West of England chartered accountancy firm Monahans, which has offices in Swindon and Chippenham, has a new managing partner.
Simon Tombs takes over today from Mike Shawyer, who is returning to his specialisms of VAT consultancy and issues affecting rural clients.
Simon, who joined Monahans in 2001, specialises in working with owner-managed businesses on the non-audit side, particularly with professionals such as lawyers and architects.
His expertise in Solicitors Regulatory Authority rules ensures that lawyer clients remain compliant and he also helps professional firms structure their businesses tax efficiently.
His diverse experience ranges from advising foreign governments on acquisitions, working with the Rugby Football Union (RFU) on cashflow planning and supporting small businesses.
Simon has also made his mark by introducing the Monahans cloud accounting service, which means owner-managers can spend less time on administration and more on developing their businesses.
He said: “It is an honour to take over from Mike, who has done so much to cement our position as a well-known and well-regarded friend and advisor to businesses and organisations across the West of England.
“I am looking forward to my term as managing partner immensely. I had a spell away from the accounting profession, in industry, at one point, which puts me in a strong position to understand what clients want and need from their accountants.
“Equally importantly, I have a team of colleagues who pride themselves on taking a genuinely personalised approach with clients and who, like me, relish helping them save money, grow and manage their businesses better. I am delighted to be leading them into Monahans’ next phase of growth.”
Mike Shawyer joined Monahans as a trainee in 1974 and was made a partner in 1985 at the age of 29. He said he had enjoyed his 11 years as managing partner but was looking forward to working more closely with old clients as well as new ones.
“As Simon takes over the reins, I’m already revisiting old clients and meeting new ones, including farmers, landowners and estates, as well as high net worth individuals,” he said. “I’m also going to be taking the lead on expanding VAT specialism within the practice, so there are plenty of new challenges ahead.
The firm has grown considerably since Mike joined the firm, acquiring Gifford Taylor in Chippenham, the Melksham office of Randall & Payne, Holland & Co in Street, and Shaw & Co in Bath.
In 2012 he oversaw the firm’s appointment as the South West member firm of MHA, the UK-wide group of regional accountancy and business advisory practices.
This partnership enables the firm to offer the specialisms and expertise usually only found in large national and international practices but with the benefits of a friendly and cost-effective service that is integral in smaller, local firms.
Monahans has 12 partners and more than 120 staff across its offices in Swindon, Bath, Chippenham, Frome, Glastonbury and Trowbridge.
Pictured, from left: Mike Shawyer and Simon Tombs
