Emergency Budget Q&A: Panellist biographies

Find out what the Budget means for you and your clients in our live expert web chat on Friday 25 June at 3pm. See below for details of our expert panel.

Francesca Lagerberg,  head of tax, Grant Thornton UK LLP
Francesca joined Grant Thornton as a partner in 2006 and became head of tax in 2009. She also runs its National Tax Office. She is a past chairman of the Tax Faculty of the ICAEW.

With over 15 years experience in tax, Francesca has become a well-known commentator on tax issues in the national and professional press. She also lectures all over the UK on topical tax matters. Her expertise covers all direct taxes but particularly personal tax (such as employment status and IR35 issues), HMRC powers and commentary of topical tax issues affecting the UK, as well as policy matters.

Neil Warren, VAT consultant
Neil Warren is a writer, lecturer and consultant on VAT. Neil is a regular contributor to 'Taxation' and 'CCH VAT News' on topical VAT issues. He is author of the annual 'Tolley's VAT Planning' book and winner of the LexisNexis Tax Writer of the Year competition. He is also a member of the Technical Committee of the Association of Taxation Technicians, specialising in matters involving VAT. Neil worked for HM Customs and Excise for 14 years until 1997.

Karen Thomson, associate director of policy, research and strategic visibility, Institute of Payroll Professionals
Karen Thomson MIPPdip has 15 years experience in payroll and pensions, latterly at Carlisle City Council. She joined the policy and research team in March 2003 as a policy and research officer. Karen assists IPP members via the Advisory Service, producing the weekly electronic newsletter - News On Line and writing articles. Karen also oversees and attends a number of consultation forums that includes HMRC, the Department of Work and Pensions and the Scottish government. Karen is a member of the Admin Burdens Advisory Board, and also currently co-chairs the Employment Consultation Forum with HMRC's Don Macarthur. Karen has also been appointed the secretary of the pensions faculty.

Phil Orford, chief executive, Forum of Private Business
Forum of Private Business chief executive Phil Orford began his career in sales before starting his own business at the age of 21. Between 1983 and 2007, he was involved in a number of start-up companies as diverse as scientific supplies and hazardous waste management. Phil is passionate about supporting the small and medium-sized business sector, which he believes is the backbone of the UK economy.