Team - Chris Hawes

Chris Hawes

Chris Hawes

Head of Ethics, Risk & Compliance

Chris is Gravita’s Head of Ethics, leading the firm’s approach to ethics, independence and ethical decision making. He is responsible for Gravita’s ethics and independence framework, and leads the firm, colleagues and teams across the business, ensuring regulatory requirements are applied in a practical and proportionate way.

With over 18 years’ experience specialising in ethics, independence and risk management, Chris brings extensive technical expertise to the role. Before joining Gravita, he worked at a Big 6 firm, where he led on technical ethics matters and supported the firm through major revisions to the FRC Ethical Standard.

Throughout his career, Chris has focused on developing practical, risk based solutions that support business growth while maintaining strong ethical and independence standards. At Gravita, his focus is on making ethics and independence clear, accessible and easy to apply in day to day decision making.

Services

Central team

Sectors

Professional and Business Services

Locations

Gravita and Santander UK present an analysis of the 2026 Autumn Budget and the economic outlook

11th November 2026
 
Our third consecutive event with Santander UK brought together Tax Partner, Thomas Adcock, Santander UK’s Chief Economist, Frances Haque and Head of Risk Solutions, Nathan Hutchings for an analysis of the 2026 Autumn Budget and...
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Could your charity be paying too much VAT or unknowingly creating a VAT liability?

10th November 2026
Written by: David Gage
A new fundraising initiative, a change in how services are delivered or a property transaction can have unexpected VAT consequences. For charities, even seemingly straightforward decisions can result in significant additional costs, missed reliefs or...
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Working in the UK for an overseas employer? Do you need a DPNI scheme?

6th November 2026
Written by: Rebecca Aimey
If you work in the UK but your employer is based overseas, you might be responsible for handling your own tax and National Insurance. This is where a Direct Payment National Insurance (DPNI) scheme comes...
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UK technology

The Budget has set the direction for UK tech, now delivery must follow

5th November 2026
Written by: Tanveer Mahtab-Ahmed
The Autumn Budget has sent a clear signal about the role technology is expected to play in the UK’s future growth. Artificial intelligence, cyber security, sovereign capability, data infrastructure and regional innovation all feature prominently,...
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Trade union reform Is your business ready
HR

Trade union reform: Is your business ready?

3rd November 2026
Written by: Kirsty Henderson
Never had to deal with a trade union before? That doesn’t mean your business won’t need to think about one now. With new trade union laws taking effect from 30th October 2026, employers have new...
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UK GAAP changes

UK GAAP changes: What your business needs to know

2nd November 2026
Written by: Jen Sewell
The revised UK GAAP requirements apply to accounting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2026. Here’s what businesses need to know and how to prepare. Changes to UK accounting standards are bringing aspects of...
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How R&D tax credits can unexpectedly bring businesses into QIPs

2nd November 2026
Written by: Clare Boden
For young businesses investing in research and development, R&D tax credits can provide valuable support for growth. What may come as a surprise is that the R&D expenditure credit can also trigger quarterly instalment payments...
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Budget 2026: Personal tax

29th October 2026
 
Personal allowances and thresholds These remain frozen, as expected and as announced in the previous Chancellor’s Budget. However, there have been a few adjustments around the edges designed to benefit small, unincorporated business owners and...
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