Smith & Williamson wins Nexia International Firm of the Year Award 2011

For the first time this year Nexia International has created two awards - Firm of the Year award to celebrate the success of those member firms that have made a significant contribution to Nexia, and a Lifetime Achievement Award to an individual. 

The winner of the Nexia International Firm of the Year Award for 2011 was announced at the Paris annual conference 6 November 2011 as Smith & Williamson.

The Nexia International Firm of the Year Award has been established to celebrate the success of those Member firms that have made a significant contribution to Nexia, either directly or through collaboration with other Nexia firms both regionally and internationally, throughout the year.

It was felt that Smith & Williamson, the first year’s winner “is a firm whose commitment to and participation in Nexia’s activities over many years has been immense but this year has been even greater than usual.”

“During the course of 2011 Smith & Williamson has made a significant contribution to Nexia International at a number of levels but [we] will highlight the activities of just six individuals:

Mike Bishop - has led the successful integration of the former Europe and Middle East & Africa regions into the new EMEA region; he has also overseen the establishment of the new international People Development Team (which he Chairs);

John Voyez has continued to develop the European Tax Group to the extent that it now regularly attracts over 50 members to its three meetings per year:

Chris Appleton is leading the development of the Cross Border Database initiative within the EMEA region;

Ann Monks is playing a key role in the International Marketing Committee, and this year has been instrumental in the development of the International Marketing Plan template for Members;

Rajesh Sharma continues to chair the International Tax Committee, with the introduction of the first international Tax Director (Mike Adams) in 2011; and, finally

Jeremy Boadle continues to play an active role on the International Board - with specific responsibilities for the financial management of the organization.”

In addition, over the years, Smith & Williamson has made an immense contribution through:

• its investments in Nexia TS (January 2009) and Oliver Freaney & Co (June 2008).  The firm continues to support growth in both businesses, Smith & Williamson Freaney through setting up an insolvency practice in 2010 and an investment management business in April 2011, while for Nexia TS the firm has undertaken several IPOs in London on behalf of Singapore and Chinese clients of theirs, as well as supporting their growth in director headcount in the last three years.  Their business has grown from a revenue of S$7million in calendar 2008 to a current rate of about S$10.0 million in 2011.
• its involvement on the Board of Nexia International and its committees where, in addition to the points made in the citation, Gareth Pearce was Chairman for eight years and Yvonne Lang has acted as technical adviser to the Audit Committee for twelve years. Smith & Williamson has also supported the conferences with at least two speakers presenting each year.

Nexia International ranks number 12 in the world whilst in many countries, Nexia firms rank in the top 10 of accounting firms.

Disclaimer

By necessity, this briefing can only provide a short overview and it is essential to seek professional advice before applying the contents of this article. No responsibility can be taken for any loss arising from action taken or refrained from on the basis of this publication. Details correct at time of writing.

Note to editors:

Smith & Williamson is a leading independent investment management and financial services group, with around 1,500 employees, that provides a broad range of services including investment management, financial advisory services, tax, private banking and accountancy to private clients, professional practices, companies and non-profit organisations.

The group operates from offices in London, Belfast, Birmingham, Bristol, Dublin, Glasgow, Guildford, Salisbury, Southampton and Worcester.

Nexia Smith & Williamson Audit Limited is independent and provides audit services to complement the specialist financial services offered by members of Smith & Williamson.

Nexia Smith & Williamson Audit Limited
Registered to carry out audit work in the UK by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.  A member of Nexia International.

Smith & Williamson Limited
Regulated by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales for a range of investment business activities. A member of Nexia International.