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With You. Leading the way.

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

Mark Smeaton

Partner
Sheryl Macaulay
Partner
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Mark Smeaton
Partner

Mark is a seasoned professional in the world of finance, with a wealth of experience dating back to him joining EQ in 2001. Mark’s journey has been one of dedication and growth, culminating in his elevation to Partner status in 2016.

As the Head of EQ’s Agriculture sector, Mark brings a unique blend of expertise to the table. In addition to heading up the Agri department, Mark also has an interest in renewables, and business succession planning. His commitment to excellence and deep understanding of these sectors makes him an invaluable asset to both EQ and its clientele.

One of the highlights of Mark’s tenure at EQ is the opportunity to collaborate with his clients, where he and his team can truly make a difference in their businesses. Mark thrives on the challenge of finding innovative solutions to complex problems, always striving to exceed client expectations.

Outside of the boardroom, Mark is deeply connected to his roots in agriculture and is actively involved in his family’s farm. Whether he’s knee-deep in a potato field, navigating the bustling atmosphere of bull sales, or cheering on his football enthusiast sons from the sidelines, Mark finds solace and inspiration in farming.

With a passion for both the financial realm and the agricultural landscape, Mark Smeaton is a dynamic leader who embodies EQ’s commitment to excellence and client satisfaction.

Mark Gibson

Greg Stapley
Partner
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Mark Gibson

As one of our longest serving members of staff, Mark Gibson embarked on his journey with EQ in 1987. Rising through the ranks, he was promoted to Partner in 2006, a testament to his commitment and contributions to the firm.

Mark’s expertise positions him as a very versatile accountant. While he considers himself a general practitioner, his role as an Audit RI and audit partner for many Glenrothes audit clients underscores his proficiency and leadership.

In his capacity as the head of the professions sector, Mark steers the firm’s efforts towards serving a wide range of clients from solicitors to surveyors, with unparalleled dedication and insight. His client portfolio predominantly comprises owner/managed companies, reflecting his love for nurturing client relationships. Noteworthy among his clientele are businesses in the construction, manufacturing, hospitality, and professions sectors.

Beyond the numbers, Mark’s is husband to Julie with two grown-up daughters, Sophie, and Aimee. An advocate for an active lifestyle, Mark frequents the gym, embarks on cycling adventures, and enjoys leisurely walks in nature’s embrace.

He also shares a passion for music, often attending concerts with Julie and friends, indulging in the timeless melodies that enrich their lives.

Louise Grant

Partner
Caroline McKenna
Chief Operating Officer
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Louise Grant
Partner

In addition to being a valued member of EQ’s Executive Board, Louise also serves as our Healthcare sector lead, having joined the Firm in 2003, Louise was promoted to Partner in 2017. For Louise, EQ is more than a workplace—it’s a second family, where she thrives on connections with clients and colleagues alike.

Louise’s expertise spans various aspects of healthcare finance. From navigating Scottish NHS contracts for dentists and GPs alike, to understanding the intricacies of SPPA calculations, she brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. Her interests also extend to corporate finance, particularly in business restructures, funding, refinancing, and valuations.

With a diverse client portfolio encompassing construction, professions, renewables, engineering, retail, and healthcare, Louise’s versatility shines through. Her strong professional relationships and deep understanding of sector-specific complexities make her an invaluable asset to her clients.

Beyond her professional endeavours, Louise finds joy in family time with her husband, Stevie, and two children, Ellie, and Lewis. A dedicated fitness enthusiast, she starts her mornings at the gym and unwinds with her love for Madonna’. Her commitment to making a difference extends to her role as a board member of Dundee Business Beats Cancer, where she actively contributes to community initiatives.

Iain Gordon

Chairman
Iain Gordon
Chairman

Meet Iain Gordon, the cornerstone and chairman of EQ’s journey since August 23, 1993, when he embarked on his path with us. Rising through the ranks, Iain achieved Partner status in 2006, solidifying his commitment to excellence within our firm.

Iain finds his true passion in people. With over three decades of experience, he cherishes the relationships forged with colleagues, clients, and partners alike. From mentoring aspiring talents to leading our Executive Board, Iain embodies EQ’s ethos of fostering genuine connections.

Iain’s expertise lies at the intersection of SME dynamics and the agricultural sector. Specialising in succession planning, capital taxes, and business restructuring, he navigates complexities with finesse, empowering businesses to thrive.

Beyond the boardroom, Iain’s versatility shines. From overseeing a landed estate during lockdown to advising on strategic business disposals, his impact reverberates across industries. Married to Lorna and father to the spirited Ewan, Iain wears many hats, including his favourite role as CEO (Chief Entertainment Officer) to his son.

Greg Stapley

Partner
Graeme Davidson
Partner
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Greg Stapley
Partner

Greg Stapley has been a partner at the Firm since April 1, 2024. His favourite thing about EQ is our supportive and friendly team environment.

Greg specialises in audit, charities, and pension schemes. In addition to his role as audit Partner, he also leads the Engineering and Manufacturing team, supporting SMEs in the sector achieve their ambitions. Greg’s clients include companies across various sectors such as engineering, manufacturing, food production, hotels, automotive, warehousing, and retail.

Outside of work, Greg is married with two daughters and enjoys golfing, watching sports, and supporting Leeds United. He has a miniature Dachshund named Dudley and serves as Director and Treasurer of the Fife Chamber of Commerce.

Graeme Davidson

Partner
Gordon Buist
Partner
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Graeme Davidson
Partner

Graeme Davidson joined EQ in 1997 becoming Partner in 2006. With significant expertise in accounts and tax, Graeme serves as a general practitioner with significant experience in tax planning, focusing on both income and capital taxes.

Graeme’s specialisation extends into the agricultural sector, where he works closely with family businesses, farms, landed estates, as well as clients in the food & drink, leisure, and retail industries. His commitment to building strong relationships with both staff and clients highlights his dedication to fostering a collaborative and supportive working environment.

Outside of his professional life, Graeme is married with two teenage children. He enjoys a variety of sports, both playing and watching, including football and golf, among many others.

Gordon Buist

Partner
Douglas Rae
Partner
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Gordon Buist
Partner

Gordon joined EQ as a partner in 2022 and quickly became a key team member. He values our supportive culture, which fosters close relationships with clients, colleagues, and other professionals. Gordon highlights our client relationship structure as a key benefit, ensuring that each client receives support from a Partner, Manager, and Controller familiar with their business, and he regularly works alongside our client relationship teams to provide specialist tax advice to our clients.

His passion for helping businesses and their owners stems from his childhood, growing up around the family-run transport business, where he learned the importance of understanding the personal and financial implications of tax decisions. Gordon takes pride in being approachable, explaining complex rules in a relatable way, and finding solutions to clients’ problems. As a member of the Owner-Managed Business technical committee of the CIOT, Gordon represents our clients’ interests in tax policy matters with senior tax advisers and civil servants.

Gordon has significant expertise in providing specialist tax advice to family and owner-managed businesses, including corporate restructuring (mergers, acquisitions, demergers, and reorganizations), business sales and purchases (including due diligence), business and company valuations, succession planning (MBOs and employee ownership), employee share incentives (EMI share options, unapproved options, and growth shares), and business and agricultural property reliefs from IHT.

Outside of work, Gordon has played the cornet in a brass band since he was nine. He is a member of Kingdom Brass, based in Cowdenbeath, regularly competing in the Championship Section.

Douglas Rae

Partner
David Yates
Partner
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Douglas Rae
Partner

Doug started his journey with EQ in 1998, and since then, has been an integral part of our team. His dedication and expertise led him to become a Partner in April 2012, marking a milestone in his career.

At EQ, Douglas finds his passion in the people he works with every day. As he often emphasises, the collaborative spirit and positive attitude within the team are what make each day fulfilling.

Doug specialises in audit and leads our charity sector, demonstrating a profound understanding of the unique challenges and intricacies within these domains. His adeptness in navigating the complexities of corporate environments, from small OMBs to the largest groups, underscores his versatility and proficiency.

Doug has cultivated strong relationships with a diverse range of clients, contributing to their growth through strategic financial guidance.

Outside work Doug is a family man with two children. An avid music enthusiast, he can often be found at live gigs. Additionally, he has a love of horror movies, indulging his passions whenever time permits.

David Morrison

Partner
Darren Thomson
Partner
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David Morrison
Partner

David Morrison embarked on his journey with EQ in March 1997, and ascended to the role of Partner in April 2000, marking a trajectory characterised by dedication and expertise. With a passion for cultivating meaningful client relationships, David thrives in EQ’s dynamic environment, cherishing the camaraderie among colleagues dedicated to exceptional client service.

Specialising in tax planning, business structuring, owner-managed business advisory, employee rewards, and R&D tax credits, David constantly propels his clients towards business excellence. His expertise extends notably to the tax and leisure sectors, with a focus on holiday parks, hotels, and forward-thinking family businesses.

David is married to Claire, and they share two grown children, Charlotte and Campbell. David enjoys playing golf and tennis, and leisurely walks as well as dining out and basking in the sun. A life-long supporter of Dundee United, David’s interests extend to supporting dementia charities, reflecting his commitment to making a meaningful difference beyond his day job.

Angela Haig

Partner
Mark Smeaton
Partner
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Angela Haig
Partner

Meet Angela Haig, our Partner and tax specialist who has been an integral part of the EQ family since 2016.

Angela’s journey at EQ began as she stepped into her role as Partner on the very day she joined us, showcasing her talent and dedication from the outset. What Angela values most about her time with EQ is the dynamic relationships between the people, the clients, and the diverse array of work she encounters daily.

With her focus squarely on tax matters, Angela’s expertise spans a broad spectrum, with proficiency in advising individuals, high net worth clients, international ventures, and agricultural partnerships. Her comprehensive understanding of tax intricacies ensures that each client receives tailored solutions that align with their unique circumstances and objectives.

Beyond her professional endeavours, Angela leads an active life outside the office. A passionate equestrian, she dedicates much of her spare time to horse riding. Despite her busy schedule, Angela also manages to indulge her love for skiing whenever the opportunity arises.