Independent professional and financial services group Smith & Williamson has promoted Jerry Barnes to become head of its private client tax services team just a year after he joined the firm
Jerry, who previously spent 28 years with rival Saffery Champness, will continue to focus on growing Smith & Williamson’s private client tax team by expanding its portfolio and market share in the South West.
Jerry relocated to Bristol in 1996 to set up Saffery Champness’s first Bristol office, which grew into a 31-strong team of chartered accountants with fees of around £2.5m.
He has experience in advising clients across all aspects of their affairs relating to inherited wealth and landed estates, in particular focusing on wealth protection and succession planning.
Among his clients is Johnnie Boden, the entrepreneur behind the upmarket Boden clothing brand.
Jerry said: “In the next five years I expect Smith & Williamson, Bristol, to be the highest-rated private client office in the South West, with tax and business advice taking a prominent place alongside investment management and the variety of services provided.”
Smith & Williamson Bristol managing director Mike Lea added: “We are confident that Jerry will continue with the success he has had to date. His wealth of experience and reputation in this sector will enable him to further develop Smith & Williamson’s national presence and create a strong, South West-based private client tax service offering.”
Smith & Williamson employs more than 220 staff providing business and personal financial services – ranging from tax, audit and corporate finance to personal financial planning and investment management – to mid-corporates, entrepreneurs and private clients.
