New senior manager for SMH BullockWoodburn

Buxton accountancy practice SMH BullockWoodburn has appointed Ross Jordan as the office’s new senior manager following the retirement of former partner and consultant Karen Woodburn.

Since BullockWoodburn merged with Sutton McGrath Hartley (SMH), a South Yorkshire and Derbyshire based practice, in March 2018, Karen has been on a phased exit strategy to ensure the transition for clients and staff has been as smooth as possible.

Karen comments: “Following the merger of BullockWoodburn with SMH, it has always been part of my long term plans to phase in my retirement. Over the past two and a half years I have found my time in the office becoming more limited, and therefore took the decision to retire completely from SMH BullockWoodburn from 31st August 2020.

“I’m delighted to say since the merger all staff at SMH BullockWoodburn have remained consistent, and this is set to continue after I leave. It’s reassuring to our clients that their main point of contact is still available whenever they need them, and the practice will continue to run as it has done since the merger was first announced.

“It’s been an absolute pleasure to lead the firm for the past 22 years, but the time is right to complete my exit. I wish all staff and clients every success for the future.”

Karen’s retirement coincides with the appointment of Ross Jordan as the new office manager for SMH BullockWoodburn. Ross, who is ACCA qualified, is a long-standing member of the senior management team at SMH and specialises in helping owner managed businesses and personal tax clients.

Ross adds: “I’m delighted to be given the opportunity to take the reins at our Buxton office. I have previous experience of running an office in the SMH group following another merger, and am looking forward to continuing the good work Karen has done, as well as getting to know the clients and the community.

“I work with SME’s across many sectors, but have a keen interest in agriculture, aided by my own rural background. I’m confident I can add value to clients in these sectors, which have been serviced well over the years Karen has been involved in the business.

“One of our key objectives is to make sure we continue to exceed clients’ expectations, and spot opportunities for tax savings and personal financial planning via our full service offering at SMH.”

Jonathon Dickens, Partner concludes: “We’ve been working with Karen on her phased retirement for a while now, and feel Ross is the perfect choice to take the reins at SMH BullockWoodburn to ensure the practice continues to grow. Ross has held a similar role at one of our Rotherham offices following another merger in 2019 so we know the firm will be in safe hands going forward.

“We would like to express our thanks to Karen, and the whole team at SMH BullockWoodburn, for helping to make the transition seamless, and wish Karen a very happy retirement.”