The South West’s fastest-growing independent accountancy firm has a new managing partner after promoting Shona Godefroy to the top job.
Ms Godefroy takes over at Thomas Westcott, chartered accountants and business advisers, from chairman Richard Thomas, who founded the firm in 1985 and is stepping down after 34 years.
Thomas Westcott is one of the region’s largest independent accountancy practices with 275 staff including 35 partners and directors based in 17 offices across Devon and Somerset.
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Over the past four years, the company has almost doubled in size as a result of merging with other prominent firms. With a range of specialist teams, the firm advises a diverse mix of businesses and individuals across the South West and beyond.
Ms Godefroy joined Thomas Westcott in 2007 from “big four” firm EY and has more than 25 years’ accountancy experience. Formerly deputy managing partner, she is head of the firm’s audit and assurance team. She is also a trustee of the Theatre Royal Plymouth and chair of governors at a primary school.
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She said: “Richard Thomas has been a key driving force in setting the firm’s strategy and growth plans over the past 34 years.
“Supported by a strong team of partners and staff, he has overseen the creation of a highly successful regional accountancy practice.
“This is an excellent platform from which to take the business forward. The firm is going through a period of growth while retaining a firm commitment to providing a local service in the communities in which we operate.
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“As we cement our reputation as a leading South West firm, we will continue to attract and retain the very best specialist teams to ensure we provide a first-class service to all our clients. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to lead the firm through the next chapter.”
Thomas Westcott recently promoted one of its rising stars to director. Tom Stuckey joined the firm in 2009 when he was part-qualified before completing his formal training towards full chartered certified accountant status. The University of Exeter graduate is now based in the Axminster office.
In 2016 Thomas Westcott merged with Plymouth-based chartered accountants and taxation advisers Parkhurst Hill.
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The merger saw Thomas Westcott ’s Plymouth -based staff move from the firm’s Queen Anne Terrace location to Parkhurst Hill’s offices in Plym House, Marsh Mills.
In 2009 Thomas Westcott merged with Plymouth -based David Rice and Co.