Meet The Team

Chris’s Role

Chris Maylin, along with Jeff Drennan, founded Amplifi Solutions in 2014, since then, the partnership has taken great pride in helping clients’ grow their innovations with support from the R&D tax credit initiative. Still very hands-on, Chris could be out meeting clients and accountants or delving into some in-depth financial analysis of clients accounts.

Before Amplifi

Chris has over 30 years’ experience working as a Management Accountant, including nearly 20 years in BT Plc, a leading FTSE 100 company. Within BT, Chris held many commercial finance roles, where he developed his expertise in management accounting, investment appraisal and control, corporate finance, cost management and due diligence.

Outside Amplifi

Away from the office, Chris is keen on many sports, regularly playing 5-a-side football and cycling around Co Antrim. He is also a big Arsenal fan.

Jeff’s Role

Along with Chris Maylin, Jeff founded Amplifi Solutions in 2014, and thanks to their experience, drive and relaxed approach, the partnership has seen their clients’ innovations thrive with R&D relief from the HMRC. Running a company that promises director level engagement sees Jeff out meeting clients and accountants, presenting at various events and tackling the more complicated financial aspects of clients’ claims.

Before Amplifi

A qualified Management Accountant, Jeff Drennan has worked in many senior finance roles during a 20-year career, including 9 years in BT Plc, where his roles included Ireland Investment Board Chair and The Irish Finance lead on the Group Revenue & Margin Assurance Board and Transformation Steering Committee. Jeff’s roles have developed his expertise in cost transformation, investment appraisal, revenue and margin assurance, capital management, re-financing, VFM reviews, best in class benchmarking, due diligence and company valuation.

Outside Amplifi

Away from work, Jeff enjoys 5-aside football, watching Liverpool F.C., snowboarding (when he gets the chance to get away) and spending time with his son and wife on the North Coast.

Jamie’s Role

Jamie Watts' role includes an overview of several functions of the business: including sales, marketing, partnerships and further commercial opportunities.

Before Amplifi

Jamie had a background in financial services and worked with SME’s with requirements for funding for growth. Following 8 years in FS, he moved into the management team of a finance and executive search recruitment business, based in Scotland. He set up a Belfast office for the business in 2017 before moving to Amplifi in summer 2019.

Outside Amplifi

Passionate about all things sport, Jamie was a keen rugby player and now has moved into the coaching side of the game. Jamie Watts moved to Northern Ireland in 2017 with his family and splits his time between NI and Scotland during the week.

Trish's Role

As part of her role, Trish specialises in preparing complex RDEC claims for UK subsidiaries of large global groups and SME claims for smaller UK companies. She also has experience in the patent box, land remediation relief and dealing with HM Revenue & Customs enquiries.

Before Amplifi

Trish spent 14 years with Baker Tilly Mooney Moore in various management positions, where she also obtained her ACCA qualification.

Outside Amplifi

Trish enjoys spending time with her young family.

Sean’s Role

Sean's role is to head up the Technical Team, ensuring a high-quality service for our clients in preparing the technical paper, and to oversee technology improvement for the company.

Before Amplifi

Sean worked for 8 years at ABGI UK (formerly Ian Farley), serving in various roles, including Technical Consultant, Operations Manager, and Technical & Compliance Manager, overseeing all HMRC enquiries and legislative queries for them during the latter. 

Outside Amplifi

Sean enjoys playing softball for the Belfast Brawlers, and is also a softball umpire.

Adam’s Role

Adam’s role blends a mix of client-focused delivery with strategic and operational leadership, ensuring exceptional service for clients while driving financial strength, compliance, and scalable growth in Amplifi with the team always in mind.

Before Amplifi

Adam is a Chartered Accountant who most recently served as Head of Finance for a multi-entity group, leading financial operations, reporting and strategic support. Prior to this, he climbed the ranks over eight years at EY, progressing to Audit Manager and leading complex audit engagements across the UK, ROI and US, delivering technical excellence and operational improvements for clients, across a broad range of sectors.

Outside Amplifi

Outside Amplifi, Adam is always busy, living an active hands-on life centred around his young family, fitness and DIY projects. He enjoys anything adventurous and getting stuck into projects with his kids, ideally outdoors, bringing the same energy and enthusiasm to home life as he does to his professional role.

Lisa’s Role

After joining the team in June 2017, Lisa is responsible for overseeing all financial matters within the business, reviewing claims and liaising with clients.

Before Amplifi

Lisa has a wealth of financial qualifications and experience. Holding a BSC Honours degree in Business, Finance & Investment and a Graduate Diploma in Accounting. Lisa has worked in practice for 4 years, qualifying as a Chartered Accountant in 2007 and working within financial accountant and financial controller roles since 2008.

Outside Amplifi

Having developed a love for the North Coast after completing her degree in Coleraine, Lisa and her family enjoy spending time at the coast. While early morning boot camps and learning to crochet are also keen pastimes.

Ross's Role

Ross Davidson develops new and existing relationships with introducers and innovative businesses in NI and London by introducing them to HMRCs R&D Tax Credit Scheme and the benefits it can offer.

Before Amplifi

Ross attended Ulster University and studied a degree in Business with Marketing and completed a Master's in Finance. This led him to work for Citibank’s Foreign Exchange department in Belfast. After Citibank, he moved to London to pursue a career in Commercial Finance, which allowed him to help SMEs with various funding requirements covering both London & Northern Ireland regions.

Outside Amplifi

Ross enjoys watching all sports, especially football, rugby & golf. He currently plays football locally for Mossley FC and tries to play golf during the summer months.

Roger’s Role
Roger Daynes is in charge of all aspects of sales, business development and account management for Scotland. His primary focus is to meet and build long-term partnerships with introducers, trade bodies and businesses where innovation plays a central role. Government support for innovation has never been so high, nor so necessary; it is Roger’s aim to raise awareness of the HMRC R&D scheme even further and uncover new opportunities to monetise R&D qualifying activity for businesses of all sizes and sectors.

 
Rogers Articles

Scotland's Big Ideas Face a Scaling Challenge - Read More
Scotland’s Accountants Face M&A Surge: How Independent Firms Can Compete - Read More
Crucial Role of R&D in the Energy Transition - Read More 

Before Amplifi
For over 20 years Roger has been working in sales and business development across the financial services and technology sectors. Having started his corporate career in Edinburgh, he has since worked in New York, London, mainland Europe and the Middle East before returning full-circle to Edinburgh. He has a passion for developing relationships, collaborating and enabling businesses to grow profitably. Whilst Sales Director – Middle East at Copart Inc. (NASDAQ: CPRT), he spearheaded game-changing technology across the region, allowing customers to improve their operational efficiency, process transparency and even profitability. He played a pivotal role in securing strategic partnerships followed by the creation of cross-functional teams to ensure first-class service delivery. Having repatriated to Edinburgh in 2016, Roger has worked with and consulted for a number of innovative businesses, and by joining Amplifi Solutions in 2020, hopes to harness innovation further by ensuring existing and new clients take full advantage of the Government’s flagship R&D scheme.

Outside Amplifi
Music and travelling with his wife and two children. Plus all things golf; playing (even at his age there’s always room for improvement!) and growing the game, particularly by engaging the younger generation.

Role at Amplifi:
Naomi is a Software and IT Technical Consultant at Amplifi, where she supports software clients with their R&D tax credit claims. Her role involves conducting in-depth interviews to uncover the technical details behind clients’ innovations, which she then translates into clear, comprehensive R&D technical reports. Naomi also provides expert assistance during HMRC enquiries, helping clients navigate the process with confidence.

Before Amplifi:
Naomi holds a Master’s degree in Software Development and has built a well-rounded career across the tech industry. Over the past 3–4 years, she has worked in roles spanning software engineering, IT consultancy, and technical support, including experience in application support and full-stack development. Most recently, she has focused on supporting software and IT clients in the R&D tax sector, helping prepare and submit technical claims. Her core strengths include troubleshooting, end-user support, software development, and cloud based solutions.

Outside of Amplifi:
Outside of work, I enjoy travelling and exploring new places, especially when it involves discovering local food spots and hidden gems. I also enjoy running as a way to stay active and unwind.

Tom's Role

Tom, a software Technical Consultant, is a key contact for our clients. He uses his technical knowledge to interview clients, help identify their qualifying software, and expertly prepares the essential technical documentation for a R&D tax credit claim. Moreover, Tom provides invaluable assistance on any HMRC enquiry.

Before Amplifi

For most of Tom’s career, he has been a journalist and content writer, working in both freelance and salaried roles for magazines, websites, and companies. Work has included:

Articles in publications such as the Guardian, Time Out, Tech Radar, and many others.
Content writing services to firms such as Amazon, ING, KPMG, and ANZ Bank.
B2B content for small and medium-sized technology firms.

Lesley's Role

Lesley, a software and IT Technical Consultant, offers support and guidance for R&D tax credit claims to Amplifi's software clients. An essential part of Lesley's role is interviewing clients to gather relevant information about their latest innovations, which she then analyses to create insightful R&D technical reports for claims. Additionally, she provides assistance to clients during HMRC enquiries.

Before Amplifi

After her BSc (Hons) in Computing Science, Lesley spent over 25 years in numerous software roles that included:

Research and development
Consultancy and proposal writing
Business management
Customer relationship management
Web development
Network management and support
Database development

Gary's Role

Gary, one of our manufacturing and engineering technical consultants, plays a pivotal role in assisting clients through their R&D tax credit claim journey. He conducts thorough interviews with clients to understand their innovative endeavours, from this, he expertly prepares the technical documentation required for their HMRC claim. Additionally, Gary offers invaluable support during any HMRC enquiry that may arise.

Before Amplifi

Gary Morrison has an MBA, a postgraduate Diploma and over 25 years’ senior management experience working in leading manufacturing, engineering, and cash management organisations, where he was responsible for:

Operations, both locally and overseas
Machining and assembly activities
Leading multi-functional production teams
Quality and material planning
Industrial and methods engineering
Reporting
Manufacturing

Jim’s Role
A qualified Engineer, Jim Browne is responsible for writing engineering technical reports for R&D tax credit claims. His vast experience in helping others develop cutting-edge innovations gives him a unique understanding of the R&D process, which helps him create a common bond with clients.

Before Amplifi
Jim has a degree in Engineering from the University of Ulster and over 30 years’ experience as an Electronic Engineer designing products for the telecoms, photonics and oil industries.

Outside Amplifi
If he is not involved with his local church or community groups, Jim Browne can be found taxiing his two children around the country or watching sports, particularly Man United matches.

Francis' Role:Francis liaises with clients to collate all relevant R&D financial information, which he then processes and analyses. He supports and guides clients throughout the entire claims process, helping determine their R&D spend for the financial year before submitting the claim to HMRC. He also works closely with our clients’ accountants, who provide key information and support when needed.
Before Amplifi:Francis attended Belfast Royal Academy before studying Business with Marketing Management at Northumbria University. He has previously worked in the hospitality sector and for the Department for Communities.
Outside Amplifi:
Other than socialising with family and friends, Francis enjoys staying active through sport. He currently plays for Cliftonville Academy Cricket Club, following a few seasons in England and New Zealand, and is an admittedly below-par golfer. After a forced early retirement from rugby, he moved into coaching and is now involved with both Belfast Royal Academy and Academy Rugby Football Club. He’s also a big Arsenal fan.

Stewart’s Role
Stewart Martin is a key member of Amplifi’s analyst team. He liaises with clients in order to collate all their R&D financial information, which he then processes and analyses. Stewart will work with and guide clients throughout the entire claims process in order to determine their exact R&D spend during the financial year in question, before submitting their claim to HMRC. He also works heavily with our clients’ accountants, who provide both information and support where needed. Stewart’s commitment to building strong relationships with both our clients and accountants is vital to his team’s success.

Before Amplifi
Stewart attended Belfast Royal Academy before studying Physiotherapy at Ulster University for 3 years. He has previous experience in the finance industry, working for Danske bank. He also has experience in the hospitality industry, which has proven vital in developing communication and leadership skills.

Outside Amplifi
Stewart is a keen rugby player and has played for Academy RFC for 6 seasons. He has represented Ulster at age-grade level and the Ulster Juniors team and he also plays golf (badly). He enjoys eating out and socialising with friends and family.

Julie’s Role
Julie Stewart is responsible for the company’s marketing strategy and everything marketing related, from designing company literature and writing copy, to event management and organising corporate hospitality.

Before Amplifi
Julie has over 13 years’ marketing experience working within the B2B transport, telecommunications and media industries, where she has developed graphic design, advertising, PR, digital marketing and event management skills. She also has a BA Hons Degree in Marketing and a Digital Marketing Diploma.

Outside Amplifi
Other than spending time out and about with her children, Julie enjoys exploring with her dog and horse riding. In the summer, she gardens and attempts to grow her own vegetables. While in the winter, Julie likes creative activities like sewing, drawing, upcycling and DIY.

Tara's Role:
Since joining Amplifi, Tara’s responsibilities have extended across both financial and administrative functions. She keeps invoicing and credit control on track, coordinates deadlines with clients and accountants, and helps ensure HMRC submissions run smoothly. From drafting pre-notifications and using her editorial background to review technical reports, to overseeing client onboarding, Tara is an essential part of the smooth running of our operations and service.

Before Amplifi
Tara studied at Queens University, graduating in English. Her career started as an editor in London with FT Law & Tax, publishing a variety of books and periodicals spanning the field. Moving to Leicester, Tara became commercial manager for a graphics design & production company. On returning to Northern Ireland, Tara has spent the last decade working for an SME locally handling accounts and putting in place systems to deliver compliance with the post-Brexit NI protocol arrangements.

Outside Amplifi
Tara splits her time between the demands of a lively family of teenagers, a love of entertaining family and friends, interior design and detective dramas.

Saifur's Role

Saifur, a software and IT Technical Consultant, offers support and guidance for R&D tax credit claims to Amplifi’s software clients. An essential part of his role is interviewing clients to gather relevant information about their latest innovations, which he then analyses to create insightful R&D technical reports for claims. Additionally, Saifur provides assistance to clients during HMRC enquiries.

Before Amplifi

Saifur holds a master’s degree in computer science with a background in network security and artificial intelligence. Over the past 6-7 years, he has been working within the R&D tax industry, specifically helping software/IT companies prepare and submit their R&D tax credit claim. His technical expertise lies in data engineering, machine learning models and application and cloud development.

Outside Amplifi

"I enjoy skiing in winter and lying on the beach somewhere in Europe over summer. I enjoy travelling and trying many different cuisines. Furthermore, I am also an avid Formula 1 fan – rooting for team McLaren Racing!"

Matthew's Role

Matthew’s role at Amplifi is Software Developer. He is currently working on exciting projects that will streamline and automate different processes within the business. He is also responsible for helping colleagues with any IT issues that arise.

Before Amplifi

Matthew graduated from Ulster University with BSc Hons in Computer Science. Having worked previously in retail during his studies, Matthew has developed his interpersonal skills and time management skills from working in a busy environment. Having developed a love for computer programming and web development, Matthew brings his creative instinct to the Amplifi Team.

Outside Amplifi

Matthew enjoys all sports, particularly football. He enjoys watching football, particularly Chelsea matches. He also enjoys gaming and socialising with his friends.

Kim’s Role

Kim is responsible for ensuring every customer enjoys a top-class experience, continuously improving internal processes and acting on customer feedback. She works across all departments at Amplifi, streamlining operations and supporting the rollout of new initiatives. Kim is also passionate about how technology and systems can empower our teams and make doing business with Amplifi straightforward and enjoyable for our customers.

Before Amplifi

Kim has over 15 years’ experience in operations, leading functions across the telecoms and IT sectors, with a focus on technical support, project management, and engineering. Most recently, she worked on the South Coast of England with Aerial Direct and Tailor Made Technologies, as well as in Northern Ireland with Rainbow Communications. Before moving into telecoms and IT, Kim spent eight years in the travel industry—an experience that firmly ignited her passion for travel.

Outside Amplifi

Kim enjoys spending time with her family, travelling, especially to Sicily, and attending her local church. She also loves music, plays a few instruments (badly, by her own admission), and her ideal night out is a good quiz night.