ACCOUNTING firm Reeves and Neylan is celebrating its second top tax award in a row.

Champagne corks popped when the practice with offices in Chatham Maritime, Canterbury and London, became the first in the country to win consecutive best practice accolades on the nation’s tax night of the year.

At a glitzy gala dinner hosted by entertainer Rory Bremner in the London Hilton, Reeves and Neylan was named top Large Practice Tax Team. Last year, the firm won a similar award in the medium practice category.

Margaret Connolly, partner and head of tax, was overwhelmed when Mr Bremner announced the result. After winning last year, she had not expected a similar triumph this year. She went up on stage to accept the silver trophy from Mike Beament, director of the award sponsors Beament Lesle Thomas, in front of a black-tie audience of more than 600 at the annual LexisNexis Taxation Awards.

After posing for pictures with Mr Bremner and others, and enjoying the congratulatory hugs of her fellow partners, she said: “There were so many entries in our particular category and when we were shortlisted with BDO Stoy Hayward and Smith and Williamson, both much larger national quality practices, we felt extremely honoured and proud.

“But to win the award was nothing short of breathtaking. It is a testament to the prestigious, quality clients that our firm deals with that we were able to demonstrate our breadth and depth of tax expertise.

The judges were particularly impressed with the proactive way in which we deliver tax services to our clients.

“They recognised the fact that in delivering tax efficient solutions to the business issues facing our clients we add real value. I am very proud to be part of such a wonderful organisation.”

Clive Stevens, managing partner, added: “What can I say! I am thrilled with our tax team’s fantastic achievement. “The pleasure of winning this award is made all the more special as this is the first time that one firm has won such an award in consecutive years.”