Whitley Stimpson appoints new head of its Bicester office

She takes up the role following the retirement of Stephen Payne and Penny Parmar.

Laura began her accounting career in 2005 by qualifying as a book-keeper before starting her first role in accounting practice. She joined the Hale Partnership in 2006, which then became Whitley Stimpson through a merger in 2010.

She gained her ACCA qualification in 2011, achieved her FCCA accreditation in 2016 and has a particular interest in group accounts together with related corporate tax issues.

Laura has been director of the company’s High Wycombe office since 2016.

She said: “I can see similarities in Bicester, particularly with the client base. It’s about working closely with owner-managed businesses and I have some fresh ideas.”

Having trained within the firm, Laura is very keen to ensure that ethos continues to develop.

She added: “Training is vital – I want people to develop and become part of the firm’s future as managers or directors.

“We exhibit at careers fairs throughout the year, build relationships with local schools and colleges to offer work experience and trainee positions as well as in-house school sessions to prepare young people for the outside world.

“It is all about a team effort. Leading an office is not about telling others what to do – staff contribute ideas and have opportunities to develop and progress. I am keen to listen to people about how they see the office developing in future.”

Whitley Stimpson is continuing to expand and its team of 92  which includes directors, professional and support staff and has increased by 16 in the last year.

Laura added: “Last year the Bicester office took on additional space and we will be looking to recruit more trainees and expand staff and clients. As Bicester grows, we can expand the firm as part of the community.”

Johnathan Walton, managing director, Whitley Stimpson explains: “We are passionate about providing long-term career paths for all our employees, so I am delighted to see Laura take on the role of heading up our Bicester office, following on from her appointment to director in 2016. Laura has worked with me for almost 13 years, having trained and qualified here with the Hale Partnership before the firm merged with Whitley Stimpson nine years ago. She has wonderful skills as an accountant and manager, and holds values that we as a firm recognise as important to our future.”

Whitley Stimpson is ranked as one of the country’s top accountancy firms and has built up its expertise and reputation through continuous staff training and development and through building up specialisations to cater for the rapid change in global and local business practices. The company has grown significantly in recent years through mergers and takeovers.

For further information and a free consultation, contact: Laura Herbert on 01869 252151 or email: laurah@whitleystimpson.co.uk