Five team members at Newport-based Kilsby Williams are celebrating 25 years’ service with the accountancy firm.

Senior partner Stephen Williams established Kilsby Williams in 1991 along with Andrew Kilsby – who has recently retired.

The fledgling company was soon joined by managing partner Simon Tee, client administration and IT manager Belinda Moore, tax manager Wendy Burden and senior manager Michelle Erickson.

All have risen through the ranks during their time with the firm, with Simon progressing from senior, to client manager, then to managing partner in November last year. Simon is now responsible for shaping the firm’s business strategy and the day-to-day management of the business.

Leading the way from its Celtic Springs Business Park head office, the independent firm of chartered accountants and commercial business advisors now employs 45 people and services clients in the Midlands and greater London as well as across Wales.

Stephen, prior to establishing Kilsby Williams, worked for Touche Ross - now Deloitte.

He said: “Twenty-five years ago Andrew and I spotted an opening in the marketplace to set up an accountancy firm in south east Wales specialising in private family business with a particular emphasis on taxation. After many sleepless nights, we decided to take the plunge and create Kilsby Williams.

“Our first office was essentially two rooms in premises in Caerau Road in Newport from which we moved to Clytha Park Road, then Shire Hall. From there we set up home in Celtic Springs where we have been based ever since.

“We still, very much, hold on to our original ideals in providing quality advice to successful private family business mainly within the environs of south east Wales, although we do have clients all over the UK, with particular emphasis in London.

“I am proud of what we have achieved and should emphasise that we have an excellent cross-section of quality team members at Kilsby Williams, all of whom play an important role in the success of the business. I would also like to pass on my thanks to my fellow colleagues who have been with us since the beginning and witnessed our incredible transformation into a thriving, exciting and rewarding place to work.”

Kilsby Williams has recently made a number of promotions and appointments at senior level and is planning a gradual expansion plan over the next few years.