Our team

Nigel Rea FCA Director

Joined Mitchells: 1997

Qualifications & Achievements:

A Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), Nigel is a Director at Mitchells Grievson and plays a significant role in the overall management of the firm.

With extensive experience across all areas of professional practice including: auditing, accounting, taxation, due diligence assignments, and other corporate finance matters, Nigel works with a range of businesses including start ups, SME’s and subsidiaries of multi-national corporations. Nigel also specialises in the healthcare sector, working for a number of dental practices and care homes.

Nigel has a passion for learning and professional development. Within Mitchells Grievson, he manages the firm’s training programme each year, inspiring young talent with a career that has spanned over many years.

Nigel started his accountancy career at Mitchells Grievson in 1997, where he trained and qualified as a Chartered Accountant before quickly progressing to practice partner at the age of 31.

Nigel is married with three sons. In his spare time, he enjoys watching his boys’ various sporting activities and enjoys dining out and home cooking.

Phil Harnby FCA Director

Joined Mitchells: 2018

Qualifications & Achievements:

Phil is a Fellow of the ICAEW and has over 20 years accounting experience and knowledge.  He has worked at various accountancy practices across the North East and is adept in dealing with owner managed businesses of a range of sizes with turnovers exceeding £30m.

Prior to joining Mitchells Grievson Phil has been a Director of a large Newcastle based practice specialising in the Healthcare Sector and looking after clients across the UK. Within this role he has specialised in the ever changing environment of the NHS, allowing him to gain invaluable experience in change management and the challenges this brings to clients.  Phil has been instrumental in building a specialist medical/healthcare accountancy arm of the business which is proving extremely successful and popular amongst professional in the industry.   

Phil has also presented on financial topics at national events, written for various national publications and provided financial training on a national level to the medical and healthcare sectors.

Having previously worked at Mitchells Grievson Phil understands the specific needs their clients have from a firm of Chartered Accountants. From tax and accounting advice, to support around business growth and transition. Phil’s approach has always been to be there for his clients, business never knows what is around the corner and you need the support of a great firm of business advisors to be there for you when they are needed most. Phil’s strengths focus around a can do attitude to provide whatever support his clients need, backed up by a hugely successful team.

Phil spends most of his time looking after his young daughter which certainly keeps him on his toes. He also has an active role as a Trustee / Treasurer for a number of charities on both a regional and national level.

Claire Wilson FCA Associate

Joined Mitchells: 2005

Qualifications & Achievements:

A Fellow member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales (FCA).

Claire started her career in accounting over 17 years ago and joined our practice back in 2005. She qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 2011 and progressed to a manager in 2012. She manages a diverse and varied portfolio of clients that operate in a variety of industries including construction, property development, leisure and hospitality. She also manages several corporate clients operating overseas dealing with all VAT and accounting matters.

Claire deals with all areas of audit, accounting, VAT and taxation matters including personal tax, corporate tax and tax planning. As a manager, she focuses on growing and supporting her team to ensure the highest level of service is provided to our clients, whilst maintaining excellent attention to detail.

Claire specialises in statutory audits of our small and medium sized clients and independent examinations for a range of charities, social clubs, working men’s clubs and associations. She is also the firms specialist in the Solicitors Accounts Rules, acting for several clients in that sector.

Outside of work Claire enjoys spending time with family, friends and her dog Brian. Claire loves to travel, aiming to visit a new destination at least once a year, and is a keen sports fan. She also has an active role as a Trustee and Treasurer for a local charity.

Sylwia Woolley MAAT Manager

Joined Mitchells: 2019

Qualifications & Achievements:

As a Manager at Mitchells Grievson, Sylwia draws on her extensive background, which includes valuable prior experience working with GP Practices, giving her specialist expertise within the healthcare sector.

She manages a diverse portfolio of clients, utilising her comprehensive knowledge of accounts preparation, VAT compliance, and bookkeeping for SMEs across a wide range of industries. Sylwia's key focus is on effective client support, leveraging her skills to simplify complex financial matters and build reliable, long-term relationships.

Sylwia enjoys an active life outside of work, including walking and cycling (weather permitting). She also has a passion for cooking and baking.

Lesley Miller Accounts Senior

Joined Mitchells: 2019

Qualifications & Achievements:

Lesley started her accountancy career in 1986 and has worked in Accountancy Practice for most of her career. Lesley has extensive experience in providing accountancy services to SME’s across a broad spectrum of sectors.

As an Accounts Senior Lesley’s key responsibilities at Mitchells Grievson Chartered Accountants includes preparing year end accounts, calculating the corporation tax due, preparation and submission of VAT Returns. Lesley also helps and assists the Junior members of staff and bookkeeping department to ensure they get the help they need. Lesley manages a portfolio of clients, including Charities, and has a keen eye for detail and outstanding organisational skills. Lesley is committed to providing the best possible outcomes for clients.

Outside of work Lesley enjoys spending time with family. Lesley also has a passion for trail running and keeping fit and helping her husband with his Dog Boarding business.

Daniela Gummerson FCCA Accounts Senior

Joined Mitchells: 2020

Qualifications & Achievements:

Daniela began her accountancy career in 1996, working towards her qualification as an Accounting Technician. After gaining the AAT qualification she progressed towards the Chartered Certified Accountant qualification, which she achieved in 2002 having subsequently become a fellow member of the ACCA in 2007.

Daniela has worked entirely in accountancy practices throughout her career. With over 30 years of experience in accountancy, Daniela has helped clients in almost every sector. She has enjoyed every aspect of the role that has included preparing yearly accounts for a wide range of businesses in the private sector. Daniela has undertaken audit work, management accounts preparation, VAT returns including VAT investigations and has experience of payroll, advising clients on accounting systems and other aspects of their finances.

Daniela joined Mitchells Grievson in 2020 with vast accountancy knowledge and depth of skills. As an Accounts Senior Daniela’s main role is to assist and support clients in the preparation of their year-end accounts and tax returns with a particular focus on limited companies and doctors accounts. On a day-to-day basis, Daniela is responsible for a portfolio of clients covering a wide range of industries including the healthcare sector. Also part of Daniela’s role is to support junior staff with their learning development.

Outside of work, Daniela likes to spend time with her family and loves visiting new places. She is a keen theatre goer and enjoys anything to do with art.

Sylwia Poddebniak AAT Accounts Senior

Joined Mitchells: 2022

Qualifications & Achievements:

A highly experienced Senior Accountant, Sylwia has worked in a variety of accounting roles within public sector, industry, and accountancy practices.

Sylwia’s prepares and submits year end accounts, calculates corporation tax computation, and completes VAT Returns. She also provides healthcare specific accounting service to our established and ever-growing client base in this sector. Qualified to AAT Level, Sylwia is working towards her Chartered Certified Accounting qualification ACCA.

Outside of work Sylwia enjoys travelling, as well as outdoor activities to keep her fit and healthy including: hiking, cycling and yoga. Sylwia also enjoys reading, cooking, and spending time with family and friends.

Vera Roxby Accounts Senior

Joined Mitchells: 2022

Qualifications & Achievements:

Vera holds a Master’s degree in Finance and is AAT qualified. She began her career in accountancy in 2016 and has since gained comprehensive experience working exclusively within public practice, covering core functions like accounts preparation, VAT compliance, and corporation tax.

At Mitchells Grievson, her specific focus lies in doctors accounts, where she applies her detailed knowledge to support clients in the healthcare sector. Vera’s passion for her profession, inherited from her family, means she enjoys all aspects of accountancy.

Away from the office, Vera enjoys an active lifestyle, including walking, and embracing culture through travelling and reading (preferring actual books to e-books). She is also a keen cook, enjoying trying new recipes herself, and exploring different cuisines during her travels.

John Challis Accounts Senior

Joined Mitchells: 2025

Qualifications & Achievements:

John is a highly experienced and ACA-qualified accountant, having achieved qualification in 1991. He has spent his career in public practice, commencing his training at an audit registered local firm. His career progression included working through the firm's acquisition by a larger local practice, which eventually became part of a Top 20 accountancy firm. This background provides extensive exposure to complex financial structures, including experience with Groups of Companies.

In his role as Accounts Senior, John is responsible for the comprehensive accounts preparation for a wide variety of entities, including Sole Traders, Partnerships, LLPs and Charities. He also possesses significant expertise in the audit of Limited Companies, Charities, and Pension Schemes, alongside advising clients on various aspects of business tax and VAT. John's professional commitment is centered on achieving an appropriate and correct result in the accounts he prepares, ensuring accuracy and full compliance for every client.

Outside of work John enjoys an active lifestyle, with hobbies including walking, attending the theatre, and visiting different places.

Charlotte Evans AATQB Accounts Assistant

Joined Mitchells: 2019

Qualifications & Achievements:

Charlotte started her career at Mitchells Grievson in the Payroll Department, alongside supporting with book-keeping. She moved into the Accounts team in 2021, where her role now includes preparing and submitting accounts, preparing VAT returns, book-keeping, supporting with tax work, company secretarial work, and filing confirmation statements.

She enjoys gaining experience across all areas of finance covered by the firm and working closely with different teams to provide the best possible support to clients.

Outside of work, Charlotte’s world very much revolves around her spaniel, Truffle, who keeps her very busy. She is a keen foodie who loves trying new culinary delights, as well as spending time in the kitchen at home experimenting with new recipes. Equally happy heading out on a country dog walk or getting glammed up to socialise with friends and family, Charlotte enjoys making the most of her time outside the office.

James Kell AATQB Accounts Assistant

Joined Mitchells: 2021

Qualifications & Achievements:

James joined Mitchells Grievson straight from school and is proving a real asset to the business. His day-to-day duties include preparing annual accounts, completing VAT returns and dealing with client queries along with various other administrative roles.

He enjoys problem solving and gets great deal of satisfaction out of reconciling accounts. James has achieved his AAT Level 2 & 3 qualifications and is continuing to study for his Chartered qualification.

Outside of work James is an avid sports fan, he trains in mixed martial arts (MMA) and enjoys socialising with his friends.

Rachel Pratt Accounts Assistant / Bookkeeper

Joined Mitchells: 2022

Qualifications & Achievements:

Rachel is responsible for providing our clients with accurate, up-to-date financial information about their business. While her role mainly involves Bookkeeping and preparing VAT Returns, she has recently expanded her expertise to include the preparation of accounts.

To support her career progression, Rachel is currently studying towards her AAT Level 3 qualification. Having previously worked in administrative roles, Rachel is highly organised and brings a keen eye for detail to every task she undertakes.

Outside of work, Rachel enjoys walking with her cute chocolate-coloured Labrador, Penny, and socialising with her friends and family.

Samuel Bowron Accounts Assistant

Joined Mitchells: 2024

Qualifications & Achievements:

Sammy joined Mitchells Grievson in 2024 and is a valuable member of the accounts team. He is committed to his professional development and is currently preparing for his Level 2 End Point Assessment, with plans to quickly progress onto his Level 3 qualification. As an Accounts Assistant, Sammy’s specific expertise is in producing annual accounts. He finds the greatest enjoyment and satisfaction in completing full sets of accounts for Limited companies.

Outside of the office, Sammy is a keen sports enthusiast. He enjoys football, boxing, and is a regular at the gym. A passionate supporter of Manchester United FC, he also likes to play football with friends on the weekend. Most importantly, he enjoys spending quality time with family and friends.

Amanda Lickrish Bookkeeper

Joined Mitchells: 2022

Qualifications & Achievements:

Amanda has a wealth of experience of working within accounts, starting her career with Touche Ross (now Deloitte’s) where she achieved her ACA qualification.

Prior to having a career break to raise her children Amanda was an Audit Manager for PwC, Accountant for Oldham Metropolitan Council and is experienced in providing accounts to solicitors. Amanda provides our clients with an accurate, up to date and compliant bookkeeping service which enables them to keep track of the money they earn and spend.

Outside of work Amanda enjoys walking, reading and travelling.

Stephanie Piper Outsource Bookkeeper

Joined Mitchells: 2025

Qualifications & Achievements:

Stephanie joined the Outsourcing team, where her primary focus is providing dedicated bookkeeping services for Mitchells Grievson clients. She utilises the extensive experience gained from her career, which includes hands-on expertise in credit control and payroll across a wide range of industries.

Stephanie’s specific expertise lies in her meticulous attention to detail and her strong problem-solving abilities, ensuring client records are always accurate, up-to-date, and fully compliant. She is dedicated to maintaining a reliable financial foundation for all clients she supports.

When she is not working, Stephanie enjoys the calm of scented candle making, drawing, and tackling crosswords. She is also a passionate fan of Formula One and loves relaxing with her family and cooking. A lifelong ambition is to attend the Canadian Grand Prix with her family.