The Team

Working tirelessly for our clients across all seven continents.

Andrew Brierley

BSc, DipLS (Oxon)

Chairman

Andrew co-founded The Briars Group Ltd in 1991 with Kate Jolly. He is an experienced corporate executive with a background in IT, Telecoms, Engineering and an expertise in HR Management and international mobility.

When not driving across the Sahara in his beloved 4×4, you may find him in the skies above piloting an equally rickety old plane!

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

Operations Director

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!

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 young daughter when not in work.

Tracy Adaway

Payroll Manager

Tracy heads up our payroll team and has been with the firm for 10 years. She has a breadth of experience covering payroll; accounts, credit control and billing and an in-depth knowledge of our clients.

In her spare time Tracy is devoted to her family, and Go-Ape!

Zhen Bailey

Tax Manager

Zhen joined Briars in August 2009 and today, fulfils the role of Tax Manager, with specific expertise in the fields of international planning, expatriate tax and stock schemes. She is qualified both as a Certified Chartered Accountant (FCCA) and as a Chartered Tax Advisor (CTA) qualification.

We are delighted to have Zhen as a key member of the Briars team and can rely on her keen eye and in-depth tax knowledge to ensure that the advice given to our clients is accurate and delivers what is needed to help our clients reach their goals.

When not hard at work advising our clients Zhen enjoys running, country walks, spending time with her family and travel.

Kate Cooke

HR Manager

Kate joined the Briars Group in 2019 to manage the HR Services team.

She is a full member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, with over 20 years’ experience in HR and recruitment.  During her career, she has supported a huge range of private sector businesses, large and small, across almost every industry sector.

Kate enjoys holidays abroad with her family (sometimes under canvas), good food and wine, and occasionally climbing a mountain.

Emma Lisauskas

Commercial Manager

Emma joined Briars in 2011 and is a member of the Institute of Legal Executives. Emma heads up our Client Services team and has extensive experience working with international clients. When not at work Emma enjoys netball, Zumba and spending time with her family.

Laura Quick

Finance & Administration Manager

Laura joined Briars in 2010. Laura heads up our Finance & Administration team and amongst a host of other things is responsible our foreign exchange process, billing and credit control. When not at work Laura loves riding horses.
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