The Team
Working tirelessly for our clients across all seven continents.
Kate Jolly
LLB, DipLP, TEP
CEO
Kate co-founded Briars in 1991 with Andrew Brierley. She specialised in tax law and today continues to advise clients on international operations, particularly land, expand and exit! In her spare time Kate is a Past Master of the City of London Guild of Entrepreneurs and a Director of CCARHT (Cambridge Centre for Applied Research into Human Trafficking). Away from the bustle, Kate spends her time walking her dogs (who you will meet at the office!) or chilling…
Gemma Bignell
ACCA
CFO
Gemma joined Briars in 2006 and has managed our accounting services team for many years. In 2014 Gemma was promoted to Senior Advisor in our Client Services team where she was responsible for the overall service levels to her portfolio of clients. Most recently Gemma has been awarded the position of Commercial Director where she is involved with the running of day to day office activities and business decisions. She has over 15 years experience in industry and audit, and an uncanny ability with numbers. She provides advice in ‘non-technical’ terms where needed, and all advice is tailored to the needs of the companies and individuals.
In her spare time Gemma enjoys DIY, holidays in the sun, and Zumba!
Amanda Simon
Chief People Officer
Amanda joined Briars in 2022 with over 30 years HR experience focused on International Consultancy services. As a member of the Executive Leadership Team she is responsible for HR and Payroll services and internal HR strategy.
Amanda has CIPD, FedEE and SHRM certifications to support her technical knowledge and has a passion for improving employee engagement.
Amanda spends much of her spare time with her family, including 5 grandchildren, her role it seems is to provide snacks, food and the odd taxi service!
When she is able, she prefers winter sun breaks to get away from the harsh UK weather!
Emma Lisauskas
Operations Director
Emma joined Briars in 2011 and has had a very successful career within the company, her most recent promotion to Operations Director allows her to focus on commercial operations and is a valued member of the Executive Leadership Team.
Her extensive knowledge of Briars allows her to provide valuable support to all departments and is often part of the initial meetings for new business enquiries due to her love of sales and meeting new clients!
Emma is a member of the Institute of Legal Executives and a qualified C-DPO amongst many other technical certifications and qualifications but currently focuses on strategic commercial operations and compliance!
When not at work Emma enjoys netball and is currently captain of her local netball team! When not running around the netball court she’s running around after her energetic son and looking after her family!
Tracy Adaway
Payroll Manager
In her spare time Tracy is devoted to her family, and Go-Ape!
Laura Quick
Finance & Administration Manager
Laura joined Briars in 2010 and is currently heads up our Finance & Administration team and Client services department and amongst a host of other things is responsible our foreign exchange process, billing and credit control.
Laura is a valued member of the Senior Leadership Team and is committed to providing first class service to our clients and her internal stakeholders. She is also a Mental Health First Aider and qualified personality profiler to add to her toolkit of employee support!
Laura is passionate about people and spends much of her spare time finding new and exciting ways to engage our employees and improve the services we provide.. when she’s not managing her growing team she’s looking for events to attend, podcasts to join all in her task to make Briars the number one service provider across the globe…When not at work Laura loves riding horses and generally taking on the world!
James Durance
Accounting Manager
James joined Briars in 2008 and is a CIMA qualified accountant and heads up the accounting and payments team.
He has a very active lifestyle chasing after his daughter when not in work.
Sammy Bhura
Business Development Executive
Sammy joined Briars in 2023 and is currently enjoying her role as Business Development Executive and a member of the Senior Leadership Team.
Possessing a broad and deep understanding of business development across a range of industries, Sammy is responsible for growing our business internationally and helping clients achieve success across global platforms.
In her spare time Sammy can be found crooning to karaoke tunes, loves travelling, family monopoly/articulate nights and doing jigsaw puzzles.