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Around the firms

A quick round up of news from MGI UK and Ireland firms.

CBW News

CBW celebrated being awarded a "One's To Watch One Star Accreditation" in the Sunday Times 100 best companies to work for. The firm excelled in four areas - "Wellbeing", "My team", "My Company" and "Personal Growth".

Peter Winter says "This improvement on last year's result is proof that the effort and training we are getting involved with is creating a better work environment for everyone."      

CBW’s website is becoming more international to reflect a growing international client base. In March they launched their international pages in Chinese. Proof reading was a nightmare but they believe the effort will be worth it.  

Watson Buckle News

At Watson Buckle, partner Jon Kinsella was awarded a certificate by his client Keelham Farm Shop for a Lifetime Achievement for Making a Real Difference. Keelham Farm Shop recently landed a top national title after being chosen as ‘Non-Multiple Retailer of the Year’ in the 2010 Food and Farming Industry Awards.

Rickard Keen News

It is a fond fare well to Managing Partner Bob Sadler at Rickard Keen who retired on March 31. On retiring, Bob said: “I have enjoyed my time at Rickard Keen immensely and could scarcely have believed when I joined in 1966 that it would have played such a major role in my life for so long.”

He has been succeeded in the role by fellow partner Alan Worsdale, who can trace his history with the firm back almost as far, having joined Hartley Keen as a trainee in 1975 and qualified in 1980. As well as having specialist expertise in the medical sector, Alan also has particular knowledge of the insurance industry and undertakes statutory audits for several large companies as well as smaller family-owned businesses.

With a goodbye comes a hello with Jamie Nice re-joining the firm in March. Jamie originally trained with Rickard Keen and is now a Chartered Accountant & national prize winner. He will be employed as a manager directly assisting partner Bill Gould. He and his wife had their first baby at Christmas.

Peter Leonard, a manager in the accounts department at the Basildon office, has been promoted to an associate. This is a new position at Rickard Keen which is the next step on a structured career path to becoming a partner. He will be changing roles to give Alan Worsdale direct support as Managing Partner and will assist Alan in dealing with some of the company’s larger clients.

Midgley Snelling News

Midgley Snelling recently welcomed Christian Hübner, a senior member of staff from German associated firm Dr Schmidt-Wilke & Partner in Magdeburg, for a two week exchange programme organised by MGI.
Christian spent some time studying UK tax theory and practice, UK accounting measures and tax compliance work, as well as helping to compile some updated tax records for the Midgley Snelling website, gaining an insight into the workings of the tax system.

As well as providing his own input on Midgley Snelling’s work, Christian was also able to take his additional knowledge back to Germany, to the benefit of clients there who may be considering doing business in the UK.
Midgley Snelling partner Peter Bond said: “Being members of MGI allows us to have an international exposure which gives us a global insight into financial matters and Christian was able to give a professional outsider’s view of the logic – or lack of it – applying to the UK tax system.   

If your firm has any news which it would like to share with fellow members in the next edition of the newswire, please contact Paul Winder.

A new dimension at Seymour Taylor

Seymour Taylor welcomed a new addition to their staff at the beginning of March. Simon Braidley has joined the team as a Senior Tax Manager, adding another dimension to their team of taxation professionals.

Simon is the current President of the Association of Taxation Technicians, therefore a very well known name in the world of tax.

His career began with the Inland Revenue, before moving to private practice, where he acquired a wide variety of experience, including starting and managing his own firm. Before joining Seymour Taylor, Simon was with a firm that specialised in the taxation of Lloyd’s Names, so he is well equipped to advise in that area.

With Simon bringing this specialist service to the firm, it really does now set Seymour Taylor aside from many practices in the country when it comes to tax planning. The firm are looking forward to a great future with Simon. 

HB&O news

HB&O have reason to celebrate following the announcement that they have been short listed in the ICAEW 2011 West Midlands Chartered Accountant of the Year Awards, in the category of “Chartered Accountants of the Year (Small firm)". This includes all accountancy practices in the West Midlands up to and including five partners. They have been short listed to the last four of which HB&O are extremely proud and the firm will be informed of the Institute's decision at the awards ceremony on 9th May 2011.

The firm have also been appointed as regional forensic accounting representatives and will represent Coventry, Birmingham, Nuneaton and Hinckley as part of the Network of Independent Forensic Accountants (NIFA).
HB&O launched their new online accounting service called IRIS OpenBooks at a seminar in March where 100% of the attendees signed up for a 30-day trial. The new service makes it quick and easy for their clients to keep on top of their financial records without the need for spreadsheets.

A social media seminar is being held by HB&O on May 10th at the Coventry Transport museum in Coventry. HB&O will be teaming up with a local specialist to present a social media taster session, giving attendees an expert introduction to social media and the many benefits it can bring.