With You. Leading the way.

Meet Iain Gordon, the cornerstone and chairman of EQ’s journey since August 23, 1993, when he embarked on his path with us. Rising through the ranks, Iain achieved Partner status in 2006, solidifying his commitment to excellence within our firm.

Iain finds his true passion in people. With over three decades of experience, he cherishes the relationships forged with colleagues, clients, and partners alike. From mentoring aspiring talents to leading our Executive Board, Iain embodies EQ’s ethos of fostering genuine connections.

Iain’s expertise lies at the intersection of SME dynamics and the agricultural sector. Specialising in succession planning, capital taxes, and business restructuring, he navigates complexities with finesse, empowering businesses to thrive.

Beyond the boardroom, Iain’s versatility shines. From overseeing a landed estate during lockdown to advising on strategic business disposals, his impact reverberates across industries. Married to Lorna and father to the spirited Ewan, Iain wears many hats, including his favourite role as CEO (Chief Entertainment Officer) to his son.

Following a year of serving as a non-executive advisor on our Board, Craig was appointed our Chief Executive Officer in November 2023.

He was previously Managing Partner for 10 years at one of Scotland’s leading law firms and a Commercial Lawyer for nearly 30 years.

Craig leads EQ on all aspects of our strategic growth, spearheading our ambitions to be the leading SME Business Champion in Scotland. He also holds several non-executive positions advising several growing, ambitious businesses.

Outwith EQ, Craig’s interests involve music, including playing piano, guitar, hot Yoga with his pals on a Sunday morning, and his dog Bonnie.

He lives in St Andrews with his wife, and his two grown up children live in Edinburgh and London.

In addition to being a valued member of EQ’s Executive Board, Louise also serves as our Healthcare sector lead, having joined the Firm in 2003, Louise was promoted to Partner in 2017. For Louise, EQ is more than a workplace—it’s a second family, where she thrives on connections with clients and colleagues alike.

Louise’s expertise spans various aspects of healthcare finance. From navigating Scottish NHS contracts for dentists and GPs alike, to understanding the intricacies of SPPA calculations, she brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. Her interests also extend to corporate finance, particularly in business restructures, funding, refinancing, and valuations.

With a diverse client portfolio encompassing construction, professions, renewables, engineering, retail, and healthcare, Louise’s versatility shines through. Her strong professional relationships and deep understanding of sector-specific complexities make her an invaluable asset to her clients.

Beyond her professional endeavours, Louise finds joy in family time with her husband, Stevie, and two children, Ellie, and Lewis. A dedicated fitness enthusiast, she starts her mornings at the gym and unwinds with her love for Madonna’. Her commitment to making a difference extends to her role as a board member of Dundee Business Beats Cancer, where she actively contributes to community initiatives.

Ross joined EQ as a Partner in May 2016 from another firm of accountants. A member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and Chartered Institute of Tax (CTA), he is a specialist in advising directors, shareholders, business owners and their families on their accounting and tax issues, across a wide range of industry sectors.

Ross enjoys getting to know his clients and working with them to help them achieve their commercial and life goals in a tax efficient manner. His accounting and tax expertise covers a wide number of areas, including, business restructuring, tax efficient remuneration, acquisitions and disposals, employee share incentives, business valuation and entrepreneurial tax advice.

Outside of work, Ross is a keen golfer and enjoys spending time with his young family.

Raised on her family’s farm in the Scottish Borders, Victoria brings a deep-rooted understanding of rural life to her role as a Chartered Accountant and tax advisor. After earning a degree in Accounting and Finance from Newcastle University, she joined EQ (formerly Douglas Home & Co, prior to the 2024 merger) in 2007 and has been a valued and long-standing member of the team ever since.

Victoria began her career in accounts and audit before specialising in tax planning, where she now leads in advising on family succession, inheritance tax, capital gains tax, VAT, corporation tax, and capital allowances. With particular expertise in agriculture, renewables, and forestry, she is also well-versed in the growing diversity of rural enterprises—from land and housing development to hospitality and manufacturing.

Known for her collaborative and forward-thinking approach, Victoria believes the best advice is cohesive, proactive, and tailored. She works closely with clients and professional advisors alike, acting as a trusted sounding board and strategic guide through complex financial decisions.

Now living on their working farm in Cumbria with her husband Steve and their two sons, Wilf and Ernie, Victoria travels extensively across the North of England and Scotland, supporting clients with insight, integrity, and a genuine passion for rural enterprise.

Sheryl Macaulay is a Partner at EQ, bringing over two decades of experience to the firm. She began her career at DH&Co in 2002, prior to its merger with EQ, where she received her training to become a fully qualified FCCA.

With a strong foundation in accounts, Sheryl now specialises in tax planning, offering expert guidance on corporate matters such as restructuring and succession planning as well as specialising in Capital Allowances. Her deep understanding of various industries, particularly property and construction, allows her to provide tailored advice to a diverse range of clients.

Sheryl also has extensive knowledge in other more personal tax planning areas such as CGT and IHT together with a strong background in family Trusts.  Although traditionally corporate and personal planning were seen to be separate specialisms, more often these intertwine, and Sheryl can provide a well-rounded view.

Sheryl is known for her proactive and personal approach. She values the relationships she builds with clients, becoming a trusted advisor and helping them plan for the future. Along with the relationships she builds with clients, a highlight of working at EQ for Sheryl is the brilliant team of staff and the collaborative environment she works in.

Outside of work, Sheryl’s dedication to building meaningful relationships extends to her personal life. She enjoys skiing and socialising with friends and is an avid supporter of her son Ryan’s rugby team. Sheryl also enjoys city breaks with her daughter Morran, valuing moments with her family.

Mark is a seasoned professional in the world of finance, with a wealth of experience dating back to him joining EQ in 2001. Mark’s journey has been one of dedication and growth, culminating in his elevation to Partner status in 2016.

As the Head of EQ’s Agriculture sector, Mark brings a unique blend of expertise to the table. In addition to heading up the Agri department, Mark also has an interest in renewables, and business succession planning. His commitment to excellence and deep understanding of these sectors makes him an invaluable asset to both EQ and its clientele.

One of the highlights of Mark’s tenure at EQ is the opportunity to collaborate with his clients, where he and his team can truly make a difference in their businesses. Mark thrives on the challenge of finding innovative solutions to complex problems, always striving to exceed client expectations.

Outside of the boardroom, Mark is deeply connected to his roots in agriculture and is actively involved in his family’s farm. Whether he’s knee-deep in a potato field, navigating the bustling atmosphere of bull sales, or cheering on his football enthusiast sons from the sidelines, Mark finds solace and inspiration in farming.

With a passion for both the financial realm and the agricultural landscape, Mark Smeaton is a dynamic leader who embodies EQ’s commitment to excellence and client satisfaction.

Meet Angela Haig, our Partner and tax specialist who has been an integral part of the EQ family since 2016.

Angela’s journey at EQ began as she stepped into her role as Partner on the very day she joined us, showcasing her talent and dedication from the outset. What Angela values most about her time with EQ is the dynamic relationships between the people, the clients, and the diverse array of work she encounters daily.

With her focus squarely on tax matters, Angela’s expertise spans a broad spectrum, with proficiency in advising individuals, high net worth clients, and agricultural partnerships. Her comprehensive understanding of tax intricacies ensures that each client receives tailored solutions that align with their unique circumstances and objectives.

Beyond her professional endeavours, Angela leads an active life outside the office. A passionate equestrian, she dedicates much of her spare time to horse riding. Despite her busy schedule, Angela also manages to indulge her love for skiing whenever the opportunity arises.

Caroline Tice joined DH&Co in 1993, before becoming a director in 2003 until the merger with EQ in 2024, before which she graduated with a degree in Business Studies from Edinburgh Napier University. She qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1997 through the Institute of Chartered Accountants Scotland. Caroline’s favourite thing about working at EQ is the staff, they are a great bunch – one big family!

Whilst Caroline specialises in auditing and charities, she enjoys the variety of clients EQ has the honour of getting to know and work with.

Caroline’s main client goal is to provide a high-quality service and support by knowing their business and personal affairs in-side out; this attitude is shared throughout the EQ team.

Caroline enjoys spending family time with her partner Bryan, twin daughters and two cocker spaniels and loves going on city breaks abroad.

Darren Thomson was the Managing Director of DH&Co and has worked with the firm for over 25 years prior to the merger with EQ when he became a partner. He undertook his CTA and ATT as he worked and became a specialist in all tax matters.

Darren has a wide range of knowledge in specialist tax areas such as IHT, CGT, family trusts, corporation tax and VAT as well as in succession and retirement planning for his clients. He takes pride in delivering his advice in a straight-talking and comprehensive, yet personal manner.

When asked what he enjoyed most about working at EQ, Darren replied that it was the chance to help solve the problems of his clients and identify the opportunities in which he could save them tax. His main client goal is to deliver, sometimes complex, tax strategies in a clear and friendly manner. He doesn’t just talk about ideas and solutions, but he helps to deliver them and to see them through to complete implementation.

David Morrison embarked on his journey with EQ in March 1997, and ascended to the role of Partner in April 2000, marking a trajectory characterised by dedication and expertise. With a passion for cultivating meaningful client relationships, David thrives in EQ’s dynamic environment, cherishing the camaraderie among colleagues dedicated to exceptional client service.

Specialising in tax planning, business structuring, owner-managed business advisory, employee rewards, and R&D tax credits, David constantly propels his clients towards business excellence. His expertise extends notably to the tax and leisure sectors, with a focus on holiday parks, hotels, and forward-thinking family businesses.

David is married to Claire, and they share two grown children, Charlotte and Campbell. David enjoys playing golf and tennis, and leisurely walks as well as dining out and basking in the sun. A life-long supporter of Dundee United, David’s interests extend to supporting dementia charities, reflecting his commitment to making a meaningful difference beyond his day job.