Colin Scates

A little bit about me

Colin established S3TAX in 2022 with a mission to deliver bespoke taxation consultancy, support and training to the housing and third sector. With decades of experience consulting in the sector, Colin recognised the need for a third sector tax consultancy firm that goes above and beyond and has been providing a supportive and tailored experience to S3TAX clients that can only be achieved through a personalised approach.

Expertise

Colin joined HM Customs & Excise (now HMRC), from school covering several disciplines within the department before promotional opportunities led to VAT where he found his niche.

Twelve years later, Colin moved into Local Government as in-house VAT officer for several local authorities, where he became chair of my local regional VAT group; the Local Authority National VAT Group, and a brief spell as chair of the CIPFA VAT Committee.

Fast forward a further twelve years, and a move into an advisory role with two mid-tier firms, Colin primarily provided advice and support to local government, housing, education, and charity sectors.

The career experience Colin has received to date has been invaluable. It means he fully understands the constraints faced by housing, the third and public sectors, ensuring workable and pragmatic solutions to VAT issues. He is an excellent communicator and able to break down the barriers to understanding the importance and relevance of VAT for non-VAT specialists and the impact on their organisation.

Other interests

In his spare time, Colin is an avid watcher of all sports, a passion that stems from his youth regularly sat in front of the TV on a Saturday afternoon glued to Grandstand or World of Sport (I guess you may have to Google unless you are of a certain age). I’m also on the Committee of my local Badminton Club, the ‘Cleveland Cobras’ – a true club for the community with vibrant junior, senior, ladies and social sections – great to be a part of and very rewarding.