Alan Buckett, Head of VAT Services at DSH, is celebrating 35 years at the top of his game by winning a prestigious national award.

Alan won the Outstanding Contribution to Indirect Tax award in the inaugural Indirect Tax Awards 2008, organised by The Tax Journal.

The award recognises individuals that have made a sustained and significant impact in indirect tax during their career and recognises long-term work in relation to tax, as well as notable achievements in the last year. Alan was nominated by his colleagues for providing guidance to VAT specialists, helping fellow professionals by way of raising awareness, providing training and education and offering an excellent service to clients.

A large number of leading practitioners had been nominated for the award, including QCs, City solicitors and partners in some of the UK's largest accounting firms. However, the judges felt that the overall contribution made by Alan to all aspects of Indirect Tax, with particular regard to the significant amounts of time and energy that he has devoted over and above his immediate professional commitments, merited recognition through the presentation of the indirect tax industry's leading award.

The panel of judges comprised some of the most respected figures in the tax industry, offering unrivalled experience and know-how.

The award was presented by James Bullock of McGrigors LLP, the award sponsors, at a ceremony at the Glaziers Hall in the City of London.

James Bullock said: “It was a great pleasure to present the award to Alan Buckett. He is one of the most respected and highly regarded practitioners in Indirect Tax and has a wealth of experience gleaned from his time with HMRC, in private practice, industry and as a writer and lecturer. He fought off a very strong field to win this prestigious award.”

As well as his day-to-day professional activities, Alan has been a regular writer and broadcaster in relation to VAT, having been regularly quoted in both the Financial Times and The Times and appearing on the BBC's Money Programme . He has written three books, is consulting editor to several leading tax publications and has served as both Chairman and President of the VAT Practitioners' Group, of which he was a founder member.

Philip Wilson, Chairman at DSH, said: “Since joining DSH as Head of VAT Services in 2005, Alan has developed a growing VAT consultancy and has achieved remarkable success in both limiting tax payments and recovering overpaid tax by use of his extensive knowledge.”

Alan Buckett commented: “I am delighted to receive the award for Outstanding Contribution to Indirect Tax, especially given that this is the first time that it has been presented. It is a great honour to receive the recognition of one's peers in respect of indirect tax which continues to grow in significance both here in the UK, and internationally."

Alan Buckett (centre) accepts the Outstanding Contribution to Indirect Tax Award from James Bullock, of McGrigor's, and chair of judges, Alison Lovejoy