Leading regional accountancy firm Larking Gowen has announced that one of its partners is to retire at the end of March. Richard Proctor, who joined the firm over eight years ago to head up the Tax Advisory Group, qualified as a chartered accountant in 1985. He started his career in tax with KPMG at their Norwich, London and Cambridge offices, and then moved to Grant Thornton in Norwich where he became a partner in 2000. Richard said he had 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. “One of the first things I discovered at Larking Gowen was that no one has a monopoly on good ideas; everybody gets a chance to contribute. We all acknowledge that every day is a school day, and we’re all continually learning.” During his time here, he said he’d seen the firm grow and develop. “The way we’ve managed our business hasn’t changed a great deal, but we’re seeing better use of technology, which is a work in progress, and perhaps we’re dealing with some more interesting clients,” he said. “The quality of the Tax Advisory Group is as good as it’s ever been. We’re a very strong team and well set up to take advantage of the opportunities into the future. Dominic Carter will be taking over as head of the Tax Advisory Group, and says Richard has been something of a mentor to him over the years. “He’s regarded as quite an authority on taxation, and has brought in a number of us to work with him reshaping the team. In the last 12 months, we’ve all been working hard, making sure we get a smooth transition with our clients,” he said. “Richard’s dry sense of humour has been a real asset. In the last couple of years’ COVID-related difficulties, challenges and frustrations, it’s been very helpful to have him at the helm.” Charlie Savory, Head of Corporate Audit and Advisory at Larking Gowen, who oversees the Tax Advisory Team, said: “Richard is hugely respected with a very long-established and admired career, both in Norwich and throughout East Anglia. “He’s built a strong tax practice which he leaves in the very capable hands of Dominic Carter, who’s one of the best operators in the region. With a talented team that includes our VAT Director Gillian McGill and Ben Greves, a Senior Manager and Corporate Tax Specialist, our clients can be assured it will be business as usual”. Image provided by Larking Gowen