Lorraine joined Clay Ratnage & Co. in 2004 and qualified as a Certified Accountant in 2008, having also achieved a degree in Applied Accounting during this time. Lorraine was promoted to Associate in 2017 followed by Partner in April 2019.

Lorraine has considerable experience in managing audits of medium and large companies, specialising in audits of construction companies and Solicitors Regulation Authority Accounts Rules audits.

Her progression to partnership has been seen as a big success due to Lorraine’s friendly and approachable manner, alongside her ability to provide excellent professional advice.

You will see Lorraine walking around Romford most lunchtimes and evenings trying to build up the steps on her Fitbit.

Steve joined Clay Ratnage & Co. in 2004 after graduating from the University of East Anglia with a degree in Business Management and Strategy. Steve qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 2008 and, after progressing quickly in the firm, became the Senior Auditor at the Wickford office before being promoted to Partner in 2011.

Although his portfolio encompasses almost all industries and sectors, Steve has a particular interest in start-up companies and assisting entrepreneurs with understanding their business. His portfolio also comprises clients from the professional service sector and he has obtained a wide experience within the agricultural sector, providing Inheritance Tax, Capital Gains Tax and Probate services to both individuals and businesses. Steve provides consultancy services in relation to: restructuring businesses, management buyouts and employee incentive schemes, as well as offering due diligence and advice on acquisitions.

Steve’s friendly and pragmatic approach to business helps build excellent relationships with clients and the wider community.

Outside of work, Steve spends most of his time playing with his two energetic young children, however, manages to play squash weekly and watches sport when he can.

Laura joined Clay Ratnage & Co. in 2005 after completing her A-Levels. Laura initially studied for her AAT qualification before going on to qualify as a Chartered Accountant in 2013. Laura progressed quickly within the firm and was made a Partner in April 2014. After becoming a Partner, Laura continued her studies and obtained her Chartered Tax Advisor qualification in 2015.

Laura is based at our Wickford office and has a varied portfolio of clients spanning many industries. Laura has particular experience in dealing with businesses in the farming, hotel and property development sectors. More recently, Laura has been a core part of developing Clay Ratnage & Co’s Probate department.

Laura believes developing and maintaining close working relationships with clients is essential to delivering the best possible service. She enjoys getting to know a client’s business and the people who work within it, allowing her to provide tailored advice to help them grow and achieve their goals.

Outside of the office, Laura enjoys horse riding, swimming and socialising with friends and family.

Dean joined Clay Ratnage & Co. in 2008 after graduating from the University of Bath with a degree in Physics. Dean qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 2012 and quickly progressed to Senior Auditor at our Wickford office.

Dean pursued further Accounts and Audit experience away from Clay Ratnage & Co. between 2015 and 2019 before returning to the company at our Romford office as an Audit Manager. Dean was promoted to Associate in 2021.

Dean has experience in managing audits for a wide variety of company sizes, spanning a range of industries such as: construction, wholesale retail and manufacturing.

Dean has a friendly and approachable manner and prides himself on his excellent client relationships, striving to go the extra mile to meet his clients’ needs.  

Outside of work, Dean likes to spend quality time with his wife and young son, whilst trying to outperform the exercise goals on his Apple Watch. He is a keen Arsenal and Southend United fan and always has a DIY project on the go.

Karen joined Clay Ratnage & Co. in April 1996 after finishing her A-Levels and qualified as a Chartered Certified Accountant in 2001. Having started out as Office Junior, Karen progressed with to Office Manager in 2004 and was promoted to Partner in April 2013. Originally based in our (now closed) Chingford office, Karen has seen the practice through numerous changes over the years including a relocation to our Romford office in 2008.

With over 20 years’ worth of experience in accountancy and audit, Karen has been closely involved with a wide range of businesses including: construction, retail, property investment, but to name a few. She has also been a core component in helping the clients of our Romford office comply with the auto-enrolment regulations and MDT, guiding them through their staging dates and beyond.

More recently, Karen has been working towards becoming a Chartered Tax Advisor.

Outside of the office, Karen is kept busy by her three children and has also taken up exercise in a bid to try and turn back time.

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Yusuf joined Clay Ratnage & Co. in 1987 as his first job, and qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1992. After qualifying, he quickly became Office Manager and progressed to Partner in 1996. In 2002, Yusuf moved from our (now closed) Chingford office to our Romford office, where he oversaw the acquisition of Daffin Searle to become Clay Ratnage Daffin & Co. Yusuf has ensured the continued success of our Romford office, which has more than doubled in size since his arrival.

Yusuf has a varied portfolio comprising mainly family businesses. He also has clients in the charity sector and also acts on behalf of a number of solicitors’ practices.

As Partner, Yusuf’s key strength is the ability to build strong personal relationships which is the foundation to the comprehensive service offered by Clay Ratnage.

Travel is Yusuf’s favourite pastime outside the office. He enjoys taking his wife and two daughters on many adventures: exploring cities around the world, planning each day meticulously and visiting every worthwhile site on their journey. More recently, Yusuf has spent his spare time building a new family home.