Respected Okehampton accountant retires after 43 years at Simpkins Edwards LLP

Rob Bedford, Partner at Simpkins Edwards’ Okehampton Office, is stepping down from life as an Accountant after 43 years with the firm.  He will celebrate his last day before retirement on 07 September 2018 – the anniversary of the date he joined the business in 1975 at the age of 18.

Commenting on his retirement, Rob said: “This year marks 43 years with the firm and the 50th Anniversary of Simpkins Edwards.  Over this period, the firm has expanded and changed with the times, providing a complete range of services including probate, corporate finance and litigation support in addition to the compliance areas of accounts preparation, tax, payroll and VAT.

“What has not changed is our personal approach to working with clients and their families to provide the best advice.  As a result, I regard many clients as close friends and it is one of the numerous reasons that clients choose to stay with the firm for so many years.

“I consider myself fortunate to have enjoyed many long-term relationships and it is with mixed emotions that I say goodbye to great colleagues, friends and clients and wish them all well for the future.”

Lynn Woodward, Senior Partner, commented on Rob’s retirement, saying: “Rob has been a much-loved member of the team, who has played a key role in the development of the firm.  He is much admired and will be missed by both colleagues and clients.  We wish him well and look forward to hearing how he gets on.

“Okehampton-based Partner, Seb Beard, a Chartered Tax Advisor and Chartered Accountant, will be taking over responsibility for Rob’s clients ably assisted by Lisa Wonnacott who has worked with Rob for almost 25 years.  Rob leaves big shoes to fill, but we know Seb and Lisa will do a great job.

“In particular, Seb and Lisa will be working closely with the Okehampton clients with the introduction of Making Tax Digital to help take advantage of cloud accounting, providing a clear view of the up to date financial health of their businesses going forward.”