TIM Mallon is the new chairman of the Chartered Institute of Taxation (CIOT) North East England branch. CIOT is the UK's leading professional body for advisers dealing with all aspects of taxation and the regional branch is one of the largest and most active branches in the country.

Mallon, who leads the tax practice at Ryecroft Glenton in Newcastle will chair the branch for two years. He said: “It is a huge honour for me to become chairman of the North East branch at a time of significant change for businesses and tax policy.”

CIOT in the North East has two main roles. It represents the tax community and works with HM Revenue & Customs to help tax policy and practice. It is also active in bringing nationally recognised speakers to the region to discuss key topics with members.

As chairman of North East England branch of CIOT, Mallon aims to focus on actively representing the tax community to HMRC.

He has been a committee member of the Institute for seven years, and represented the CIOT on the Working Together forum which highlights ways in which HMRC can improve service to taxpayers and tax accountants.

He said: “We bring to HMRC’s attention areas and issues that would benefit from improvement or change. The role has given me a real insight into the pressures facing the HMRC in carrying out its job. As chairman I want to make our region’s voice heard by the HMRC in its future plans.

“HMRC is currently consulting with professional bodies as to how relationships with tax accountants could develop over the next two to three years. It’s an important time for the tax community across the UK to achieve greater recognition by HMRC of its role in helping the tax system continually improve. As tax advisers, we have first hand understanding of the problems facing clients and can suggest informed solutions which will help HMRC and UK businesses. By engaging with us, we can help HMRC collect the right amount of tax at the right time, which will help UK businesses in giving them certainty in their tax affairs and improve HMRC’s relationships with taxpayers.”

There are currently more than 15,000 members of the CIOT across the UK. Each potential entrant has to pass a series of written examinations to become a fully qualified member and obtain the status of chartered tax adviser”. Mallon believes the benefits of membership are extremely worthwhile. He said: “I became a chartered tax adviser 15 years ago and have formed great relationships with other law and accountancy professionals across the region as a result.