My vision is to assemble a highly effective team eager to get out into the marketplace, search for exciting opportunities to win, and deliver exceptional work to our clients.
What key skills have been most important in your audit leadership journey?
I think this must be the softer skills, such as the ability to lead and develop teams, negotiation skills and crucially the ability to get on with people. We are, after all, a people business; we use our teams to deliver the highest quality work to our clients. We work through issues together, many complex and some sensitive, and having a strong team and client relationships helps resolve any issues much easier and hopefully painlessly. I have always prided myself on developing excellent relationships with both my clients and my teams - we have a job to do, but by working collaboratively, helping each other, we can ensure optimal results are achieved, and hopefully we can have some fun along the way!
Looking back on your career, what achievement stands out the most?
This is an easy one, and it’s nothing to do with any audit! In March 2018, I founded Promoting Children in Plymouth (PCiP), a corporate awareness campaign highlighting the significant problem of child poverty in Plymouth. Today, PCiP is a charity in its own right and is really making a difference to thousands of kids. In 2024, we entered a partnership to establish the Dolly Parton Imagination Library in the city, which provides over a thousand kids from deprived backgrounds with free books delivered to directly to their houses. PCiP is a gamechanger and I love being involved.
What made you choose Bishop Fleming, and how has the transition been?
Since leaving university, I have only worked for one other company, PwC, and I was there for over 32 years prior to joining Bishop Fleming. Lots of my ex-PwC colleagues are at Bishop Fleming which has contributed to a very smooth transition across. Both firms have very similar cultures and beliefs in many respects – client service is at the heart of everything we do, and having exceptional, happy teams delivering quality work is what we strive for. I always knew I would only join Bishop Fleming if I moved, and I am very glad I did.
What’s your vision for the Plymouth office and its growth?
The Plymouth office has grown significantly over recent years and continues to do so. I have been brought in to focus on the corporate market, which I know well after being based here for so many years. My vision is to assemble a highly effective corporate team, all eager to get out into the marketplace and search out exciting opportunities to win and then deliver exceptional work to our clients - sounds easy!
What makes Plymouth a great place for professionals, and what opportunities does Bishop Fleming offer?
Plymouth is a thriving city with lots going on. There is significant investment coming into the city, and Babcock has just secured a multi-generational contract to continue working on the UK's nuclear deterrent. There are some amazing companies based in Plymouth, across many sectors, with Marine and Manufacturing real specialisms. The business community is welcoming, and there is a real sense of community and desire to work together.
What's the biggest perk of living and working in Plymouth?
It must be the location – the office has incredible views across Sutton Harbour, and the Ocean City has some amazing places to visit such as the Barbican and the Hoe. We are the only city sandwiched between a National Park and a National Marine Park, and near to both Cornwall and the English Riviera. I love the outdoors, and so does Mojo, my border terrier – I can’t imagine living and working anywhere else in the UK.
What has been the most rewarding part of your move to Bishop Fleming?
Rejoining old colleagues and meeting new ones throughout all the Bishop Fleming offices. We had a thank you event for our managers recently at Bovey Castle, and the sense of team and pride was great. My first four months at Bishop Fleming have been so rewarding, and I have been made to feel so welcome. Bishop Fleming is a firm that is really going places, and I would recommend this as a great place to work to anyone looking for a new, exciting challenge with the backdrop of a stunning area to work and live in – what wouldn’t you?
Your next audit opportunity starts here
Our Plymouth office is growing, and we’re looking for talented audit professionals to join our dynamic and supportive team. If you’re seeking the chance to work with a diverse range of clients, develop your skills, and be part of a firm that values collaboration and ambition, we’d love to hear from you.