Lucy Cohen: The Welsh Entrepreneur Redefining Accounting, Leadership and Modern Business

Lucy Cohen is one of the most dynamic and recognisable figures in the UK accounting and small-business landscape. Known for her bold personality, disruptive business approach, and unwavering commitment to empowering micro-businesses, she has become a powerful voice for innovation and inclusion. As the Co-Founder and CEO of Mazuma, the UK’s first subscription-based accountancy service, and now the 45th President of the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT), Cohen represents a new generation of leaders who blend authenticity, commercial insight and social impact.

Born in January 1983, Lucy Cohen grew up in Wales, later becoming a champion for Welsh businesses and entrepreneurship. Over the years, she has built an impressive professional profile, winning national awards, mentoring business owners, championing accounting modernisation and even representing her country as a Team GB powerlifter. Today, she stands as an influential entrepreneur with a strong public presence, known widely as Lucy Cohen Mazuma, Lucy Cohen Wales, and Lucy Cohen Powerlifter.

Early Life, Education and the Foundation of Mazuma

Lucy Cohen’s Welsh Roots and Early Career

Lucy Cohen was born and raised in Wales, a region that deeply shaped her values and entrepreneurial drive. After completing her early education at Howell’s School Llandaff and Whitchurch High School, she began pursuing a career in finance. Demonstrating ambition early on, she qualified with the AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) between 2003 and 2006.

Before launching her own business, she worked in several finance roles including accounts support, SAP financial analysis, SAP training, and purchase ledger work. These experiences gave her a practical understanding of financial systems, small-business operations and the limitations of traditional accountancy models.

Founding Mazuma – A Revolutionary Subscription Model

In June 2006, at just 23 years old, Lucy Cohen co-founded Mazuma Accountants from a spare room. Mazuma became the UK’s first subscription-based accountancy service, designed specifically for small and micro-businesses. It aimed to simplify accounting, remove unnecessary jargon and offer a low-cost, predictable monthly service that worked for real-world entrepreneurs.

Mazuma grew rapidly, earning national and international recognition for its innovative model. Today it stands as a leading accountancy firm in Wales, serving thousands of clients across the UK. Cohen’s role as Founder & CEO of Mazuma remains central to her identity, and she continues to promote the belief that accounting should be accessible, supportive and modern.

Lucy Cohen’s Impact in Wales and on the UK Business Landscape

Championing Welsh Entrepreneurship

Known widely as Lucy Cohen Wales, she has become a strong advocate for her region. She serves on the Swansea Bay City Deal Economic Strategy Board, supports Welsh education through advisory board roles, and promotes innovation within the Welsh SME ecosystem. Her Welsh heritage is a core part of her leadership style, public speaking and mentoring work.

Leadership Roles and National Influence

Cohen’s public service record is substantial. Over the years, she has held roles such as:

• AAT President (2025 – Present)

• AAT Vice President (2024 – 2025)

• AAT Council Member, Trustee and Director (2022 – 2024)

• Non-Executive Director roles at FinTech Wales, Tennis Wales and Young Enterprise

• Advisory board positions at Barnardo’s and Gower College Swansea

• Chief Financial Officer of the Welsh Powerlifting Association

Her leadership, communication skills and authentic voice have made her one of the most recognisable figures within the accounting profession.

Awards, Recognition and Industry Impact

Lucy Cohen’s list of achievements is extensive and reflects her influence across entrepreneurship, accounting, women’s leadership and innovation. Some of her most notable accolades include:

• St David’s Award Nominee 2025

• Outstanding Contribution to Entrepreneurship – Barclays Eagle Labs 2025

• Short Business Book of the Year 2022

• AAT Past Presidents Award 2022

• Outstanding Contribution Award – Accounting Excellence 2021

• Woman of the Year (Technician), Women in Accounting & Finance Awards 2020

• Practice Innovation Award – British Accountancy Awards 2019

• Disruptor of the Year – Great British Entrepreneur Awards 2019

• Accounts & Tax Adviser of the Year – British Business Awards 2018 & 2019

• Best Employer – British Accountancy Awards 2014

• HSBC Start-Up Stars Winner 2010

• Accounting Personality of the Year 2009

• Shell Livewire Wales Winner 2007

These achievements position her as a global top 50 woman in accounting, a recognised industry disruptor and a credible advocate for modernising the profession.

Lucy Cohen the Powerlifter – Strength On and Off the Platform

Lucy Cohen Powerlifter – A Remarkable Dual Career

Beyond business, Lucy Cohen is also known for her career in powerlifting. Competing as part of Team GB, she has represented Great Britain at international level and contributed extensively to the Welsh Powerlifting Association, where she later became Chief Financial Officer.

Her involvement in powerlifting highlights her discipline, determination and commitment to personal growth—traits also visible in her business leadership.

Personal Life – Lucy Cohen Husband, Family and Identity

Marriage to Adam Thomas

Lucy Cohen is married to Adam Thomas, also known online as adam.thomas84. Adam, born in October 1984, is a quality engineer and has held leadership roles in Welsh Powerlifting. The couple married in October 2019 at Villa San Crispolto in Italy, sharing their celebration publicly with the tag #cohenthomas2019.

Lucy Cohen Age and Personal Characteristics

Based on public posts, Cohen celebrated her 40th birthday in January 2023, meaning she was born around 15 January 1983. As of 2025, she is 42 years old.

She openly discusses mental health, resilience and the realities of entrepreneurship, showcasing a level of honesty and self-awareness that resonates deeply with her audience.

Public Persona and Influence

AAT Presidency and Vision for the Future

In October 2025, Lucy Cohen became the 45th President of the AAT, marking a significant milestone in her career. Her presidency focuses on:

• Inclusion and accessibility

• Championing apprenticeships

• Supporting small businesses

• Opening opportunities regardless of background

• Leading with authenticity

Her message emphasises that success is not limited by postcode, background or appearance.

Social Media Presence and Influence

Across Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn and public speaking, she maintains a strong digital presence. With tens of thousands of followers, she continues to inspire accountants, entrepreneurs and women in business.

FAQs

1. Who is Lucy Cohen?

She is a Welsh entrepreneur, Co-Founder and CEO of Mazuma, and the 45th President of the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT). She is also a former Team GB powerlifter and an award-winning author.

2. How old is Lucy Cohen?

She was born in January 1983, making her 42 years old in 2025.

3. Who is Lucy Cohen’s husband?

She is married to Adam Thomas, a Welsh quality engineer and powerlifting official. They married in October 2019 in Italy.

4. What is Mazuma?

Mazuma is the UK’s first subscription-based accountancy service, co-founded by Lucy Cohen in 2006 to support micro and small businesses with simple, affordable accounting.

5. Was Lucy Cohen really a powerlifter?

Yes. She is a former Team GB powerlifter and has served as the Chief Financial Officer for the Welsh Powerlifting Association.

Conclusion – Why Lucy Cohen Matters

Lucy Cohen represents a new, refreshing kind of leadership in the UK’s business community. Combining entrepreneurial courage with personal authenticity, Welsh pride with national influence, and professional excellence with physical strength, she stands out as a multi-dimensional leader.

Whether referred to as Lucy Cohen Mazuma, Lucy Cohen Wales, Lucy Cohen Powerlifter, or simply Lucy Cohen, she embodies resilience, innovation and a passion for helping businesses grow. Her journey—from a spare-room start-up to the presidency of AAT—is a powerful testament to ambition, purpose and staying true to oneself.

In a world that demands reinvention and integrity, Lucy Cohen continues to inspire thousands with her message: difference belongs here, and every path to success is valid.

NewsDip.co.uk