Appointment of new audit director boosts growth ambition

Bishop Fleming’s centenary is proof that strong relationships deliver remarkable results. As a thriving business with a heritage that has been forged on delivering exceptional client services, it’s clear that ethos will be key to the firm’s future growth. Not only is 100-years in business being celebrated throughout the year, so are special relationships. The firm celebrated being in partnership with Worcestershire Cricket Club for 100-years in July, the special bond was marked with a school’s cricket competition for the local area and was very fitting giving the importance of the education sector to Bishop Fleming.

A plastic-free firm wide journey has also begun at the start of its centenary, within just six months the firm had removed over six single-use plastics and were accredited as ‘plastic free champions’ by conservation charity, Surfers Against Sewage.

The firm will celebrate its centenary year with an all firm event for its staff in Bristol in December. However, the 12-month centenary campaign will not finish at the end of the year but will be the start of propelling the business into its next 100-years, and a focus on building relationships which will set the firm apart.

Ryan Southall is an audit director in Bishop Fleming’s West Midlands office and has joined the firm at an exciting time as it continues its year-on-year growth.

Having a keen interest in accountancy from an early age, Ryan knew it was the career that he wanted to pursue, and since completing his professional studies he has experienced a number of different mergers of firms, gaining a wealth of experience in various top 10 firms.

Ryan then joined Bishop Fleming as an audit director knowing it is a great place to work for aspirational professionals.

The firm has been listed in The Sunday Times Top 100 Companies to work for, for four consecutive years and just this year alone, as it celebrates its centenary, its Worcester office has won regional awards for its commitment to employee wellbeing.

Joining the firm amid its centenary year, Ryan said: “I have been overwhelmed by the focus that the firm puts on its people and their development and I look forward to being a part of this.

“Moving to Bishop Fleming also provides me with a fantastic opportunity to build working relationships with clients and be part of something great. There are fantastic growth opportunities within the Midlands and feel that Bishop Fleming have the approach, ability and commitment to deliver fantastic client service to this market.”

“I am really looking forward to playing my part in delivering on the growth strategy of the office and the wider firm.”

Ryan will work to help the firm to deliver the next stage in its ambitious growth plans.

West Midlands Partner in Charge, Chris Walklett commented “We are committed to the West Midlands and supporting the businesses that are part of the Midlands Engine. Key to that is attracting and retaining the best people. Ryan has been a key hire for us and brings with him a wealth of experience from his time within top 10 accountancy practices.”

The firm is ranked in the Top 30 of the UK’s national league table of accountancy firms, and has offices in Truro, Plymouth, Torquay, Exeter, Bristol, Bath and Worcester.

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PHOTOGRAPHY: ROB LACEY