It’s come round fast for me, but from this Friday the 9^th July, I shall be on maternity leave so I am now “blogging off”.   I will be leaving the tax blog in the capable hands of Antony Harvey,  a mover and a shaker in the tax recruitment world and an experienced “thought leader” (Antony is a regular tweeter).  Antony’s got many interests and I am sure he will keep you all entertained as well as well informed about market developments.  He is well travelled, has a fine collection of brightly coloured ties and braces, is a bit of a “gourmet” and can talk about a range of subjects from scrumping to sports.

I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank anyone who has ever given me a seat on the tube.  I have generally found people to be very kind, especially as my pregnancy has become more advanced.  Some mornings there has been a “Mexican wave” of people getting up out of their seats for me.   I’d like to think that most of the people who do not get up just haven’t seen me as they’re genuinely asleep or too engrossed in their newspapers.

I would much rather someone not give me a seat than be on the receiving end of some of the comments from strangers – you become public property when you’re pregnant.  I’ve had several strangers comment “you look like you’re about to burst” or “you look far bigger than X rmonth’s pregnant.”  Don’t get me started on the “tummy touchers”.

A member of a church football team of teenage boys, waiting by their minibus near where I live in North London exclaimed “Oh my Gosh, check her out, she’s bustin’” the other day and they all fell about laughing…  That wasn’t necessary, and neither are questions about whether it was planned or not.

Lastly – thanks to all my colleagues for being so supportive throughout my pregnancy – not all women are this lucky.  In particular I’d like to thank both the in house team and the tax practice teams, internal audit and professional services for carrying my folder/ bag when we go to meetings, giving me recipe ideas when I was off my food, keeping a good supply of treats available and to Ian in particular for making sure I am drinking enough water!

See you in 6 months!!

Will Hepworth will be leading the in house tax team in my absence and can be contacted on 0203 077 5307whepworth@morganmckinley.co.uk

For all internal audit, please contact Lee Kerr on 0203 077 5341 or email lkerr@morganmckinley.co.uk

blog, blog tax alex lawrie internal audit, Matt leave