Both of West accountants Bishop Fleming’s technical tax directors have been appointed as advisors to Chancellor George Osborne as part of his drive for tax simplification.
Andy Richens has been engaged by the Chancellor’s Office of Tax Simplification (OTS) to advise on tax issues for small businesses, and is now retained to advise on benefits and expenses.
Andy has also been invited to join the Tax Professionals Forum, which is chaired by the Exchequer Secretary David Gauke MP to help reform the framework in which tax policy is developed, communicated and implemented.
More recently, Bishop Fleming’s Will Silsby has been recruited by the OTS to advise on partnership taxation.
The pair work across Bishop Fleming's seven offices, including its base in Bristol.
Bishop Fleming managing partner Matthew Lee said: “We have become a national firm, but our roots are in the South West, where we champion the interests of owner-managed businesses.
“Andy and Will know the taxation issues that confront those businesses, and will use their OTS roles to trumpet those issues to the Chancellor.”
So far this year Bishop Fleming has been named as the country’s fastest-growing Top 40 accountants for the second year running, gained the national title of ‘best tax practice in a regional firm’, secured ‘outstanding’ accreditation from Investors in Clients, and has been listed as one of the UK’s 12 best accountancy employers.
It is also shortlisted in two categories in the National Accountancy Awards – Best Mid-Tier Firm and Best Employer. The awards take place in London on November 20.
Pictured, from left: Bishop Fleming tax directors Andy Richens and Will Silsby
