The team at Wales’ largest independently owned accountants, UHY Hacker Young, is celebrating as two senior leaders mark their 25 year anniversary with the practice.
Senior partner, Steve Theaker and tax associate director, Nigel Courtney, both joined UHY Hacker Young (then trading as Peacheys Accountants) in 1995, choosing the independent Newport-based firm over their already well establish careers working with The Big Four firms.
Steve Theaker joined UHY Hacker Young from UK accountancy giant, KPMG. Today, he is the senior partner for the practice’s Newport, Abergavenny and Bristol offices with overall responsibility for tax. As an expert in everything from pension planning to the most complicated structuring of worldwide groups, clients benefitting from Steve’s tax mitigation strategies range from solicitors to motor dealers and financial services organisations.
However, Steve’s time at UHY Hacker Young has also seen him develop a well-known alter ego ‘The Singing Accountant’. An accomplished musician, he has always been keen to prove that not all accountants are the same. As a result, Steve has developed a reputation for presenting the hard facts from government Budgets and tax legislation changes to large audiences in verse, while accompanying himself on the guitar.
Commenting on the milestone moment, Steve Theaker, said: “Having worked for a Big Four firm, the chance to help lead an ambitious independent firm was an interesting opportunity I was keen to pursue, and I’ve never looked back. We have grown considerably, but while we’ve undeniably become more corporate in the process, we’ll never lose focus on the traditional clients that have helped us to do so.
“The opportunity to see that hard work deliver such growth, while being part of a team that is not afraid to have fun as we do, is incredibly rewarding for me. In today’s ever-changing political landscape, the ability to adapt is crucial and our team’s ability to do so is sure to see our growth, and that of our clients, to continue.”
This year also marks a quarter of a century at UHY Hacker Young for associate director, Nigel Courtney. Like Steve, the draw of the ambitious indigenous Welsh accountancy firm attracted the corporate tax specialist from roles with members of The Big Four. Quickly recognising the potential for the future, an initial short-term contract transitioned to a permanent role where his problem-solving skills would become invaluable as the firm’s client base, and the size of the clients themselves, grew.
Commenting on how a temporary contact became a 25 year tenure, Nigel Courtney, said: “With our standing today as Wales largest independent firm, it’s interesting to think that when I first arrived our tax team was just Steve and I. But, while our client list now includes big names and worldwide organisations, we’re still the family orientated practice we were back then. That’s never going to change as we continue to grow. It’s a proud moment to look back on the reputation we and our colleagues have established and it’s still exciting to think what the future could hold.”
Over the past 25 years, the combined skills of Steve, Nigel and the ever-growing team at UHY Hacker Young has seen the strength of the firm’s tax department. That success is mirrored by the equally impressive growth of the accountant’s audit and professional services teams.
Commenting on the momentous anniversaries and how the firm has benefitted from Steve and Nigel’s expertise and commitment over a combined 50 years, their colleague and UHY Hacker Young’s managing partner, Paul Byett, said: “UHY Hacker Young have an extremely talented and experienced team. We have a strong ethic that continuity supports a deep understanding of our clients’ businesses. This knowledge helps us to provide the very best client service and to help our clients prosper.
“Steve and Nigel have been at the forefront of our success for a combined 50 years and we are all extremely grateful for their commitment to client service.”
