A NEW managing partner will take over the reins at a popular accountancy firm from May 2022.

Albert Goodman, whose headquarters are based in Taunton, has announced that managing parter Richard Bugler will be stepping down after six years.

New successor and current partner at the firm, Ian McVicar, will be taking his place from May 1.

Richard trained at Albert Goodman and worked his way up, taking on managing partner in 2016.

He has grown the firm year on year, promoted the board of partners to include 50% female partnership and invested in new premises in Weymouth, Weston-super-Mare and Taunton.

He will continue to work for Albert Goodman as a partner, with a focus on corporate finance.

"I’ve enjoyed 28 wonderful years at Albert Goodman, from my time as a trainee, to growing the business as one of the largest chartered accountancy practices in the South West," said Richard.

"Hopefully my career path is an inspiration to our young apprentices that are at the start of their career.

"Anything is possible if you’re dedicated, passionate about helping customers to reach their full potential and possess good leadership qualities.”

“Working with Iain over the years has been tremendous and highly rewarding, seeing him grow personally and professionally.

"I’m confident he will do very well and I’m excited to see where he takes Albert Goodman over the next six years.”

Ian is currently a partner in the farming estates team. He is planning to honour the firm's five-year commitment to grow the business, and their goal of becoming net zero by 2030.

Ian added: “I know I’ve got big shoes to fill as Richard is well respected in the region for so many reasons and he’s done a sterling job of putting Albert Goodman on the map.

"The business is in great shape to take over the reins and it feels like the right time for me personally to move into the managing partner position and utilise all my experience.

“Helping South West businesses is my number one priority, and I am grateful that I have an amazing team behind me to support all of their accountancy needs.

"From apprenticeship level to partners within the firm, I’m fortunate to work with a team that have so much experience and a real passion to continue Richard’s legacy.”