PKF Francis Clark has promoted two new partners and two directors at its Poole office.
Aaron Lawes and Lisa Whitbread are among 10 newly promoted partners at the independent chartered accountancy firm, bringing the total number of partners to 60, the most in its 104-year history.
Meanwhile, Adrian Way and Chris Potts have become directors in the audit and assurance and corporate finance teams respectively.
Lisa started her career in HM Revenue & Customs before training with PKF Francis Clark. She now specialises in all aspects of corporate and business taxes, with a particular focus on R&D tax reliefs and corporate transactions.
She said: “Having arrived as a trainee 20 years ago with no ambitions to become a partner, the firm has fully supported my training to attain my professional qualifications, as well as my ongoing development. The director and partner development programmes, along with continuing support from the partners, have really helped me get to where I am today. I’m now looking forward to being involved in the firm’s strategic decision-making and continuing to grow and develop our great team of people to provide a great service to our clients.”
Aaron works in the business advisory department in Poole, advising and supporting owner-managed businesses with both strategic and compliance matters.
He said: “I’m very proud to be promoted to a partner in PKF Francis Clark. When I joined as an AAT trainee in 2006, I always wanted to see how high up the ladder I could climb. This firm really invests in its people in terms of both support and development to ensure we can fulfil our true potential. I look forward to the next stage of my career whilst continuing to invest in the next generation of talent coming through the firm.”
Managing partner Andrew Richards added: “Supporting colleagues to progress in their careers is an important part of our culture, so I’m proud to welcome a record number of new partners this year as the firm continues to grow. Our new partners and directors have all invested a lot of time and effort in their professional development to get to this point, and I look forward to them playing key roles in the ongoing success of the firm and our clients in the years to come.”
Applications are currently open for PKF Francis Clark’s 2023 graduate and school leaver accountancy apprenticeships. More information can be found at pkf-francisclarkcareers.co.uk.