Richard Light, Director, in our Private Client team retires on 30 April 2024 after 10 years at Lester Aldridge. Richard has had a long and varied career advising high-net-worth individuals on all aspects of personal taxation, including income tax, capital gains tax and inheritance tax.

We chat to Richard about his life, career and plans.

In 1981, Richard left school to attend college and very soon realised his desire to earn money, so after a year made the move to start the Youth Opportunity Programme for six months, earning £26 per week with the Tax Office. At the end of this time, he was offered a full time contract and this was the start of his successful career.

In 1989, Richard joined Deloitte. He began studying for his professional exams and realised that he was just as capable as his peers, passing his Chartered Institute of Taxation exams in 1994. He worked in various Deloitte offices, including London, Bracknell, Reading and Southampton, where he worked in our soon-to-be Southampton office space, Mountbatten House! In 2004, he became a director. In addition to being technically competent, Richard understands that at the heart of his work has been understanding his clients and their specific requirements and tailoring his recommendations based on them. He feels honoured to have worked with some great clients across his career including Lords, Ladies and even a Premier League footballer over the years!

In 2014, Richard joined Lester Aldridge and has thoroughly enjoyed the past ten years working with the partnership and advising wealthy clients on their tax affairs. He is happy with the knowledge that he is leaving his practice in the very capable team led by Mark Chant.

Looking to his retirement, Richard is looking forward to spending time with his wife, Sue, and his two grown-up daughters. He also has more holidays planned to include a Mediterranean cruise and two to the Caribbean booked. For the first time since he began his career, he does not have to concern himself with the Government Self-Assessment deadline of 31 January and will be able to enjoy holidays at his leisure. Richard is also looking forward to more dog-walking, time at the gym and golfing.

Looking back over his life and career so far, he says, “Life is not a bowl of cherries, never give up and you are not limited by your past. Drive to achieve, work hard and push yourself and most importantly find a good mentor who may see opportunities in you that you cannot necessarily see for yourself.”