Southend: 01702 433313
Maldon: 01621 874590
E-mail: enquiries@devonportslas.co.uk

Meet the team

Ian Hornsey FFA FAIA - Director and Joint CEO

I established Devonports in 1994 with a handful of personal friends as clients and since that time the practice has continued to grow. I am a Fellow Member of the Institute of Financial Accountants (IFA) as well as Chair of the IFA’s Member Advisory Committee (MAC), and Ambassador for the Essex Branch of the Institute.

I enjoy keeping busy and, in particular, being able to look after and advise my varied client base, which includes small micro businesses to medium size clients, especially in this ever-changing world of compliance and tax changes. I make sure that clients are both fully informed and compliant, and that they take advantage of the tax breaks that are available to them. My friendly manner ensures that the fear factor is removed for clients. Indeed, most comment that I am unlike any other accountant that they have ever met.

I live with my partner, who I have been with for over twenty years. I enjoy fast cars and fine dining and the odd bottle of champagne.

Contact: tim@devonportslas.co.uk

Tim Howard FFA FAIA FMAAT CIPFAcert - Director and Joint CEO

Having been involved in many areas of financial services for a substantial number of years I set up LAS Partnership in 1997 with the object of being a proactive firm of Accountants who told clients what they needed to hear, not what they wanted to hear. I also had the relationship with all my clients that I worked “With” them not “For” them. I have always had a very frank and direct approach to problems and problem solving and it is something that my clients have always been very grateful for. This different to normal attitude proved very successful and as I had known the team at Devonports for over fifteen years the decision to merge with such a likeminded company was not very difficult and it brought together two teams of very client focused professionals.

Out of work I enjoy any water sports whether sailing or motor boating and travelling around the country with my wife and our dogs. Like Ian, I also have a penchant for nice cars and good cognac.

Contact: ermal@devonportslas.co.uk

Ermal Krutani FFA FAIA - Managing Director

I joined Devonports as an accounts clerk in February 2003, and have worked alongside Ian ever since. In April 2014, I became a director of the company, looking after my own portfolio of clients, as well as assisting Ian's clients. I am fluent in three languages, including Italian and Albanian. I am the ‘all-rounder’ of the team, being able to assist both companies and individual clients in all areas of accountancy. My friendly manner and approachability ensure that clients feel at ease when talking through any issues.

I enjoy playing football and participating in outdoor sports and sailing. A keen traveller with a Mediterranean background.

Contact: robert@devonportslas.co.uk

Robert Watts FCCA FFA - Director

Having joined Devonports in July 2014, I was made a director in March 2018. I now have amassed over 12 years of experience in practice having started my career when I left college in 2006. I gained my ACCA qualification in 2012 and obtained my practising certificate in 2014. I am committed to the profession and enjoy all aspects, from the basics to the very technical, as well as helping clients on a day to day basis with their business needs.

I am a family man and, having got married in 2013, I now have two young children who keep me busy most weekends with football and dancing. When I am not at work or spending time with the family, I enjoy socialising with friends and when the opportunity arises, I like to play football and many other sports, although with a young family these are now the priority.

Contact: ben@devonportslas.co.uk

Ben Taylor AFA MIPA - Director

Since starting my accountancy career in 2011 I have amassed over 10 years’ experience in practice and after joining Devonports in 2017, I have worked my way up to Client Portfolio Manager.

I manage a wide range of clients, but mainly specialise in limited companies regulated under FRS102 and 102a. I also have great knowledge in VAT, CIS, corporate and personal tax and other technical matters, where I spend much of my time troubleshooting for clients.

I’m also a great advocate of paperless working and, as the digital age is upon us, I think it’s extremely important to use accountancy software to efficiently report real time information, especially with the upcoming MTD changes with HMRC.

Outside of accountancy I enjoy spending time with my wife and children, going to the gym, cars and fixing things.