Our leadership team is a diverse group of accomplished professionals, each bringing a unique combination of skills and experiences to EQ enabling clients and partners to put their trust in us. United by the One EQ ethos and a common goal: to be recognised by our clients for delivering exceptional service through our unwavering commitment to building loyal and trusted relationships
Dougy joined EQ in early April 2025, bringing almost 30 years tax experience, having advised throughout the UK. Dougy has been a Chartered Tax Adviser for most of these years, advising both personal and corporate clients.
Dougy’s tax experience has a strong owner-managed business bias and he enjoys being able to advise from the investing or the exiting shareholder to consider the many corporate tax issues including helping several companies with their international tax footprint and structural considerations. He also helps groups of companies with tax efficient restructuring.
Dougy enjoys meeting clients and helping them structure their tax affairs. With significant experience advising on R&D and video games tax credits, Dougy often brings clients repayments or reduction of tax liabilities. He is passionate about providing development opportunities to his team, and always makes sure his colleagues can learn and gain experience with these clients.
In his personal life, Dougy is a keen sporting fan. He enjoys travelling (often to Italy) and is married with two children and a dog.
Ged joined EQ as a Partner in March 2025, having gained over 20 years’ experience in Corporate Finance in two previous national firms. A member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS), he is a specialist in advising directors, shareholders and business owners in mergers, acquisitions, disposals, financial due diligence, debt and equity fundraising, business valuations, dispute resolution, strategy development and financial modelling.
Ged enjoys managing transactions from inception to completion, getting to know his clients’ goals and working with them achieve these, in a commercially driven and deadline driven manner. He has worked with owner managed businesses, larger corporates, private equity houses and all major banks, working alongside our internal tax team to ensure the most tax efficient outcome for his clients. His commercial acumen and communication style has allowed many owners to realise the value of a lifetime’s investment in their business, through succession planning or an outright sale.
Outside of work, Ged is a dedicated football fan, an enthusiastic but (very) limited golfer and loves to travel.
Michelle joined EQ in 2017, after qualifying with ICAS as a Chartered Accountant in 2014. Whilst her background has been in general practice, her portfolio has a specific focus on audit. Michelle is passionate about ensuring clients gain maximum value from the audit process and sees audit work as an opportunity to do more than just tick boxes. By truly understanding her clients’ businesses, she ensures clients gain practical insights that go beyond compliance, helping to improve processes and unlock new opportunities. Getting to know her clients on a deeper level means that the audit process can be a catalyst for broader business improvements, ensuring that clients receive comprehensive and actionable advice.
Michelle’s leadership goes beyond her technical expertise, and her approach is simple yet powerful: create space for others to step up, offer guidance when needed, and celebrate the unique strengths each team member brings. This collaborative spirit not only drives personal growth but also enriches the service we provide to our clients.
Outside of her work at EQ, Michelle is a busy mum to her young daughter Sophie. She is also a member of her local running group, and enjoys long walks (preferably in the sun) with her dog.
David was the Managing Director of Yates & Co Chartered Accountants for 30 years, having founded the company in 1994 at the tender age of 28. He specialises in looking after all aspects of SME’s, particularly focusing on construction, management consultancy and tax work. He loves finding solutions to client’s problems!
Being a firm believer in teamwork, he subscribes to the opinion that every team member is equal and has a valuable contribution to make. David demands that all our clients get the best advice and service possible – we must always do our best.
The recent Yates & Co merger with EQ is an exciting chapter for David and his team – in particular the provision of specialist backup and support from liked-minded people will greatly enhance the staff and client experience.
Outside the office, he enjoys the golf course and travelling abroad with his wife Dianne and two children.
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.
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.
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.
Victoria has worked with Douglas Home & Co since 2007, prior to the merger with EQ Accountants in 2024.
Victoria is a qualified Chartered Accountant. She started her training in accounts and audits and now specialises in tax planning. She is an expert in family succession planning and all areas of tax, including IHT, CGT, VAT, R&D, corporation tax and capital allowances. Being from a farming family, Victoria has a great understanding of agriculture, renewables and forestry. Victoria also sits on the Scottish Land & Estates Tax Committee.
When asked what she most enjoyed about working at EQ, Victoria said it was working with likeminded, truly proactive colleagues who care about their clients and are dedicated to providing them with the best advice.
Victoria lives with her farmer husband Steve, and her two children, Wilf, and Ernie. She comes from a farming family who also train racehorses and as such, her hobbies are mainly either helping at the races or cheering on family horses.
Mike joined Douglas Home and Co. in 1998 and was a director for 12 years, prior to the merger with EQ. He is a qualified CA, having studied through the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Scotland, and he specialises in business advisory and tax planning.
Mike can cover many specialist areas, such as corporate restructuring, VAT, IHT, CGT, trusts, succession planning, income tax planning & corporation tax planning, but mainly focusses currently on Corporate and Capital Taxes.
When asked what he enjoyed most about working with EQ, Mike said it was the great staff and the great clients that he has been able to meet and work alongside over the years. As well as this, he says that it is the variety of work that sets EQ apart from other companies.
Mike is married with children so likes to spend lots of time with his family although tries to fit in as much CrossFit as family and work time allows!
Steven Todd is a seasoned professional who has been an integral part of EQ since 2008, ascending to the role of Partner in 2014. With a strong commitment to client success, Steven’s expertise lies in general practice, particularly within the construction sector. He thrives on providing tailored solutions to clients within his local community, supported by the global resources of EQ. Steven’s diverse clientele includes companies, sole traders, partnerships, and individuals, all benefiting from his personal approach and strategic insights. Beyond his professional pursuits, Steven is passionate about outdoor activities like golf, running, and cycling. He also dedicates his time to serving as a trustee of the Bruce Charitable Trust, offering financial aid to those in need in the Cupar area. At home, Steven finds joy in the company of his partner, Susan.
Scott joined EQ in 2009 before becoming a partner during the pandemic in April 2020. Scott’s favourite thing about working at EQ is that no two days are the same. He also enjoys working closely with his clients, especially family businesses, seeing them grow and achieve their goals with our guidance and assistance.
Scott is part of our specialist agriculture and leisure teams and specialises in tax efficient investment solutions (EIS). He primarily works with family farming businesses, SME’s and startups.
As new parents with a young baby, Scott and his wife Laura don’t have much free time but when they do, Scott enjoys golfing and going to the gym.
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.