Regional audit, accountancy, tax and advisory firm Bishop Fleming, which has the largest of its eight offices in Bristol, has appointed a former long-standing PwC director as a partner in its audit practice.
The firm said Stephen Patey’s arrival highlighted its commitment to growing its service offering across the South West and Midlands, building on another successful financial year during which it achieved double-digit fee growth to £45.8m. 
With audit revenues doubling over the past three years, the firm plans to significantly expand its audit practice.
Stephen, pictured, second left ,with Bishop Fleming colleagues Nathan Coughlin, Pippa Clarke and Dan White, worked for PwC for two-and-a-half years.
He brings a total of more than 30 years’ experience to Bishop Fleming, having previously delivered audits to a wide range of clients, including large multinationals, owner managed businesses and private equity backed businesses, with a particular focus on manufacturing and retail.
Stephen, who will be based in Bishop Fleming’s Plymouth office, will leverage this experience, focussing on the local marketplace.
He said he was delighted to be joining Bishop Fleming during a period of growth.
“The firm’s client-first approach and focus on quality client relationships matches my own values and makes Bishop Fleming a great fit for my next challenge, rejoining many exceptional ex-colleagues who have also made the move from PwC,” he added.
“I am particularly excited to continue my work supporting owner-managed businesses in a firm which has a deep focus on empowering these businesses to thrive in a complex financial landscape.
“Providing exemplary client service is of the highest importance to me and I will continue to build trusted relationships with my clients and deliver the highest-quality audit with no surprises, whilst being a sounding board for clients to help them navigate obstacles and achieve their goals and aspirations.”
Bishop Fleming office lead and partner Nathan Coughlin said Stephen’s appointment represented the firm’s ongoing commitment to growth in the South West and signalled the ongoing growth of its audit service line.
“His significant audit experience strengthens the specialist services we can offer our clients, and his vast knowledge will be a great asset to the wider team,” he added.
The appointment follows last week’s announcement of the firm’s further upcoming expansion into the Midlands market with a new Birmingham office to be led by Mark Taylor – a new recruit and former regional manager of RSM’s Central region.
Regional audit, accountancy, tax and advisory firm Bishop Fleming, which has the largest of its eight offices in Bristol, has appointed a former long-standing PwC director as a partner in its audit practice.
The firm said Stephen Patey’s arrival highlighted its commitment to growing its service offering across the South West and Midlands, building on another successful financial year during which it achieved double-digit fee growth to £45.8m.
With audit revenues doubling over the past three years, the firm plans to significantly expand its audit practice.
Stephen, who worked for PwC for two-and-a-half years, brings a total of more than 30 years’ experience to Bishop Fleming, previously delivering audits to a wide range of clients.
These included large multinationals, owner managed businesses and private equity backed businesses, with a particular focus on manufacturing and retail.
Stephen, who will be based in Bishop Fleming’s Plymouth office, will leverage this experience, focussing on the local marketplace.
He said he was delighted to be joining Bishop Fleming during a period of growth.
“The firm’s client-first approach and focus on quality client relationships matches my own values and makes Bishop Fleming a great fit for my next challenge, rejoining many exceptional ex-colleagues who have also made the move from PwC,” he added.
“I am particularly excited to continue my work supporting owner-managed businesses in a firm which has a deep focus on empowering these businesses to thrive in a complex financial landscape.
“Providing exemplary client service is of the highest importance to me and I will continue to build trusted relationships with my clients and deliver the highest-quality audit with no surprises, whilst being a sounding board for clients to help them navigate obstacles and achieve their goals and aspirations.”
Bishop Fleming office lead and partner Nathan Coughlin said Stephen’s appointment represented the firm’s ongoing commitment to growth in the South West and signalled the ongoing growth of its audit service line.
“His significant audit experience strengthens the specialist services we can offer our clients, and his vast knowledge will be a great asset to the wider team,” he added.
The appointment follows last week’s announcement of the firm’s further upcoming expansion into the Midlands market with a new Birmingham office to be led by Mark Taylor – a new recruit and former regional manager of RSM’s Central region.
