Meet the Boss – Victoria Wainwright of Naylor…

Meet the Boss – Victoria Wainwright of Naylor Wintersgill

Bradford Means Business meets Victoria Wainwright and I’m managing director of Naylor Wintersgill Chartered Accountants, and poses some important questions..


Please describe your role and the company you work for in 150 words.

Naylor Wintersgill is a large firm of chartered accountants and business & tax advisors providing a trusted source of independent advice on a full range of business, accounting, audit and tax matters across Yorkshire and beyond. As managing director, I am dedicated to leading a team of sixty from our headquarters in Bradford city centre and our Leeds office on One Park Row to achieve sustainable growth and success for our clients and our community, whilst maintaining the culture and values that are integral to our team’s achievements.

What excites you about your job?

What motivates me is building a relationship with a client and seeing their business grow, supporting them along the way and being a positive part of their success. It’s all about the people for me – the team at Naylor Wintersgill and those I meet in various different businesses and the wider community.

What is the proudest moment of your career? 

There’s been many, but I always remember the sense of achievement in passing my final accountancy exams and really believing that hard work pays off. More recently, being a finalist for ‘Managing Partner of Year’ at the Yorkshire Accountancy Awards last year was a real high point!

What advice would you give to someone wishing to join your industry?

It would definitely be to make sure they adopt a real ‘can do’ attitude. I’d also encourage them to take advantage of any opportunities that come their way, make new contacts and get out there to meet like-minded people.



What makes a good boss?

I think rather than being a good boss it’s all about being a good leader – someone who leads by example and empowers others to reach their goals. You need a strong clear vision for your team and the ability to recognise that everyone’s different – empathy plays big part.

What do you do to unwind after a long day in the office?

I go for a run. Just making time to get outside in the fresh air has so many physical and mental health benefits.

What is it you love about Bradford?

It’s a really vibrant city full of opportunity. I love the distinct mix of unique heritage, innovation and diversity and I’m excited about the Bradford 2025 UK city of culture bid, it’ll be great for the city.

What was the first job you had and how much did you get paid?

I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit and can remember at the age of 10 setting up my dog walking businesses and charging my neighbours 50p per walk!

What did you want to be when you were a child?

Various different things to be honest. When I was very young I thought about what it would be like to be a police officer, then a pharmacist and then a PE teacher. Strangely, accountancy was never on the radar.

Who is your idol and why?

My gran. She was the one who first spotted a job advert in the local paper for a trainee accountant in Bradford and told me to go for it – and here I am now!

Name four people dead or alive you would like to go to dinner with?

The Queen, Joanna Lumley, David Attenborough and Gary Barlow

What would you cook them?

I’ve heard the Queen likes a bit of salmon.

Who is the best person to follow on social media, and why?

It’s hard to choose. It’s always great to follow people from a business perspective but during the pandemic, social media has been a great safe place to stay connected with friends and family.

What is your favourite book?

I love crime fiction. AA Dhand is a brilliant author, a Bradfordian too!

What was the best holiday you have ever been on and why?

There has been quite a few but I’d have to say Mauritius, as it was my honeymoon. Thailand is a close second.

The one place on earth you have always wanted to visit and why?

I’d love to treat the kids and take them to Lapland. For some reason I’ve also always wanted to go cage diving with sharks somewhere, what an exhilarating experience that would be – not one for the kids though!

What one thing could you not live without?

My family.

Who would play you in a film of your life? 

That’s a real tough one.

What would your superpower be?

The ability to read minds (my kids already think I can do this already!)

If you were stranded on a desert island and you could have a luxury item, what would it be?

My mobile, internet connection and power – is that cheating?

What is your happy song?

“Can’t stop the feeling!” by Justine Timberlake is a great feel-good tune.

If you could retire tomorrow what would be the first thing you would do?

I’ve no plans to retire any time soon but a day of indulging in some ‘me-time’ with a spot of retail therapy sounds good.




What is the craziest thing you have every done for charity?

There’s been so many things over the years, but I’d say a sponsored night in the police cells for the Lord Mayor’s Appeal closely followed by a sky dive.

Please tell us a joke!

Never ask a star fish for directions!


Naylor Wintersgill. Carlton House, Grammar School Street, Bradford, BD1 4NS

01274 733184 or 01274 393702

hello@naylorwintersgill.co.uk

naylorwintersgill.com

naylorwintersgill.com