SMH appoints two new Directors as growth phase continues

South Yorkshire based Chartered Accountants Sutton McGrath Hartley have appointed two new Directors to the group as part of its latest growth phase.

Following the merger with Rotherham based Haywood & Co in Spring 2019, Sharon Webb has been promoted to Director having been with the firm for 15 years. Mark Bardwell, a Senior Manager in the head office in Sheffield has also been awarded a Directorship having played an active role in the development of the firm since 2007.

The appointments come after a successful period of growth for SMH in recent years, with the acquisitions of Buxton firm BullockWoodburn in 2018 and Rotherham based Haywood & Co and Andertons Liversidge in 2019, plus the addition of new services for Residential Mortgages, Wills & Probate and Financial Services since 2015.

Jonathon Dickens, Partner at SMH comments: “Having gone through a significant growth phase over recent years, and with this looking set to continue into the new decade, it is important that we have the right infrastructure in place to take us forward.

“We have offered Sharon and Mark their Directorships because of their commitment and drive to making sure SMH clients are serviced in the best possible manner, and their focus on staff development – all key traits of a successful business that align with our vision for the future.”

Sharon Webb comments: “I’m delighted to become the first female Director to join the board at SMH. This is something that has been in the pipeline at Haywood & Co since before the merger with SMH took place, and I’m really pleased Jonathon Dickens and James Hartley (Managing Director at SMH) have continued to progress this as part of the succession planning for this office.

“Having spent the best part of my career with Haywood & Co, I have always been an active manager with some long standing clients. Following a merger, it is always reassuring for clients have familiarity with staff and processes and this is something I can play a key part in going forward.

“The ethos of SMH and Haywood & Co is similarly aligned, and with the strategic direction coming from the head office we will be able to focus on taking service and staff development to the next phase.”

Mark Bardwell adds: “Having joined SMH as a trainee in 2007 and qualifying in 2015 I have spent most of my career with the firm, so it’s a big honour to be asked to become a Director.

“I have always played an active role in client management and have probably had a hand in helping most of the Sheffield client base at some point over the course of my career at SMH. This has helped significantly with staff development as I can advise on reviewing files, assisting with problem solving and suggesting tax saving plans, in addition to improving internal efficiencies and processes.

“My focus for the future is to ensure clients receive the best service we can possibly give, providing the best advice when it comes to tax planning and managing the transition to cloud technologies, and using my experience to help with staff transition for the future benefit of the firm.”

The new Directorships at SMH became active as of 1^st July 2020.