AN accountancy firm in Truro has welcomed three new partners and a director to its office in Truro.

PKF Francis Clark has promoted three new partners and one director based at its Truro office.

Ian Hughes, Katie Skea and Nicola Cornish are among 10 newly promoted partners at the South West’s largest independent chartered accountancy firm, bringing the total number of partners to 60, the most in its 104-year history.

Andrew Dungey has also become a director in the business advisory team in Truro.

Ian and Nicola joined PKF Francis Clark straight from university and trained with the firm, while Katie returned to her Cornish roots after several years working for Deloitte in Bristol and Australia.

Healthcare specialist Katie, who works with GP practices across Cornwall, said: "For me, making partner has been a journey of learning, growing and balancing life and work, so it’s a really rewarding milestone.

"As a busy working mother with three children, the firm has been very supportive in accommodating my need for flexibility, as well as giving me the opportunity to diversify my skillset in becoming a healthcare specialist.

"I’ve learned from the best in Luke Bennett and am now really looking forward to helping as many clients as possible and developing the skills of the great team around me."

Ian advises owner-managed businesses on a variety of tax planning and business issues, with a particular interest in supporting clients with cloud accounting and the Government’s Making Tax Digital agenda.

He said: "When I joined 20 years ago fresh from university, I’d be lying if I said I pictured myself as a partner one day. But my progression is testament to the firm’s commitment to developing future managers and partners from within, which I’m looking forward to continuing – I’m viewing our juniors with fresh eyes already, wondering which ones I’ll see joining the partnership in another 20 years!"

Audit and assurance specialist Nicola, who works with owner-managed and family businesses, said: "After 15 years here, I can honestly say that everyone is so supportive and the leadership team are fully committed to growing our own. That's evident by the number of partners, directors and managers who have worked their way up from trainees."

Tom Roach, who heads the Truro office, said: "Katie, Nicola and Ian’s promotions are thoroughly deserved and I look forward to them playing key roles in supporting our clients and developing our team in the years to come."

Managing partner Andrew Richards added: "Supporting colleagues to progress in their careers is an important part of our culture, so I’m proud to welcome a record number of new partners this year as the firm continues to grow.

"Our new partners and directors have all invested a lot of time and effort in their professional development to get to this point, and I look forward to them playing key roles in the ongoing success of the firm and our clients in the years to come."