Taunton office welcomes new recruits

Taunton office welcomes new recruits

Jack Chambers, Andy Squires, Fiona Lockyer, Courtney Bellringer, Jessica Rosser and Nick Farrant

Our team in Taunton has been strengthened by the arrival of partner Andy Squires and four new appointments.

Chartered tax advisor Andy returns to Taunton after six years based at our Torquay office to lead the private client, capital gains and land taxes team in Somerset.

The office has also been bolstered by the arrival of Courtney Bellringer and Fiona Lockyer, both senior accountants in the rural team, while Jessica Rosser and Jack Chambers have joined the corporate services team.

Andy said: “I’m excited to be back in Somerset, an area I know well, having been based here earlier in my career with PKF Francis Clark.

“I’m looking forward to building relationships with intermediaries and providing expert tax advice to our growing client base in the region, as well as enjoying some live cricket at the Cooper Associates County Ground, as part of our firm’s relationship with Somerset County Cricket Club.”

Andy started his career with PKF Francis Clark before spending 11 years in London with Deloitte and BDO. He returned to the firm as a tax consultant in 2007, becoming a partner in 2011.

Andy advises entrepreneurs, estates and family businesses on taxation issues. His clients include high net worth individuals, rural businesses and professional sports people.

Andy Squires, left, and Nick Farrant

Partner Nick Farrant, who heads up our Taunton office, said: “I’m delighted that Andy has returned to Taunton to lead our private client offering. His tax expertise will be of immense value to our clients across Somerset and as we build new relationships with professional advisors, families, individuals and landed and sporting estates across the county.

“Our rural team has grown rapidly since Mike Butler joined us as a partner around 18 months ago, and we’re really pleased that experienced professionals Courtney and Fiona have come on board to help serve this growing client base.

“It’s a time of significant uncertainty for many farming businesses, as we approach the end of the Brexit transition period, so the strategic tax planning that Andy will deliver locally has never been more important.

“Jessica and Jack are joining the corporate team, and will be followed by our graduate trainee intake in January, as we continue to expand our network of clients and contacts in this area and also work with colleagues in our Bristol office to deliver high quality audit, accounts, corporate tax and advisory services.”

More than 40 accountants, financial planners and tax advisors are now based at our Taunton office on Blackbrook Business Park. In recent months, the majority have been working remotely, in line with government guidance during the pandemic.