Even if your product has taken off in two other countries (Australia and New Zealand), launching a startup in the UK is no joke.
But we’ve put in the hard yards, done the groundwork, and built up a solid local team. And it’s paid off – after months of hard graft, Hnry is officially live, and helping sole traders across the UK sort their taxes.
So without further ado, we’d like to introduce you to the team behind the magic. Hi, we’re Hnry UK!
“Excited to launch”
Heading our UK operation is the debonair Manasé Mtopa FCMA, a chartered accountant well-versed in UK’s tax rules. He was tapped by Hnry NZ founders Claire and James Fuller in the early days, before there was even an office to work from – and he’s had a hand in everything that’s been built since.
“I know from experience how difficult it can be to manage your financial admin as a sole trader, which is why I was so excited to help launch Hnry UK,” Manasé says.
Although Hnry has been around for nearly a decade now, Hnry UK is very much in startup mode. And like with any good startup, Manasé has focused on finding the right people for the right roles.
“It’s not just about skills – we’re looking for people who understand and can fit into the wider Hnry culture,” he says. “I’m really proud that Hnry is a much-needed service, supported by good people.”
“Always happy to help”
Speaking of good people, meet Annabelle Prime – Hnry UK’s Customer Care Team Lead and quiz queen (she’s the main reason the UK office is currently winning the tri-office quiz competition).
Annabelle and her team are the first point of call for Hnry users, answering any and all questions about both our service and the UK tax system.
“I’ve worked in other customer-facing roles before, but what makes Hnry unique is the variety of people we speak to every day,” she says. “One moment it’s a freelancer asking about invoicing, the next it’s a builder wanting to know what materials they can claim. No two days are ever the same, which keeps things interesting—and we’re always happy to help!”
“An awesome challenge”
When it comes to taxes, there are definitely similarities between NZ and the UK – but there are also some key differences (we have VAT, while they have GST, for example. We have National Insurance, they have something called ACC).
To help adapt and build the Hnry UK app, the UK team includes a crack team of developers, led by Senior Engineer Christian Whitwell. Christian has an incredible wealth of knowledge and a deep love for smoked meats – both vital to the cause.
“Adapting the Hnry app for the UK market has been an awesome challenge,” says Christian. “It’s not just about translating features, but truly understanding the UK tax system and building a product that’s simple to use while holding its own in a competitive market.”
“Good vibes and the best people”
Finally, no new office would be complete without the old hands, which is why Hnry UK was so proud to welcome Jas Hindson on board.
Jas had just completed two years in the Hnry NZ office when she decided to move to the UK with her partner. Joining the UK office was a no-brainer.
“The UK team has been super welcoming,” she says, “but that’s what you can expect from any Hnry office. The vibes are always good and the people are the best!”
“Growing the engineering team has been one of the best parts of the job so far,” says Christian, “and Jas is such a valuable asset. Her existing Hnry background, combined with our fresh perspectives, makes the product even stronger.”
The UK office might be new, and facing all the challenges of a new product in a new market – but it’s also full of inside jokes, interpersonal competitions (thanks to one specific afterwork darts game), and laughter. Here at Hnry, we wouldn’t have it any other way.
“I enjoy coming to work every day,” says Annabelle. “We have such a great team that gets along so well and supports each other – which makes every day fun.”
Fancy joining the team? Check out our careers page!
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