L-R: Matthew Pearson, Martyn Fraser, Peter Ball, Andrew Sandiford and Ria Burridge
Leading accountancy and advisory firm Bishop Fleming have welcomed three former Smith & Williamson partners to its fast-growing Bristol office as it eyes further growth in 2022.
The appointments come on the back of the firm’s strong performance in 2021 which saw record turnover, its greatest trainee intake ever into its own bespoke apprenticeship programme, and the launch of a new flagship Bristol office – all despite the challenges presented by the pandemic.
Having each spent more than 20 years at Smith & Williamson, corporate financiers Martyn Fraser and Matthew Pearson bring extensive experience of mid-market corporate finance advisory projects. They add to Bishop Fleming’s large corporate finance team, which is already on track to deliver record performance in 2022.
Tax specialist Peter Ball is joining the firm as a tax partner, bringing a wealth of experience in advising high profile entrepreneurs and family groups.
Audit Partner and Co-Head of Bishop Fleming’s Bristol office Ria Burridge said: “We are delighted to welcome Martyn, Matthew, and Peter to our rapidly expanding Bristol team. Our Bristol and Bath business unit is on track to record double-digit growth and their appointments add considerable strength as we focus on expanding our capacity, capability and reach as a major force in the region.”
Following several other recent senior appointments, including Len Dean who joined as head of VAT from PwC in Scotland, this trio of appointments bring Bishop Fleming’s partnership to 36 and people to over 420 – its largest headcount to date.
Managing Partner Andrew Sandiford added: “We’ve started this year like we ended the last. We have strong financial performance, a genuine optimism for the future and a determination to attract the very best people. We have bold plans to grow our business and I invite any talented people to speak to us to find out more.”
Bishop Fleming is currently one of the largest independent accounting and advisory firms in the UK with seven offices across the South West and West Midlands. It was recognised as one of the Best Companies’ Top Five Accounting Firms to Work For in 2021.
