Stuart decided during his A levels that he wanted to become a Chartered Accountant and went on to join one of the top ten accounting firms, where he qualified in 1986. In 1990 Stuart joined an independent practice in Leeds and was appointed a partner in 1994. He joined his current practice, Thomas Coombs & Son, in 1998, and remains there as a partner.

Stuart spent much of his early career looking after multi-national organisations, but felt that his strengths were better used dealing with owner-managed, family run businesses in the SME sector. Stuart now uses his 23 years of experience to provide business advice, treasury management, financial controls and tax planning support to a range of small businesses from Thomas Coombs' base in Leeds.

Stuart attends MRL board meetings to ensure that the group is financially stable. He maintains the group budget and business plan to monitor the continued growth of MRL.