Following a hugely successful 20 years in the role, Andrew Delve will step down as Managing Partner at Smith Cooper and hand over the reins to the new Managing Partner James Bagley.
Andrew (who will continue to service his clients as Group Chairman) explained “I have achieved the objectives that I set when I first took on the role in 1996. We have introduced new service lines to meet our clients’ needs, the firm has grown by 9% year on year and we have recruited a number of talented professionals across our offices.
“Now is the right time for me to return to the core practice and to continue to work with our expanding client base. James is the perfect person to take on the role, having worked closely with me over the last few years whilst acting as Managing Partner of the firms Nottingham Office. He is a gifted business advisor and respected leader. I am proud of what this firm has achieved over the last 20 years and supremely confident that further growth and success will follow under James leadership”
James commented “It’s a great honour for me to take on the role of Managing Partner at Smith Cooper. Andrew has led the firm over the past twenty years with great skill and I know that he will be a hard act to follow.”
As Managing Partner, James will be responsible for strategic planning and finding opportunities to grow the firm.
He adds “Smith Cooper has gained a great reputation for serving the needs of owner managed and ambitious businesses. The firm has been innovative in our market, making us a full-service business advisory practice offering IT support, software, communications solutions, independent financial and mortgage advice alongside more traditional professional services I am excited to take on the role of Managing Partner at Smith Cooper as we continue to support our people and our clients.”
James graduated with a first class with honours degree in Accounting and Finance from Newcastle University Business School and won the RJ Weston Fund prize in his final chartered accountancy exams. James was also selected as one of Nottingham Post’s Rising Stars 2015 and was shortlisted for East Midlands Business Link Fastest 40 Awards 2015, both of which are in place to celebrate the achievements of business people under 40.
