Regional accountancy group Bishop Fleming plans to grow its VAT offering following the appointment of a specialist tax partner.
Len Dean joins as VAT partner and will head its VAT team. The move takes the partnership at the firm, which has the largest of its seven offices in Bristol, to 34 while following recent record recruitment its overall headcount now stands at more than 425. 
Len brings a wealth of experience to the role. Having originally trained as a VAT inspector with HM Revenue & Customs, he moved to global accountancy firm PwC’s Bristol office before relocating to Glasgow as head of PwC’s indirect tax team in Scotland.
He returned to the South West earlier this year as VAT director in regional accountancy firm Old Mill’s Yeovil office before joining Bishop Fleming.
He has extensive expertise across the spectrum of VAT, making complex tax issues understandable for businesses, and his detailed knowledge of HMRC means he can help clients resolve issues arising from VAT inspections.
He said: “I am thrilled to have joined Bishop Fleming, which has huge growth ambitions.
“I am particularly looking forward to working with clients and prospects across the South West and Midlands.
“Originally from Bristol, it’s great to be back in the South West after working in Scotland for the past few years. Bishop Fleming is a great opportunity for me to be able to offer my skills and knowledge to clients in a really exciting market.”
Bishop Fleming managing partner Andrew Sandiford added: “It gives me great pleasure to welcome Len to Bishop Fleming.
“His appointment represents a significant enhancement to our specialist VAT services at an exciting time as we continue to pursue several growth strategies.
“Len will be a great asset to our business and will strengthen the specialist services we can offer to our clients.”
Bishop Fleming provides audit, accounting, tax and advisory services to businesses and individuals from its offices in Bristol, Bath, Exeter, Plymouth, Torquay, Truro and Worcester.
The firm has appeared in The Sunday Times Best 100 Companies to Work For for the past five years and also has a Gold status award from the independent customer services agency Investor in Customers for its ‘exceptional’ service to clients.
It is the current holder of the British Chamber of Commerce’s National Business of the Year Award.
Pictured, from left: Len Dean with Bishop Fleming managing partner Andrew Sandiford and head of tax Andrew Browne
