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.

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