Meet The Team

Craig, a founding partner of the firm, qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1996. Having worked in a senior role at a large regional practice, Craig established Davies Tracey with Ian Tracey in 2002 with the remit to provide advice and assistance to owner managed businesses. Craig is responsible for a diverse portfolio of clients including small owner managed businesses to larger companies and groups. Craig is a statutory auditor and provides assistance and guidance on acquisitions, disposals and reconstructions. Craig brings over 20 years’ experience to his clients and works closely with them to ensure that they fulfil their ambitions. Clients benefit not only from being in a safe pair of hands for their accountancy requirements but a pro-active approach to support their business.

Craig has been a director of Davies Tracey since he joined the firm in 2012, having previously been a partner in another leading local practice for 11 years. He spent the first 10 years of his professional life at one of the “big 4” accountancy firms, KPMG, with whom he qualified after graduating from Durham University.

Craig works mainly with larger corporate clients, delivering audit, tax and advisory services, and he prides himself on having a close working relationship with all his clients, helping them achieve their goals. Craig is a senior statutory auditor and member of the ICAEW Audit & Assurance, Financial Reporting and Corporate Finance Faculties. He also has many years’ experience in the not for profit and educational sectors and is a past Chairman of the Teesside Branch of the ICAEW.

Ray joined Davies Tracey in 2013 and brings with him a wealth of experience from a portfolio of accountancy firms. Ray qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1987 with Walkers Chartered Accountants. Ray rapidly progressed and became Managing Partner in 1996 and supported the firm’s growth to become the largest independent firm in Tees Valley.

In 2002 Walkers joined Vantis Plc, a National Accountancy (Ranked 13th largest Accountancy firm in UK). Ray was appointed Location Director with responsibility for the performance of staff in all of the Northern Offices. In 2010 he led the buyout of the north east operation and was one of the founding members in the formation of Evolution LLP.

Ray also holds several other positions in the region:
Chair of Governors at West Park Primary School Hartlepool
Chair of Trustees at Hartlepool and District Hospice Ltd
Trustee of Ad Astra Academy Trust

Outside of work, Ray’s interests include most Sports, Everton FC (season ticket holder), learning French and Ballroom Dancing.

Chris joined the firm in 1991, after graduating from Sheffield University with a degree in mathematics, and qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1995.

Chris has an enviable range of skills gained from working with a wide range of clients over many years. His workload centres around providing accountancy, auditing and taxation advice to a broad range of clients including corporate and non-corporate businesses, together with charities, not for profit organisations and pension schemes. Chris believes that timely delivery of financial data and assistance in understanding it are an essential component of client service and he is responsible for the provision of regular management information to a number of clients.

With Davies Tracey having acquired Taylors Chartered Accountants in 2022, its Principal, Amanda, has become part of the Davies Tracey team, ensuring consistency in offering a personal service to our new clients. Amanda has over 40 years’ experience and had her own practice from 2007 – 2022, which grew primarily as a result of referrals from existing clients and recommendations from within the North Yorkshire business community. Prior to that, Amanda was with KPMG. We are pleased to have her on board.

Kevin joined the firm in July 2008 and has obtained invaluable experience working for several small accountancy firms over a 25 year career.

Kevin is able to bring his wealth of experience across many business areas to the accountancy service team, and as Client Partner he works with an extensive client base to foster close working relationships and offer outstanding service. Kevin is a key member of the management team and also provides specialist services to our Barrister clients, ensuring they receive specialist guidance on all key issues to efficiently manage their financial needs.

Diane manages a portfolio of manufacturing, professional services and small business clients, supporting their accountancy needs. Diane acts in a business advisory capacity to help sustain businesses with current challenges as well as growth ambitions.

Diane took up the role of Client Partner in November 2017 and with over 30 years’ experience in senior management roles working for accountancy firms, has a great reputation for reliability and customer service.

As Tax Partner, Ian’s remit since joining Davies Tracey in 2018 is to head up the tax and payroll departments.

Ian was formerly a Director at Baldwins Accountants, and is a taxation specialist with over 33 years’ worth of experience from starting his career with the Inland Revenue before entering private practice. Ian manages a portfolio including individuals subject to expatriate and non-resident taxation, high net worth and complex clients and handles HMRC enquiries and investigations. In addition, he assists and advises people who, for whatever reason, have fallen behind with their tax compliance obligations, helping to bring closure. He is also Secretary of the Wolters Kluwer Northern User Group, with expertise in software for accounting practices for the benefit of firms and their staff using the software and, of course, their clients

Rachel joined the firm in 1996 and is now our Senior Tax Manager with vast experience of dealing with a wide range of our clients over the years.

Dealing primarily with smaller businesses, Rachel particularly enjoys spending time helping business owners with the running of their businesses. Comfortable dealing with both incorporated and unincorporated businesses, Rachel is expert in the preparation of management accounts using different types of accounting software, especially Sage. Rachel’s broad knowledge of the tax issues effecting smaller businesses has proved very useful to business owners over the years as they plan ahead.