01 Jul 2024

New directors are starting next chapter of their PKF Francis Clark careers

PKF Francis Clark has promoted nine new directors across a variety of departments.

They include audit and assurance specialists Rachael Pepler, Ben Slater and Tracy Lewis. Joining them in celebrating promotions are Jackie Brooks and Richard Owen (business advisory), Chris Bishop (corporate finance) and Laura Howson (private client tax).

Meanwhile in the firm’s people team, Phil Ball, head of leadership development, and Toby Lott, head of people management and development, are also making the step up to director level.

From left: Chris Bishop, Rachael Pepler, Tracy Lewis, Jackie Brooks, Laura Howson, Phil Ball, Toby Lott and Ben Slater have been promoted to directors at PKF Francis Clark, along with Richard Owen (not pictured)

Paul Crocker, CEO at PKF Francis Clark, said: “Developing our people is integral to our success as a firm, so I’m always delighted to see colleagues progressing to the next chapter in their careers.

“Whether they trained with us or joined after gaining experience elsewhere, all our new directors have shown a commitment to developing the skills to be part of our next generation of leaders. Phil and Toby’s promotions also reflect the importance of our central services teams and the value we place on learning and development.”

Rachael, Chris, Toby and Phil are based in Exeter, Ben and Jackie in Torquay, Laura and Richard in Salisbury, and Tracy in Truro.

Developing our people is integral to our success as a firm.

Three of our new directors – Ben, Chris and Rachael – joined PKF Francis Clark as graduate trainees. Ben now looks after a portfolio of mainly owner-managed businesses and small and medium-sized businesses. Chris is an award-winning dealmaker who provides corporate finance advice to owner-managed businesses and larger corporates, including supporting shareholders in the sale of their businesses. Rachael advises a broad range of corporate clients, with a focus on AIM-listed businesses and large companies and groups.

Tracy manages a portfolio of large corporate audits, including groups. Jackie looks after small and medium-sized businesses, ensuring they meet all their accountancy, taxation and other statutory requirements in a timely manner.

Private client tax specialist Laura works closely with financial planning colleagues to support her clients, including high net worth individuals. Richard manages a portfolio of clients, primarily owner-managed and family-run businesses across a wide range of sectors, taking an active role in providing business advice to help them achieve their goals.

Phil’s role covers all aspects of leadership development at PKF Francis Clark, including a suite of leadership programmes. Toby leads the firm’s people manager, advisor and learning and development team, as well as coaching and supporting line managers.

Find out more about careers at PKF Francis Clark.

Get in touch

Related insights

Colleagues in their office discussing an important matter.

Spring Statement 2025: HMRC to combat phoenix company practices

27 March 2025

Read
A man is looking at his accounts on a computer screen.

Making Tax Digital for Income Tax: All you need to know

27 March 2025

Read
A view across the Thames river towards Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, the Union Jack is raised high against a sky of purple hues.

Spring Statement 2025: What do you need to know?

26 March 2025

Read

Spring Statement 2025: Tax update

26 March 2025

Read
A group of colleagues from PKF Francis Clark with a trophy at the UK's Best Workplaces Awards 2025

PKF Francis Clark enters UK’s Best Large Workplaces top 20

25 March 2025

Read
A client listens intently to his accountant as she gestures to information on a clipboard.

How can UK businesses prepare for Trump's US tariffs?

25 March 2025

Read

Meet Cornhill Farm, local heroes and Cornwall's Farmers of the Year

25 March 2025

Read

Deal alert: Supporting Connected ID on sale to US buyer

20 March 2025

Read
board members meeting

Employee ownership trusts explained

19 March 2025

Read
A group of people have boxed up goods on a table ready to sell for charity

How to set up a charity foundation

19 March 2025

Read
Two colleagues deep in thought discussing what they see on a laptop

Upcoming tax rises and employment challenges

19 March 2025

Read

Deal alert: PKF advises Korkia and Climate ER Helio on solar and battery project sale

18 March 2025

Read