A well known face who has headed RNS is stepping down to take semi-retirement.
Ian Pounder, senior partner, will continue to be involved in the firm on a consultancy basis.
The 57-year-old will be replaced in his role from May 1 by John Heeney, a partner at RNS since 2001.
Ian said: “I’m looking forward to having more free time and time to relax and not being at the beck and call of the clock.
“I will continue to work with some clients and will be supporting RNS and its partners.
Ian Pounder (right) is wished all the best as he steps down as a partner at RNS by John Heeney.
“We have an excellent team here. For many years, we have been succession planning and, because of extensive training, we have the right people in place to take the firm forward.
“All but one of the present partners have come through the ranks, training and qualifying with the firm.
“I’m looking forward to working with them in a consultancy role and supporting as much as they want and need.”
Grimsby-born Ian, who attended Havelock Comprehensive and then studied business at the Grimsby College of Technology, joined the original firm of RN Store and Co in his home town in May, 1980. He became a partner eight years later.
In 1993, it became a separate practice, serving Brigg and Scunthorpe. Ian is the last of the original partners.
He will miss the day-to-day involvement.
“Nearly all the staff employed here are people I have taken on. They are friends as well as colleagues.
“Accountancy has changed a huge amount. When I joined, computers were hardly used and we employed three or four typists at the Grimsby office alone. The use of IT has increased at a pace and allows the firm to be far more efficient in its working practices.”
“Some things were better in the past. There were two tax offices in Grimsby and another in Scunthorpe. If there was a problem, you’d pop along and sort it out.”
Married to Eileen for 31 years, they are looking forward to holidaying and spending more time in their adopted home of Northumberland, where they own a property in Morpeth and a static caravan near Berwick upon Tweed. Eileen retired as a special needs teacher seven years ago.
“We love it up there and it is eventually where we plan to retire. We discovered Northumberland in 2008 when we stayed for a long weekend in Belford, rather than just travelling through on the way to Edinburgh.
“We are also looking forward to spending more time improving our photography and volunteering with the National Trust.
“I wish everybody at RNS all the best and look forward to working with the remaining partners and colleagues on a more informal basis.”
John thanked Ian for his work as a senior partner.
“It’s not a farewell as such because of Ian’s continued involvement in the firm,” said John.
“But, on behalf of colleagues, I would like to thank him for the years of dedicated service as a partner then senior partner.
“We wish Ian and Eileen all the very best with their plans for the future.”