Nantwich accountancy firm Afford Bond has marked the long service of two colleagues who have notched up more than 70 years’ service between them.
The firm, on Wellington Road, staged a special lunch to bid a fond farewell to Practice Director Jeff Atkinson after 24 years of service and to congratulate Account Manager John Morris on his 50 years with the firm.
Jeff, who aims to spend more time travelling with his wife in their motorhome, said: “I will always be very grateful to the directors of Afford Bond for their support and camaraderie over the years.
“I have had the opportunity to take on a number of roles, including several years working directly with clients, heading up our payroll bureau and also running the Wilmslow office.
“In 2012, I returned to my previous role of running the internal workings of the firm, as Practice Director – a role I have thoroughly enjoyed.
“I have seen Afford Bond grow and evolve into the business it is today – a thriving, energised, client-focused firm working in the best interests of its clients and staff, and I am sure it will continue to go from strength to strength.”
The firm employs more than 80 across its offices in Nantwich, Wilmslow and Manchester and dozens turned up for the lunch event which included a surprise ice cream cart for Jeff.
They gathered in the picturesque grounds of the Nantwich office – home to Afford Bond for more than 50 years.
John, who was 19 when he began his accountancy career, shared stories of his first day.
“It was 1975 and I brought along my calculator which I was quickly told to pack away!
“Things were done manually back then quite different to the computerised systems we have today.”
Away from work John, 69, looks after a menagerie of pets.
He added: “I’ve loved every day at Afford Bond and have particularly enjoyed seeing our trainees gain confidence and experience just as I did as a junior.
“I can’t think of a better place to work and have no retirement plans just yet.”
Afford Bond can be traced back to the 1920’s when Norman Afford set up his practice at District Bank House in Nantwich town centre.
It moved to the former mansion house on Wellington Road in 1973 and down the decades it has been extended to create north and south wings accommodating the growing workforce.
The firm is a certified training office for the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales and takes pride in nurturing fresh talent.
It has seven trainees currently heading towards their accountancy exams.
Paul Edwards, one of ten directors at the helm, said: “The firm has grown but our culture is to nurture and create environment where our employees thrive and feel supported.
“It’s a positive working environment where clients benefit from long-standing relationships. John is a prime example of that.
“We’re sad to lose Jeff but can’t compete with his travel plans! We have an excellent replacement for him in Joanne Scane who will steer the ship and promote our values for many years to come.”
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