Ben joins firm’s growth push in Southport

Moore and Smalley has made another appointment in its Southport office as it targets more growth in Merseyside, the Wirral and West Lancashire.

Qualified accountant Ben Gilbert has joined the firm after 11 years with Bolton-based Donnelly Bentley accountants.

Ben specialises in audit, accounts and taxation for SMEs and larger limited companies. His appointment takes staff numbers in the Southport office to 16, an increase of 25 per cent in the last two years.

It closely follows the recruitment of experienced Merseyside-based banker Andy Webster.  Andy was brought on board in September 2016 to strengthen links with the professional community and support client growth.

Ben, from Wigan, said: “My family is originally from Merseyside and we always came to Southport growing up, so it’s an area I know very well. I’m looking forward to working with the business community here.

“It’s clear Moore and Smalley is a forward-thinking business the way it has embraced technology like cloud accounting software. It also has a reputation for providing trusted advice.”

James Treadwell, partner at Moore and Smalley and head of the Southport office, said: “Ben is an experienced accountant and just the kind of person we need in our team. We want to grow this office and work with more SMEs and owner-managed business in the region.

“As well as advising clients, Ben will also be performing a management role with the firm. This will help myself and the management team to focus on the strategic growth and development of the business.”

Moore and Smalley established a presence in Southport in April 2014 when it acquired local practice Hollows Davies Crane. Moore and Smalley also has offices in Preston, Blackpool, Lancaster, Kendal, and East Midlands.