A professional services firm in Southampton is set to embark on a new chapter as it looks to further grow market share acting for regional businesses and their owners.
The South Coast office of Smith & Williamson, the accountancy, investment management and tax group, has relocated to larger offices in the city.
At the same time, as part of a succession plan, Andrew Edmonds takes over from Richard Green as managing partner of the South Coast office.
As part of the strategic expansion, three senior figures have also joined the 55-strong office, including one with a senior business development remit.
Staff moved to the fourth floor of Cumberland House at 15-17 Cumberland Place, which overlooks Watts Park, yesterday (Monday, October 31st).
They have been based for the past 10 years at nearby Imperial House in Kings Park Road.
Andrew, who joined as a graduate trainee from Southampton University in 1994, was promoted to head of assurance and business services in Southampton in 2011.
He said: “This is an incredibly exciting time for us and forms part of a long-term investment strategy into the Southampton office.
“Our new offices at Cumberland House provide an excellent platform for the next phase of our growth and the modern office design delivers an excellent working environment for the whole team.
“Richard has done a fantastic job as managing partner, guiding us through somewhat challenging economic conditions over the past 10 years. It is a real honour for me to take over at this point in time.”
Richard, who will continue to be an audit partner at the firm, said: “It has been my privilege to lead the Southampton office for the last 10 years. All good businesses have succession planning and, as a key part of that, Andrew has all the qualities and capabilities required to lead our dynamic office into a new era.”
As part of Smith & Williamson’s expansion, three new appointments have been announced in the assurance and business services department.
The first is Rachel Hardy, who joins as director and works with early-stage and fast-growth businesses in the technology and financial services sectors. Rachel was previously head of finance at Foresters Friendly Society in Southampton and, prior to that, an audit director at accountancy firm BDO in the city.
Mark Munro arrives as a senior manager, having spent 13 years at accountancy firm James Cowper Kreston in Southampton as senior business assurance manager. Mark’s background is looking after mid-sized corporate clients across all sectors.
Leanne Birch is a senior business development manager, who has a long track record in developing new business. Leanne previously worked for The Prince’s Trust.
In a related move, Jamie Lane was recently promoted to audit director, having been an associate director, senior audit manager and corporate finance manager at the South Coast office.
The partners at Smith & Williamson will be hosting two autumn-themed drinks receptions for clients, staff and contacts at Cumberland House on the evenings of Wednesday, November 16th and Wednesday, November 23rd.
