Meet The Team

We are not just another accounting firm

Meet The Team

Naveed Ahmad
Director

We are very fortunate to have Naveed joining Ten Forward as Director, bringing with him a wealth of advisory experience and the ability to deal with complex financial issues such as: International tax, mergers and acquisitions, strategic planning and complicated corporate and personal tax affairs. Naveed’s favourite book is The Art of War, his ideal job title is General, and is a sports and fitness fanatic. The team are a little nervous that he might implement a physical fitness regime for the office, but at least they don’t have to worry about him raiding the sweet treats box we have delivered each month! Book recommendation: The Art of War by Sun Tzu

Simon Defoe
Director

Simon brings over 25 years of practise and industry experience to the team, including broad commercial and financial knowledge, particularly in the fashion and creative industries. He has undertaken varied roles including 5 years at Deloitte, and 3 as Finance Director at Huntsman on Savile Row. Prior to joining Ten Forward Simon spent a year in Mendoza, Argentina, learning Spanish and the art of wine making. A keen sports player, Simon enjoys tennis and squash, and once got a hole in one! In 5 years, Simon wants to tick the final item off his bucket list, ready to start a new one. Book recommendation: The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams

Rebecca Williams
Director

Becky joined us as a new Director in April 2023 and brings with her an incredible amount of experience, having graduated in Accounting and Law in 2001, and qualifying as a Chartered Accountant in 2004. There are no companies Becky is unable to help and advise, but she particularly enjoys helping start-ups through those tough early years, building strong relationships right from the start that will last decades. Book recommendation: American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins

Scott Cadman
Director

Scott joined as Director in April 2023 to bolster our tax advice, and succession and retirement planning offerings, and being our new tax expert having ACCA qualified in 2015 and now taking it further with his CTA exams. We expect Scott to be a very resilient member of the team, able to weather any storm that comes our way, given he is a Stoke City FC season ticket holder!

Suneesh Patel
Technical Services Director

Suneesh has over 18 years’ experience within the media and entertainment industry. His favourite aspect of his role has always been solving complex problems and helping others, which makes him a perfect fit for Ten Forward. He always makes the effort to relate to our clients and learn their business inside and out, which has often been praised by clients and staff. When he is not stressing about work, he is either stressing over the next country he wants to visit or when Liverpool will next win a trophy…

Libby Benvenuto
Head of Operations

With many strings attached to her position, Libby’s role is very much interlinked with a variety of different areas, but at the heart of that is providing a great client service with the same level of attention in a friendly manner. With that in mind, we’re certain that her job title doesn’t completely cover what Libby does, but in our defence, there isn’t one job title that can do that! Book recommendation: Pinch of Nom by Catherine Allinson and Kay Featherstone

Christine Richmond
Senior Accountant

Christine loves a challenge, and she never quits when she has tough new work thrown her way. Christine spends a lot of her time completing your year-end accounts and training other team members. With heaps of passion and patience, she encourages the team to be the best they can be and develop their skills to the fullest. When not at work, Christine loves to spend time with her family and with her church. Before joining Ten Forward, Christine spent time in Trinidad and Tobago helping other companies, charities and individuals with their tax returns and accounts.

Sunayna Lal
Client Manager

Sunayna has been wowing our clients with her organisation, enthusiasm and knowledge of their businesses since she joined Ten Forward. Her favourite part of the job is delving into the detail with our clients about their personal or business finances and helping them understand the numbers. Sunayna will examine your accounts with a fine-tooth comb, so be prepared to be blown away by the incredible changes that Sunayna will make when it comes to your finances!

Luke Heaven
Client Manager

Luke thrives on the complexity of managing multiple clients’ needs, mastering the delicate balance between efficiency and approachability in his work. If you’re trying to juggle your business, family, savings, and personal interests then Luke’s your guy - plate-spinning is his forte! Oh, and next time you see him ask him to sing for you – he’s pretty good! Book recommendation: Greatest Showman (isnt that a film?!)

Cherry Heaven
Client Manager

Super-organised Cherry thrives on beating deadlines while keeping the client’s needs at the centre of her focus. If the client isn’t happy, then neither is she. Since working at Ten Forward, Cherry has learned to embrace change, as adapting to client’s needs and new technologies is at the heart of what we do. Globe-trotting adventurer, Cherry, has travelled to every continent except the Antarctic (it’s on the list!), and loves planning the next road-trip with husband, Luke, preferably with a Rhubarb gin in hand! Book recommendation: Blink by Malcolm Gladwell.

Sharika Joseph
Trainee Accountant

Omer Munir
Client Manager

Talented and personable Client Manager, Omer, joined us in February 2023. He loves to spend his time helping clients with their compliance requirements, learning how they operate day to day, so he can pass on his valuable advice and see the difference our work makes to the growth and development of the business. Citing The Wolf of Wall Street as his favourite film hints at his ambition and hard-working attitude. (while keeping on the right side of the law, of course!)

Sam Habib
Payroll Manager

Recently new mother, Sam has taken total control of our payroll department to make sure deadlines are hit and complete accuracy is maintained, while also developing her skills in Year End Accounts and Audit work. Currently on maternity leave, we look forward to welcoming back Sam to the office soon to help brighten the place up and share her culinary skill tips with the team!

Ramesh Valliappan
Manager

Softly spoken, but determined and confident, Ram oversees the Client Managers and ensures the quality and technical standards are maintained. He claims he can get stressed, but you would never know it from his always cool under pressure and calm demeanour. Clients and staff alike appreciate his deep knowledge of all things audit and accounts.

Sultan Ahmed
Accountant

ACA-qualified Sultan has over 9 years experience in business consulting and advisory work at Big4 audit firms KPMG and E&Y, and loves to learn the workings of our clients businesses to help advise on how they can optimise their operations to aid growth in a sustainable way. Always looking to build on his already considerable skills, Sultan is aiming to be the go-to trusted business advisor and offer exceptional service to his clients for many years to come.

Gitana Petrevice
Payroll Manager

As well as being a big book, film and outdoor exercise fan, and a new mother, Gita, still finds time to do payroll for dozens of companies and study AAT. Clearly someone who loves to be occupied, Gita couldn’t pick just one book to recommend. Book recommendations: Gyllian Flynn - Gone girl, Kate Watterson - The Lake House, Belinda Bauer - The Beautiful Dead

Simin Tafakory
Client Manager