Leading regional accountancy firm Larking Gowen bid farewell to tax advisory specialist Partner, Richard Proctor, who’s set to retire at the end of March. This comes alongside news of two new Partners, Martin Bugg who’ll lead the digital focus for the Business sector and Laurie Hill who’ll join the partner team advising the Farms and Landed Estates sector. Martin has been a key member of the firm’s Business team for nearly twenty years and is well known for his digital and cloud accounting expertise. Commenting on the appointment, Martin said: “I’m delighted to have been appointed as Partner at Larking Gowen. I joined the firm at the outset of my career, and it’s great to be able to realise my long-held ambition. I’m excited to be part of the leadership team driving the business forward, providing an efficient and proactive service to clients.” “It’s an exciting time in our profession, as we adjust to new ways of working,” said Martin. “My message to the teams and our clients is that technology buys you time. We should aim to work smarter not harder, using the technology and embracing change. We understand the products well, we can demonstrate the value to our clients, and use the live data to help them grow their business and achieve their goals.” Laurie Hill joined the firm in 2019. With continued involvement in the family farm, based at Bradenham, in Norfolk, Laurie has the advantage of seeing his role from the client’s point of view. “Because I’m a farmer outside the normal day job as an accountant and business advisor, I have a view from both sides of the fence,” he explained. “I approach my work in the way that I’d like to be dealt with as a client. Good communication, trust and honesty are the most important things. I was always planning to specialise in agriculture, as I wanted to use my background and experience of working in that sector. You get to know your clients well, and become a trusted advisor in a family business, it’s a very privileged position,” Laurie said. Managing Partner, Julie Grimmer, added, “The Partners at Larking Gowen congratulate both Laurie and Martin on their promotions and wish Richard a fond farewell, with our thanks for his contribution to the firm. Laurie’s commitment to our client service values and to the development of people and new relationships is important to the growth and success of the firm. Martin’s knowledge of digital solutions and the benefits for our clients is invaluable, and makes sure our proactive approach continues.” Richard Proctor, joined the firm over eight years ago to head up the delivery of tax advisory services, having qualified as a chartered accountant in 1985. Richard said he’d enjoyed his years at Larking Gowen, both for the positive working culture and the professionalism of the firm. “When I arrived, I found a very professional but friendly working environment. Although I was a relative outsider, I was immediately welcomed into the ‘family’. From day one I felt my personal values were closely aligned with those of the firm,” he said. Julie Grimmer commented “We all send Richard our very best wishes on his retirement. Richard is hugely respected throughout East Anglia. He’s helped build a strong tax practice which he leaves in the very capable hands of Tax advisory Partner Dominic Carter, alongside VAT Director Gillian McGill, our clients can be assured it will be business as usual”.
