the firm in September 2019, after finishing her studies at Berwick Academy 6th Form. Molly has been working towards becoming AAT qualified, and has completed her Level 2 & 3, and is currently studying level 4. Molly is QuickBooks, Xero and Sage accredited.
A word from Molly
“I took an interest to Maths at school, and whilst looking into the career path that I wanted to pursue, Accountancy seemed to be the one that took my interest the most. Whilst working for J H Greenwood and Company, I have enjoyed working alongside my colleagues in order to further my knowledge and gain experience on a variety of different accounts. I am looking forward to continuing my progression within the firm.”
Out of work
When not working or studying, Molly enjoys spending time with family and friends, and walking her dog, Ava.
Naomi Black
Accounts Senior
Naomi joined the firm in November 2020 and is a graduate of Edinburgh Napier University, graduating with a BA in Business Management and Accounting. Naomi is XERO, Sage and QuickBooks accredited.
A word from Naomi
“After studying business and accounting at university, I was keen to put my knowledge into practice and this job has given me the opportunity to do that. I am now studying for my AAT qualification”.
Out of work
When not working or studying, Naomi enjoys travelling, spending time with her godson’s and walking the family dog.
Wayne Stewart
Accounts Senior
Wayne joined the firm in 2001 and has a wide knowledge in computer based Accounts systems such as Kashflow, Sage and Quickbooks as well as the preparation of Management Accounts and VAT Returns.
A word from Wayne
“The subject I found most interesting at school was Maths. The progression to a career in the Accountancy Industry seemed the most sensible and it turns out it was the right decision”
Out of Work
Wayne enjoys sports especially Football. Wayne is also very good at Ten Pin Bowling which he puts into practice and put the entire team at J H Greenwood & Company to shame at the Staff Bowling Night!
Kai Dempsey
Accounts Assistant
Kai joined the firm in September 2022 to start his career in accounting. He is currently studying for his AAT exams and is QuickBooks accredited.
A word from Kai
“I have always enjoyed working with numbers and data in school and have found that this is a great career for me, producing a set of accounts gives me great satisfaction in my work.”
Out of work
Kai enjoys walking his dog, Bailey, as well as spending time and going on holidays with his partner, Ellie. He follows Arsenal FC and Berwick Bandits, along with watching a lot of other sport.
Ava Burgon
Accounts Trainee
Ava joined the firm in September 2025, after finishing her Advanced Highers at Eyemouth High School.
A word from Ava
“Maths has always been my favourite subject in school as I like problem solving and working with numbers. At J H Greenwood and Company, I enjoy the variety involved in the work I do, and also the new skills I have learned along the way.”
Interests/Hobbies out of work
Outside of work Ava enjoys spending time with family and friends, listening to music and playing the guitar. She also like gymnastics and going to the gym.
Mhairi McLeman
Accounts Trainee
After completing her studies at Longridge Towers, Mhairi joined JH Greenwood & Company in November 2025 to pursue a career in Accounting.
A word from Mhairi
I am enjoying learning about accountancy and being part of the JH Greenwood & Company Team.
Interests/Hobbies out of work
Outside of work, Mhairi enjoys meeting friends, attending music events and concerts, and going to the theatre.
Tax
Graeme Whitehead
Tax Manager | CTA, ATT
Graeme joined the firm in 2005. Having sat his Association of Tax Technicians exams in 2009, Graeme went on to qualify as a Chartered Tax Adviser in July 2014.
A word from Graeme
“I enjoy the variety involved with tax work and especially the challenges that arise.”
Out of Work
In his spare time, Graeme enjoys playing five-aside football and golf.
Laura Cooksey
Tax Senior | FCCA, ACA, CTA
Having worked at a local accountancy practice for more than a decade, and previously at practices in Edinburgh and London, Laura joined the firm in 2022, bringing a wealth of experience.
Laura works within our Tax Department to support the taxation, accounting, and business advice needs of a diverse range of corporate and non-corporate owner-managed business clients across a number of industries, and also assists and advises personal tax clients.
Laura is a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (FCCA), having qualified in 2014, a Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ACA) (qualified in 2021), and a Member of the Chartered Institute of Taxation (CTA) (qualified in 2024). She also has a BA (Hons) in Accounting and Finance.
A word from Laura
“I enjoy being part of the team here at J H Greenwood, and I find it rewarding working with our clients to meet their tax compliance needs and provide professional advice to help them plan proactively for the future.”
Out of work
In her spare time, Laura likes to be active and is passionate about yoga, running, and walking. She enjoys reading and spending time with her family.
Michael Drummond
Tax Senior | ATT, CTA
Michael joined the firm in 2014 after finishing University with a BA (Hons) in Business Management and has since gone on to complete his training to become ATT and CTA qualified in tax at JH Greenwood and Company.
A word from Michael
“Working with numbers has always been a strength and working in tax gives me the opportunity to use this. I particularly enjoy the variety of work in tax and the challenges this brings.”
Interests/Hobbies out of work
In his spare time, Michael enjoys following football and rarely misses a Manchester United match. He also likes to travel so is always planning the next trip. Most of his downtime is spent going to the gym or with his partner and their dog, Trevor.
Callum Sim
Tax Assistant
Callum joined the firm in March 2023 to start his career in Tax. He is currently studying for his ATT exams.
A word from Callum
“In school, I always enjoyed dealing with numbers and solving problems. Joining J H Greenwood and Company has allowed me to do the job I have always aspired to do.”
Out of Work
Callum enjoys watching all different kinds of sports and plays for his local rugby team Berwick Rugby Club.. He also takes great interest in keeping fit, and in his free time, he enjoys going to the gym.
Eve Cowens
Tax Assistant
Eve joined the firm in March 2024 to begin her career in Tax after 5 years working in hospitality.
A word from Eve
After working in hospitality for so long I felt my skills in numeracy and literacy weren’t put to any use and that’s why this opportunity is perfect for me.”
Out of Work
Out of work I enjoy baking and cooking for my family, as well as going to the gym with my friends.
Thomas Young
Tax Assistant
Thomas joined the firm in March 2024 to start his career in Tax after two years at Newcastle College where he gained a BTEC in Engineering.
A word from Thomas
“Whilst at school. I always enjoyed problem solving and working with numbers. Joining JH Greenwood & Company has given me the opportunity to develop this within a business environment.”
Out of Work
Thomas enjoys going to the gym and taking his dog on walks. He is also a keen football supporter.
Payroll
Alison Aitchison
Payroll Manager | CIPP
Alison joined the firm in October 2017, having worked within a similar role, previously. Alison is also Xero Payroll accredited.
A word from Alison
“I really enjoy working within the Payroll department, as no two days are ever the same. I am always on hand to assist clients with any payroll-related queries they may have.”
Out of work
Alison enjoys going to the gym several times a week. She also spends a lot of time at weekends watching her three son’s playing various sports.
Laura Redfearn
Payroll Assistant | CIPP
After working various roles in retail including management and customer service for over 20 years. I have decided to change direction and focus on a career in Payroll Administration and Joined JH Greenwood and Co in May 2023.
A word from Laura
I really enjoy helping clients with their payroll needs and being part of the Team at JH Greenwood.
Working in the Payroll department can be fast paced, and legislation is always changing, being on had to help is very rewarding. You also get to know clients and develop good working relationships.
Out of work
When I’m not at work I’m mostly spending time with my partner Graham and my daughter Georgie. I also like to keep active by going to the gym and swimming.
Admin and Secretarial
Denise Warner
Practice Manager
Denise joined the firm in September 2021 in the role of Administrative Assistant and has over 30 years administrative experience, including 12 years in various roles within the local Council. She has also studied bookkeeping and accounting.
A word from Denise
“I really enjoy working at J H Greenwood and the variety my role gives me. I am constantly learning from my colleagues and peers and it’s great meeting our clients too.”
Out of work
In my spare time, I like to swim, read and watch a good drama series. I enjoy spending quality time with my family and friends, visiting new places and spoiling my beautiful cat!
Callie Eamens
Administrative Assistant
Callie joined the firm in September to take on the role of Receptionist and Administrator, having previously worked for the company when she first left school. After a number of years working at a dental practice, she decided that she missed us too much and returned. Callie is local to Berwick and has an exceptional knowledge of the local area.
A word from Callie
“I am glad to be back working at J H Greenwood & Company. I really enjoy speaking to all our lovely clients and meeting new ones.”
Out of work
Most of Callie’s time is spent looking after her young daughter and spending quality time with her family.
Gillian Ainslie
Administrative Assistant
Gillian joined the firm in 2022 and brings a wealth of administrative experience, having worked at a local building society and ….
A word from Gillian
“I am delighted to be part of J. H. Greenwood and Company and love working with a fantastic team”
Out of work
In her spare time, Gillian loves anything to do with arts and crafts and always has plenty of projects in hand. She also enjoys reading, with mysteries being her favourite genre.
Audrey Young
Reception/Administrative Assistant
Audrey joined J H Greenwoods in November 2023 after having worked in an administrative and accounts role for over 28 years with a local furniture retailer.
A word from Audrey
“I am delighted to be part of the admin team and have always had a keen interest in accounting throughout school and college making this a very exciting opportunity.”
Out of work
Most of my time is taken up looking after my young daughter but I do enjoy listening to true crime podcasts and getting out into the countryside for family walks.