Pictured above: Shamim Akhtar and Tom Sread

It's the end of an era for one of Ashbourne's best-known firms of accountants as it says goodbye to its longest serving member of staff.

Smith Cooper, which is based on St John Street in Ashbourne, has announced the retirement of partner Tom Sread, after more than 25 years with the firm.

Tom will be succeeded by associate, Shamim Akhtar, who joined Smith Cooper's Burton office in 1993.  Shamim has worked in the audit and accountancy divisions at the firm's Burton and Derby offices and has more than 16 years' experience in helping small and medium sized local owner-managed businesses. 

Her experience includes advising partnerships, individuals and providing audit, business advisory and due diligence services. She is keen to work with businesses to achieve their personal and commercial financial objectives.  

Shamim has been working alongside Tom and his partner Bruce Montgomery for the past eleven months to ensure a smooth transition when he hands over to Shamim later this month.

Commenting on his retirement, Tom said:"I would like thank everyone at Smith Cooper for their help and support over the past 25 years - it has been a real pleasure to be a part of such a forward-thinking and dynamic firm.  Shamim has a detailed knowledge of accountancy and personal tax and will be of tremendous benefit to our clients."

Partner, Andrew Delve added: "Tom has played a key role in the development of Smith Cooper over the past 25 years and I would like to offer my gratitude for his dedicated service.  We wish him every happiness for a long and healthy retirement."

Shamim added: "I am looking forward to working with Bruce to assist the many long-standing and valued clients of the Ashbourne office and hopefully bring in a few new faces.  I too would like to wish Tom a well deserved and enjoyable retirement."

Smith Cooper was founded in 1985 and is one of the Midlands' leading accounting and business advisory firms, with nine offices across the region.  It operates dedicated corporate finance, specialist tax, corporate recovery and insolvency teams, as well as separate financial solutions, payroll, IT and HR divisions.