Two new partners at Old Mill
While many local businesses are still struggling in tough financial times, one West Country practice continues to buck the trend.
On 1 April, accountants and business advisers Old Mill - which already has branches in Shepton Mallet, Yeovil, Exeter and Melksham – merged with Dorchester practice Perks Simm. Also last month, Old Mill’s Exeter branch moved from its premises in Dix’s Field to a new office at Leeward House so that it could continue to expand. Now, Ian Carlson and Stuart Grimster, two of the firm’s high fliers have been promoted to partner.
Stuart is one of Old Mill’s biggest success stories, having quickly risen through the ranks in his five years with the company. He was just 29 when he joined as Corporate Services Manager in March 2006, and now, at 34, after moving up through Senior Manager, Associate Director and Director he has become the firm’s youngest partner.
Stuart – who lives in Yeovil with his wife Kate and boys Sam and Josh – began his accountancy career with Freeman Baker in Crewkerne before moving to Baker Tilly in Yeovil in 1999 and qualifying there in 2002.
Stuart says the partner title means greater commitment and responsibility, but also brings with it added weight which he hopes will enhance his rapidly growing reputation around the local business community.
“As partner, I will be looking to drive the business forward and generate more opportunities for those already working for Old Mill, and for those wanting to work for Old Mill.”
Ian, who started his career with Arthur Anderson and qualified as a chartered accountant there back in 1995, worked at Kingfisher plc, Marks & Spencer and the Met Office before joining Old Mill as Group Finance Director in 2008.
In his three years at the firm, the 40-year-old has also quickly risen through the ranks, being promoted to Group Finance and Operations Director in 2009 and now to Operations Partner. Ian, who lives in Taunton with his wife Debbie and young sons Ollie, Max and Toby, says he is really excited about his promotion.
“I am really looking forward to new role where I will have responsibility for the support teams and infrastructure of Old Mill so I will be overseeing the relocation of our two largest offices in Shepton Mallet and Yeovil and launching a number of new initiatives including a graduate development scheme and a major programme of IT investment that will make it easier for our staff to offer clients outstanding service.
Both Stuart and Ian say they like working for Old Mill because of its progressive culture.
Ian said “Within Old Mill there is a huge amount of ambition and drive to take the organisation forward. Plus, the fact that it is prepared to promote a non-fee earning member of staff like myself to the role of partner really demonstrates that Old Mill is a true meritocracy, recognising and rewarding people based on their contribution to, and achievements with the business.”
While Stuart added, “Old Mill is a business full of genuinely nice people willing to work very hard. I particularly like the balance we have of local people and those that have moved to this area bringing with them experiences from working in larger firms all around the country. We’re all very supportive of each other which means we are able to focus on providing the highest level of service to our clients.”
For more information please contact Alan Stone on 01749 335007.