We recently sat down with Annette Stone, Tax Partner to learn more about Azets Plymouth Office.
Azets is a top 10 accountancy firm and focuses on delivering a highly personalised service, though a local office network and proprietary digital workplace technology.
Azets Plymouth opened in July 2022 with a team of 2, but just 2 years later their office now has over 30 people working in Tax Advisory team, Audit & Assurance, Accountancy & Business Advisory Services, Payroll, and Restructuring & Insolvency.
Check out our latest Business Spotlight to learn more about Azets.
What is the name of the company and how long have you been in Plymouth?
We are Azets, established in Plymouth since July 2022 when our two founding Partners Laura Pingree and Duncan Swift opened a serviced office in Salt Quay House at Sutton Harbour. Since then, we have grown dramatically due to our organic success and support from the local business community and in March this year opened our new office, taking the entire 3rd floor of Salt Quay House to accommodate our ever expanding team.
What is the sector that you specialise in?
I am a Partner in the Private client Tax Advisory sector and head of the Westcountry Private Client team in our regional offices. I advise on all taxes that affect an individual from birth through to death including Estates and Trusts. I advise clients and other professionals and help navigate this specialist area of tax planning. I also work alongside my colleagues in many of our other specialist areas such as Restructuring & Insolvency, Accounts and Business Services, Wealth and Succession planning to find seamless solutions to all individual and business scenarios from a tax perspective.
In 20 words, how would you describe the business?
Azets UK is the UK’s largest regional accounting firm and specialist business advisor to SMEs, delivering a highly personalised service.
Do you provide services to Plymouth/SW/UK-wide/overseas?
We provide services to individuals and businesses in Plymouth, also supporting clients in the West Country through our offices in Truro, Launceston, Barnstaple, Tavistock, South Molton and Blandford Forum. Azets has over 3,800 people in our 87 offices across our UK office network. Overseas we have 85 European offices including 4 offices in Ireland.
What would you say was your best-selling product?
In the Private Client Advisory team the current hot topics are Inheritance Tax and Capital Gains Tax planning. The new Government and impending budget means more people are seeking advice to mitigate their tax bills.
What would you say is the best thing about doing business in Plymouth?
I love doing business in my hometown! Plymouth is such a vibrant and diverse city and there are plenty of opportunities to help existing businesses and new startups. I also feel very supported by the local business community here and like to give back to the city in which I grew up. There are so many wonderful community programmes and charitable causes on a local level to support here.
And what of the future … where do you see Azets in 10 years’ time?
When Azets Plymouth opened in July 2022 we were a team of 2, but just 2 years later and our office now has over 30 people working in our Tax Advisory team, Audit & Assurance, Accountancy & Business Advisory Services, Payroll, and Restructuring & Insolvency. We have plans to grow the team further and add new services lines. Our projection is for a team of 60 by 2027. Further ahead I would see Azets as being the go-to Accountants in Plymouth and the Westcountry whatever your size or sector.
And how about yourself … how long have you worked at Azets and what is your role?
I joined Azets in March 2023, and I am delighted to have recently been promoted to Office Managing Partner for the Plymouth office. I have regional responsibility for our Private Client tax teams in the Westcountry and enjoy meeting clients at our local offices, to deliver a bespoke personal service. A significant part of my role at Azets is to provide tax planning advice to our farming community, who have industry specific tax reliefs and require an advisory service tailored to their needs.
How do you spend your time outside of work?
I am a busy mum and “Abuela” to my granddaughter and I love spending time with my family. I like to travel and experience new cultures, and get as much sunshine as I possibly can! I enjoy working with Plymouth YMCA as a Trustee to support their important work for the city. A relaxing day would be a long walk along the Coastal footpath with my partner Matthew and my dog Minnie.
If you could have a business lunch with anyone who could significantly influence you/the business, who would that be and why?
I would love to have lunch with Wayne Rooney as I will be part of a team involved in offering services for Elite Athletes and Sports Personalities, and I’m sure he has some great contacts who would benefit from this service.