Partner promotions

Private client tax specialist Sarah Brown, VAT expert Mark Bishop and auditor Rob Deare are embarking on new roles following their promotions to partner.

Exeter-based Sarah joined PKF Francis Clark in 2013, having started her career with a Big Four accountancy firm. Her main focus is advising high-net-worth individuals and internationally mobile clients on a range of compliance and tax planning needs, including residence and domicile issues.

Sarah said: “I’m excited to become part of the partner team and am looking forward to being involved in strategic decision-making to drive our firm forwards. I also enjoy developing and mentoring colleagues in our tax team, spotting talent and helping them to grow their technical expertise.”

We pride ourselves on supporting our people to develop and progress, whether they have trained with us, joined from another firm or changed careers.

Mark is based in Plymouth, where he helps lead our VAT and customs team. An engineer by training, he worked in the electronics industry before spending 12 years at HM Revenue & Customs working in VAT compliance. In 2016, he joined PKF Francis Clark to put his expertise into practice advising clients from the other side of the fence.

“It’s a huge privilege to be invited to join the partner group, and it illustrates the commitment PKF Francis Clark makes to training and development,” said Mark. “I’m energised by the fresh challenges and experiences that will come from stepping up to this leadership position, while continuing to help our clients navigate the complexities and vagaries of VAT.”

From left: Rob Deare, Sarah Brown and Mark Bishop (Photo: Steven Haywood)

Audit partner Rob joined PKF Francis Clark in 2013 as a graduate trainee. Having previously worked in retail and recruitment, he hasn’t looked back since deciding to pursue a career in accountancy, qualifying as a chartered accountant and chartered tax adviser before becoming a statutory auditor. Based in Exeter, he is responsible for advising a portfolio of predominantly owner-managed and family businesses.

Rob said: “From the outset I could see plenty of opportunity to develop, learn new skills and achieve the career progression I was looking for, while working alongside great people. Becoming a partner fulfils a career-long ambition and I’m looking forward to helping to inspire and develop future leaders within the firm.”

Paul Crocker, CEO at PKF Francis Clark, said: “We pride ourselves on supporting our people to develop and progress, whether they have trained with us, joined from another firm or changed careers. Sarah, Mark and Rob’s journeys to becoming partners are a perfect illustration of this.

“Their progression to this next step reflects their talent and dedication to serving our clients. I’m delighted to welcome them to the partnership and wish them every success in this next chapter of their PKF Francis Clark careers.”

Find out more about careers at PKF Francis Clark.