Simpkins Edwards six celebrate ‘silver service’ year!

25 years ago in 1988 when the World Wide Web wasn’t yet part of common vocabulary, mobile phones were few and far between and fax machines were still key business communication tools, chartered accountancy firm Simpkins Edwards took on six new young employees – all of whom are now celebrating an impressive 25 years with the firm.

Chris Bowker (tax partner) and Jason Shear (tax manager) in the Exeter office; Sarah Lock (accounts senior), Tara Watts (accounts senior) and David Thorne (corporate manager) in the Barnstaple office; and Sandy Bailey (typist) in the Okehampton office, began their careers with Simpkins Edwards in 1988. Beginning in junior or trainee positions, they have all progressed their careers with support from the firm in the form of in-house and external training and professional qualifications.

Exeter partner Chris Bowker, who began as a tax trainee in 1988 and is now a partner – a role he achieved aged just 28 – reflects on how things have changed over the past 25 years:

“The biggest difference over the past 25 years has been the technological advancements in the industry – from computer software to the internet and now mobile technology and apps, the need to keep up-to-date with new legislation and policies has always been a big part of the job but keeping up with new technology is something that has become more and more important. Communication both within the offices and with our clients is much more immediate and such a large proportion of our business is now conducted online that it is almost unrecognisable from when I first began my career. However, the fundamental principles of providing sound practical support and excellent customer service to our clients remains the same to this day.”

“We’re very proud to have no less than six employees celebrating their silver anniversaries with us this year,” added senior partner Lynn Woodward. “It could be thought of as unusual for people to stay with the same employer for that length of time these days but we believe that with the right support and opportunities for career progression, individuals can develop and prosper fantastically well, as evidenced by our ‘silver six’.”

Chris, Jason, Sarah, Tara, David and Sandy were all presented with a gift of their choice for the value of £500.