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Alan Davis, the unflappable VAT expert who guided Henderson Loggie through years of change with a cool head and a famously dry sense of humour, will retire on 31 March after a distinguished 43-year career. Whether steering the firm as Chair during the pandemic or keeping spirits high with his lockdown quizzes and Vic Reeves impressions, Alan has been as much a cultural cornerstone as he has been a technical authority.
He joined Henderson Loggie in October 2005, became a Partner in June 2013 and went on to serve as Chair of the firm from December 2015 until September 2023. His tenure as Chair coincided with a period of significant change, including the Covid‑19 pandemic, during which he was widely regarded as a steady, reassuring presence whose calm leadership helped guide the firm through unprecedented challenges.
Alan’s professional journey spans 43 years, beginning with 16 years at HMRC before moving into professional practice and later joining Henderson Loggie, where he built one of Scotland’s most trusted VAT advisory teams. His reputation as an expert was earned through decades of meticulous work and a passion for achieving the best outcomes for his clients. He became known for his ability to navigate complex legislation with clarity and pragmatism, always with the client’s best interests at heart, including significant wins at the Tax Tribunal and Court of Session.
At Henderson Loggie, Alan played a central role in developing the firm’s Education sector work. Under his strategic direction, what began as support for university student unions evolved into a significant expansion into the independent schools sector, where he became a nationally recognised adviser. His specialist VAT knowledge extended across charities, property, construction and cross‑border transactions, and he was frequently sought out for his ability to translate intricate VAT rules into practical, actionable guidance.
Innovation was a hallmark of Alan’s approach. Early in his time with the firm, he developed VAT checklists that later evolved into the VAT Diagnostic, a tool now embedded in the firm’s advisory model and used widely to help organisations identify both risks and opportunities. His leadership contributed to the VAT team being named Tax Team of the Year in 2013, a milestone that reflected the strength and capability he helped build.
His collaborative nature also extended internationally through Henderson Loggie’s global network, where he worked closely with partner firms to strengthen cross‑border advisory capabilities. In addition, he chaired the Scottish Chapter of the VAT Practitioners Group for 8 years and was an active member of the ICAS Indirect Taxes sub-committee.
Beyond his technical and strategic contributions, Alan became a cultural anchor within the firm. During the Covid lockdowns, he took on the role of Friday night quiz master, bringing colleagues together with humour, warmth and impersonations. These moments reflected the generosity of spirit that defined his leadership.
Henderson Loggie chair Shona Campbell said: “Alan’s contribution to Henderson Loggie and to the wider tax profession has been exceptional. His expertise, integrity and dedication to achieving the best outcomes for clients have set a standard that will endure long after his retirement. Alan is not only a trusted adviser but a generous colleague whose humour, warmth and collaborative spirit have enriched our firm. We are deeply grateful for everything he has given and wish him every happiness in the next chapter.”
True to form, Alan has chosen to mark his retirement with a charity fundraiser, and with eleven colleagues and members of Alan’s family will climb the mast of the RRS Discovery in Dundee on 20 March, then zip-line down to the quayside, to raise funds to support heritage charity and long-standing client, Dundee Heritage Trust.
As he steps down, he leaves behind a strengthened VAT practice, led by Jay Kinnon, and a generation of advisers shaped by his mentorship and a professional community that recognises him as one of Scotland’s most principled and influential VAT specialists.
Last Updated on 17 March 2026