Meet The Team
Manny Rai ACA FBP
CEO & Founder of Cheylesmore Chartered Accountants.
Having worked for some of the most renowned firms in the world within Accountancy, Banking and Management Consultancy, Manny quickly understood the importance of digital transformation within the workplace. Combining technology, consulting and accountancy has allowed him to offer an invaluable service which was previously exclusive to multinational corporations.
Manny specialises in business improvement and strategy.
Manny has worked in both multi-nationals and SME's so has a wide range of skills.
Gurpreet Rai
Chartered Accountant
Chartered Accountant Gurpreet joined Cheylesmore Accountants’ Coventry team in October 2020 and supports clients across core compliance and advisory work, including year-end accounts preparation, bookkeeping and VAT, and management reporting. He is currently studying towards his ACCA qualification and is focused on delivering accurate, timely financial information that helps business owners stay compliant and make confident decisions.
Outside of work, Gurpreet enjoys basketball and following a wide range of sports. He also loves hiking, going to the beach, and travelling whenever possible to explore more of the world.
Poonam Rai
Bookkeeping Expert
Poonam joined Cheylesmore Accountants in June 2020 after completing her bookkeeping course.
Poonam is a pharmacist, and has an in depth knowledge of pharmaceutical businesses.
She loves spending time with her friends and family, and wants to open her own pharmacy.
Janet Stone
Chartered Accountant
Janet is a highly experienced accounting professional with many years in practice, supporting clients across a wide range of accountancy and tax matters. With broad, hands-on expertise spanning year-end accounts, bookkeeping, payroll, VAT, and personal and business tax compliance, she is known for her dependable guidance and thorough attention to detail.
She takes a practical, client-friendly approach—helping individuals and Coventry business owners stay organised, meet deadlines, and make sense of their numbers, while ensuring everything is handled accurately and efficiently.
Janet enjoys gardening and spending time outdoors whilst taking Milo on walks around Coombe Abbey.
Steven Shaw
Chartered Accountant
Steven is a qualified Chartered Accountant who works closely with clients on VAT returns and Self Assessment compliance. With a thorough, organised approach, he supports individuals and businesses in preparing accurate submissions, maintaining strong records, and meeting HMRC deadlines with confidence.
Steven is focused on making complex requirements feel straightforward—helping clients understand what’s needed, identifying practical efficiencies in their processes, and ensuring returns are completed correctly and on time.
As an avid runner you can often find Steven running laps around Memorial Park.
Selena Pal
Chartered Accountant
Selena is a qualified Chartered Accountant specialising in tax investigations and business formations. With a calm, detail-focused approach, she supports individuals and businesses through HMRC enquiries and compliance reviews—helping clients respond confidently, reduce disruption, and achieve clear, well-evidenced outcomes.
Alongside investigation support, Selena advises start-ups and growing businesses on company formations and early-stage structuring, including registrations and practical setup guidance. She works closely with local Coventry business owners to put the right foundations in place from day one, balancing tax efficiency with long-term commercial goals and delivering advice in a clear, straightforward way.