HE Partner Rob stepping down after 43 years

APARTNER at a Devon accountancy firm is stepping down after 43 years with the firm.

Rob Bedford, partner at Simpkins Edwards’ Okehampton office, will celebrate his last day before retirement this Friday, September 21 – the anniversary of the day he joined the business in 1975, at the age of 18.

Rob said: “This year marks 43 years with the firm and the 50th anniversary of Simpkins Edwards. Over this period, the firm has expanded and changed with the times, providing a complete range of services including probate, corporate finance and litigation support in addition to the compliance areas of accounts preparation, tax, payroll and VAT.

“What has not changed is our personal approach to working with clients and their families to provide the best advice.

“As a result, I regard many clients as close friends and it is one of the numerous reasons that clients choose to stay with the firm for so many years.

“I consider myself fortunate to have enjoyed many long-term relationships and it is with mixed emotions that I say goodbye to great colleagues, friends and clients and wish them all well for the future.”

Simpkins Edwards’ senior partner Lynn Woodward said: “Rob has been a much-loved member of the team, who has played a key role in the development of the firm.

“He is much admired and will be missed by both colleagues and clients. We wish him well and look forward to hearing how he gets on.

“Okehampton-based partner, Seb Beard, a chartered tax advisor and chartered accountant, will be taking over responsibility for Rob’s clients ably assisted by Lisa Wonnacott, who has worked with Rob for almost 25 years.”

Meanwhile, Simpkins Edwards has also been shortlisted in the British Accountancy Awards, widely regarded as the industry’s most prestigious accountancy accolade.

The firm, which has offices in Exeter, Okehampton, Holsworthy, Bovey Tracey and Honiton, will join leading accountancy firms from across the UK at the awards dinner on September 26, each vying to secure the title of mid-tier firm of the year.

A total of 102 accountancy firms entered what has been the most hotly contested awards to date.

The award shortlisting follows a record 12-month period for Simpkins Edwards, which has seen an increase in new clients of almost 70%, many of whom have adopted the firm’s innovative monthly subscription service, which has been designed to provide clients with clarity and certainty over costs.

Rob Bedford (left) with Seb Beard, who is taking over from him in the Okehampton office