Victoria Cooper FMAAT (MIP): Principal

Victoria has enjoyed a career of more than thirty years working in tax, accountancy and audit. She started as an apprentice in Liverpool in 1989 with a small firm In Liverpool and since then has enjoyed senior roles both within industry and practice, successfully continuing her professional studies from AAT through to ACCA. Victoria has a full practising license with AAT which enables her to provide full professional technical services to the business community; assisting local businesses and individuals with their compliance obligations.

Victoria very much enjoys supporting time pressured business people; taking away the strain that HMRC compliance often brings and bringing clarity and transparency to the financials of everyday business transactions. She provides insight and advice when needed to give business owners and managers the information and tools they need to move their business forward.

In her spare time Victoria enjoys working out, pumping weights at local fitness club Vixercise, quiz nights with friends, playing/walking the family's very bouncy labrador, or you can usually find her stuck in a novel as she loves to read anything from Jane Austen to Margaret Atwood.

Vanessa Pearson BSc (Hons) FMAAT: Senior Manager

Vanessa studied Maths at Sussex University, before gaining her AAT qualification and has over 25 years’ experience in accountancy and tax. She trained at a local firm, gaining knowledge of small and medium businesses (SME’s) at a senior level, and is a fellow AAT member. She enjoys helping companies and their owners set up, run and grow their businesses.

As Senior Manager, Vanessa is also responsible for the recruitment, and training and development of staff in all aspects of accounts production and tax compliance.

Vanessa is a member of Lions Clubs International, the largest service organisation in the world. She has supported projects such as gleaning, conservation projects, building a sensory garden and organising conferences. She also enjoys papercrafts, music and spending time with family and friends.

Lorraine Partridge FCCA: Senior Accountant

Lorraine has worked in practice since leaving school, qualifying as a Chartered Certified Accountant in 1997 and has over 30 years of experience within small and medium accountancy firms.  She enjoys meeting and getting to know her clients and prefers a personable approach to her work.

In her own time, Lorraine enjoys cooking and she loves to look through her library of cookbooks to see what meals she can create.  During lockdown she enjoyed making various breads including sourdough.  Lorraine keeps fit by enduring regular sessions on her spinning bike at home but also loves getting out in to the countryside and walking in the Peak District and the Lake District.  Her husband and son take up a large part of her time and they enjoy walking, cycling and going to the forest as a family.

Ryan Lane: Senior Business Services Manager

Ryan has over a decade of experience in the accountancy profession, having built his career at Red Shoes Accounting Services where he qualified as a Chartered Certified Accountant and became the firm’s longest-serving employee, bringing a wealth of knowledge and continuity to the team.

As Senior Business Services Manager, Ryan works closely with a wide range of clients, preparing management accounts, annual accounts, VAT returns, payroll and self-assessment tax returns. Known for his organisation, attention to detail and practical approach, he enjoys helping clients make sense of the numbers and supporting them as their businesses grow. Around the office, he's also earned a reputation as the firm's unofficial IT expert.

Away from the spreadsheets, Ryan still likes to think he's a speedy footballer—although his knees may occasionally disagree. When he's not on the pitch, you'll find him making memories with his wife and daughter, who has quickly become the newest (and most demanding) manager in the household.

Laura Barrow: Practice Manager

Laura is our Practice Manager and also part of the payroll team. After a very different career previously as a firefighter she is enjoying the challenges her role at Red Shoes Accounting Services brings. 

She spends most of her spare time with family and supporting her teenage daughter and step-daughter with their many interests ranging from singing, acting, netball, and hockey which keeps her busy travelling to and from various clubs and events. 

Laura also likes to socialise with friends, spend time down the coast, read and enjoy walks with the family dog Polo.

Stephen Walker: Business Development Manager

Steve joined Red Shoes as Business Development Manager, supporting our ongoing growth and identifying opportunities to enhance our services. He started his accounting career around 20 years ago after a varied working life that included construction, vehicle technician and pub landlord. He's a Member of AAT and CIMA qualified, with a particular love of Excel and data analysis.

Previously, Steve worked in the Oil & Gas Transfer sector for a global market leader supplying bespoke safety equipment to clients including Shell, BP, Daewoo and Hyundai. Working across a Finance Team spread between South Korea, Dubai, India and the USA, he handled multi-currency transactions and forex for sales and purchases, as well as payroll and pensions for over 70 employees.

Outside work, Steve is kept busy by his two English Bulldogs, Freddo and Bella, and is looking forward to travelling around the UK and Europe.

Nigel Clark FCCA: Senior Accountant

Nigel studied Mathematical Statistics and Operational Research at Exeter University and started out with a big 4 audit practice in Ipswich.

After office closure, Nigel moved to regional practice and qualified as a Certified Chartered Accountant working on tax, accounts and audits with a more varied range of client such as car dealerships and farmers rather than financial institution audits.

In his free time, Nigel does tai-chi and enjoys watching live sport such as football at Ipswich or horse-racing at Newmarket.

Lydia Craig: Accounts Senior

Lydia is an Accounts Senior with four years of accounting experience gained in both practice and industry environments. She recently completed her AAT qualification and is taking the next step in her professional journey by beginning ACCA studies in September.

With significant experience using Xero and specialist training in Making Tax Digital (MTD), Lydia enjoys helping businesses streamline their financial processes and stay compliant with confidence. A dedicated and ambitious accounting professional, Lydia is committed to continually expanding her knowledge and delivering a high standard of service to clients.

Away from the office, she has a strong interest in history and archaeology, and has even taken part in an archaeological dig. She also enjoys reading historical literature, watching documentaries, and exploring the countryside on long walks.

Aston Hinson: Accountant

Aston has worked in practice for the last 7 years with a focus on audit, after looking for a move away from audit she joined the team in October 2025. Aston studied Accounting and Finance at Greenwich School of Management part of Plymouth University, and then went on to study for her Masters Degree in Accounting and Finance at De Montfort in Leicester. She has since been studying toward her ACA qualification.

In her spare time Aston has a keen passion for Diamond painting, baking, attending music festivals, concerts and comedy gigs along with holidays with her partner and two dogs, Bear and Cornetto.

Zoe Slocombe: Payroll Officer

Zoe Slocombe is our Payroll Associate. Zoe started her payroll career within the education sector, processing payroll for local schools before moving to a well- known construction company running the in-house payroll for over two years. Zoe joined us to develop her skills further and her payroll experience is a great asset to the team.

In her spare time Zoe likes to bake some extravagant cakes and has her only little business she runs outside of work. She's made cakes that look like beer glasses, trampolines and even a camel! She also enjoys crafting and especially crocheting while binge watching Disney movies

Alex French: Apprentice Accountant

Alex French is our ambitious Apprentice Accountant. Alex has made a bold career transition from labouring to pursue a path in finance. No stranger to hard work, Alex passed his AAT Level 3 qualification with flying colours and is now embarking on AAT Level 4.

Outside of the office, Alex finds joy in playing hockey and unwinding with friends post-game. He also has a penchant for the silver screen, enjoying trips to the cinema to catch the latest films. When the weather permits, Alex loves nothing more than embarking on long countryside walks, soaking up the sunshine. With his enthusiasm for personal and professional development, Alex is a valued member of our team bringing dedication and positivity!

Angelina-Rain Zou'Bi: AAT Apprentice

Born in Jordan and raised in the UK from the age of six, Angelina loves travelling and makes regular trips back to Jordan to spend time with family. Staying active is important to her, whether that’s going to the gym or enjoying walks with her little chihuahua.

She also enjoys spending time with friends, shopping, and exploring new cuisines. As part of her extended qualification project at Hills Road, she even created her own cookbook, inspired by foods from around the world.

Beverley Vasey: Office Administrator

Bev is our office administrator, bringing a wealth of experience from both commercial and educational settings. She’s happiest when knee-deep in data or spreadsheets, meticulously organising paperwork into neat submission. Bev is always ready to assist with any enquiries.

Outside of work, she spends much of her time as a taxi driver for her sporty son, which conveniently allows for plenty of reading while waiting for matches or training sessions to finish. She also enjoys walking—often accompanied by a canine friend—and indulges in the occasional wild swim when the weather permits!