AN accountant whose family run a farm on Exmoor has been made a partner at a Taunton-based firm.

Neil Hutchings has been made corporate finance partner at chartered accountants Albert Goodman.

Commenting on his appointment, Mr Hutchings said: “I am proud to have been invited to join Albert Goodman’s partnership team and I’m looking forward to helping a vibrant business continue to thrive.

“The South West is a real hotbed of entrepreneurial talent and I’m relishing the opportunity to work with colleagues to deliver the outstanding level of service that business leaders know they can expect from Albert Goodman.

“It’s a real privilege to be able to harness the wealth of talent across the firm for the benefit of our clients in the region and beyond, who can trust us to provide the very best support in a fast-moving world.”

After graduating from Newcastle University, he underwent training with Deloitte in Nottingham and qualified as a chartered accountant in 2001, ahead of a move to PwC’s Bristol office.

Mr Hutchings, who was born in Taunton, then joined Albert Goodman in 2008.

Since working for the company, he has developed extensive corporate finance, audit, accountancy and business advisory skills, working with a range of companies and organisations.

As well as specialising in selling and buying businesses, Mr Hutchings also undertakes due diligence reviews, valuations, expert witness reporting, fundraising and other corporate finance projects.

Iain McVicar, managing partner at Albert Goodman, said: “We are excited to welcome Neil to the partnership team, and I am certain that he will play a key role in supporting Albert Goodman’s ongoing growth.

“I have seen first hand that Neil has the experience, expertise and energy to enhance the company’s corporate finance capabilities.

“Neil is an outstanding operator and I know he will have a hugely positive impact on Albert Goodman as he makes the new role his own.”

Albert Goodman has been working with businesses across the South West for more than a century.

As well as its headquarters in Taunton, it has offices in King Street, in central Bristol office, Yeovil, Weymouth and Weston-super-Mare.