MONAHANS, one of the largest independent chartered accountancy groups in the west of England, is to have a new managing partner from April 2016.

Simon Tombs, 48, will take over the reins from current managing partner Mike Shawyer, who is returning to his specialisms of VAT consultancy and issues affecting rural clients within the firm.

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 to supporting a national RFU on cashflow planning.

Simon has also made his mark by introducing the Monahans cloud accounting service, which frees up owners to work more on developing their businesses and spending less time on administration, so they can increase profitability and develop as they want to.

“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 adviser to businesses and organisations across the west of England,” said Simon.

“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 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, 60, said he has taken a great deal of enjoyment from his tenure, but is looking forward to working more closely with old clients as well as new ones.

“I joined Monahans as a trainee in 1974 and was made a partner in 1985 at the age of 29,” says Mike.

“I’ve seen the firm grow considerably over that period, and make several acquisitions, including Gifford Taylor in Chippenham, and the Melksham, office of Randall and Payne."

"In the 11 years that I have been managing partner, Monahans has continued to expand, including acquiring Holland and Co in Street, and Shaw and Co in Bath.

In 2012 Mike also oversaw Monahans’ appointment as the south west member firm of MHA, the UK-wide group of accountancy and business advisory practices.

It enables the firm to offer the expertise usually only found in large national practices with the benefits of the friendly and cost-effective service of smaller, local firms.

Mike continued: “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. I’m also going to be taking the lead on expanding VAT specialism within the practice, so there are plenty of new challenges ahead.”

To find out more about Monahans, visit www.monahans.co.uk.

Ends For further press information, contact Eleanor Collins at Vox on 01793 608708 or Eleanor@voxonline.co.uk.

Notes to editors Monahans is one of the largest independent chartered accountancy groups in the west of England.

The firm, which also incorporates Monahans Financial Services and Monahans Accountancy Services, provides a full range of accountancy, tax, investment and insurance services to businesses and private individuals.

Monahans has 12 partners and employs 120 people at its offices in Bath, Chippenham, Glastonbury, Swindon and Trowbridge.