People Spotlight: Sebastian Woollard, Head of Technical Consultancy
May 29, 2026
At Bonham & Brook, we are proud to spotlight the people who drive our success and embody our values. This highlight features Sebastian Woolard, Head of Technical Consultancy, whose journey reflects ambition, intellectual curiosity, and a genuine commitment to quality. His story from New Zealand to leading one of Bonham & Brook’s most respected teams shows how the right environment can accelerate both professional and personal growth.
His Journey at Bonham & Brook
Sebastian’s path to Bonham & Brook is as distinctive as his background. Born in the UK, he grew up in New Zealand and built his early career there, spending four years as an R&D Tax Manager at KPMG New Zealand before making the move back to the UK specifically to join the business. It was a deliberate decision and one that has defined the course of his career.
He joined Bonham & Brook as a Senior Consultant, bringing with him a rare combination of scientific, legal, and commercial expertise, underpinned by a BSc in Biological Sciences, a BCom in Commercial Law, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Bioscience Enterprise, all from the University of Auckland the last of which he completed while working full-time at KPMG. Within six months, and by the end of his probation period, he had been promoted to Head of Technical Consultancy. It was a progression that reflected B&B’s commitment to recognising dedication as well as rewarding talent in a swift and fair way.
Challenges
One of the more significant challenges Sebastian navigated was the transition from a large, structured firm like KPMG to a faster-moving, incentive-aligned environment. At Bonham & Brook, quality is not just a professional standard it is built directly into the business model. The firm operates on a success-fee basis, covering the full cost of any HMRC enquiry defence and refunding its fee if a claim is reduced. That structure means every report Sebastian’s team produces carries real commercial consequence. Adapting to that level of accountability and building a team culture that genuinely embraces it required both technical rigour and strong leadership from the outset.
Achievements
Sebastian’s proudest achievement at Bonham & Brook is not a single deal or a headline figure. It is the culture he and his team have cultivated within the Technical Consultancy. “The culture we have built in the TC team “ that is his answer, without hesitation.
The TC team is widely described as calm, professional, and defined by mutual respect, qualities that are a direct reflection of Sebastian’s leadership style. Under his guidance, the team has developed a proactive approach to quality control: continuously updating technical narratives based on HMRC enquiry trends identified through active defence work, staying ahead of potential questions before they arise. With an enquiry rate below 2% and a 100% win rate on enquiries over four years, the results speak for themselves.
Culture
For Sebastian, the culture at Bonham & Brook is most visible in the relationships people form here. His advice to anyone joining the business is straightforward: “Work hard, learn as much as you can, and get involved in the culture, some people here have formed lifelong friendships.”
Looking Ahead and Personal Reflections
Two and a half years into his time at Bonham & Brook, Sebastian is energised by what lies ahead. The business is growing, the TC team continues to raise its standards, and there is a clear sense that the best is still to come.
Outside of work, Sebastian brings the same intensity he applies professionally to a set of pursuits that might raise a few eyebrows: powerlifting, backcountry snowboarding, motorbike touring and surfing. It is a combination that says a great deal about the person someone drawn to challenge, precision, and the kind of experiences that demand full commitment.
Interested in Joining Bonham & Brook?
At Bonham & Brook, we are proud to foster an environment where people like Sahira can thrive, innovate, and lead. If you are looking to build your career in a company that values ownership, growth, and impact, we would love to hear from you.
To learn more, visit our Meet Our Team page and explore exciting opportunities on our Careers page.
