Tax manager scoops second VIP ticket for young professionals awards
Ellie Warner, an R&D Tax manager at BDO has scooped the second VIP golden ticket for the 2025 Greater Birmingham Young Professional of the Year Awards.
Ellie (pictured) bagged the ticket at the recent social networking event, hosted by Sandbox VR.
Members will have the chance to uncover 10 golden tickets randomly hidden at Future Faces events throughout this year.
Winners will receive VIP access to the awards, ensuring a night of celebration and networking among the region’s top talent and industry leaders.
The awards are due to take place on 17 October 2025 at Birmingham’s ICC.
Read below to find out a little more about Ellie, her career and what she is excited about for the upcoming 2025 awards.
- Can you tell us a little about yourself and your professional background?
I am currently an R&D Tax manager at BDO, where I have been for almost a year and a half, having worked in R&D Tax for just over five years. Prior to moving into R&D Tax, I studied Chemical Engineering at University and then got a PhD in the 3D Printing of Food. I also worked for a few months as a legal recruiter in London before permanently moving back to the Midlands.
- What inspired you to pursue your current career or role?
I have always loved numbers, and originally considered going for a graduate placement in the financial services, however, when I was offered the PhD position, I couldn’t turn it down. When I was deciding what I wanted to do and job searching on the internet, I managed to find a role which included both my love of numbers and my academic background, and as such, the rest is history. I really enjoy talking to clients and working out what they do and then it’s great getting them money back to carry on working on more innovative projects.
- What is the most rewarding part of your job or industry?
Overall, it’s great getting money back for companies, so they can continue doing the innovative work they are doing. Personally, I love learning about new industries and areas which I had never considered before.
- How did you hear about the Greater BYPY Awards?
My first Future Faces event I attended was the Greater BYPY Shortlist BBQ for last year’s awards, at the Birmingham Library. It was great learning about the awards and talking to people who had been shortlisted.
- What does winning a gold VIP ticket to the event mean to you?
It was very exciting to find the ticket and I’m looking forward to attending the award ceremony and getting to network with more people.
- What are you most looking forward to at the awards?
I’m looking forward to hearing about all the amazing things that people have been doing over the last year.
7. If you could meet any leader or professional at the BYPY Awards, who would it be and why?
I would be fascinated to meet Jacinda Ardern, the former Prime Minister of New Zealand. She has achieved a lot in her career, and I think she is a real role model of working hard but also being self-aware.
8. What’s one thing people might not know about you?
I have been to Everest basecamp and after trekking through the night, I saw the sun rise over Everest.
9. If you could describe your professional journey in one word, what would it be?
A rollercoaster.
10. Why do you think events like BYPY Awards are important for young professionals?
I think it’s important to take a step back and celebrate what everyone has achieved, it’s so easy to get lost in the day to day, so being able to celebrate everyone’s achievements is great.
11. What do you hope to gain or learn by attending this year’s event?
I’m excited to learn and celebrate all the work and activities that others have been doing in and around Birmingham over the last year.
