Chris (second right) is congratulated in his new role by Senior Partner John Heeney (second left) and Brigg partners Karen Lyth and Gary Makinson.
Associate partner Chris Driver has celebrated his 10th year at RNS with his admission as a full equity partner in the firm.
He thanked partners and colleagues for the roles they have played in his progression since joining the firm in 2015 after graduating from Durham University with an economics degree.
His new position became effective on 1st April and is a continuation of his previous role but, as a full equity partner, he will be fully invested in the long term success and growth of the firm and its client services.
“From a client perspective, nothing will change,” Chris said. “I'll still be at the end of the phone or across a table, continuing to provide the advice and support they need.
“I was delighted the partners wanted to work with me for the long term and recognise what I can bring to the practice.”
Chris attended Winterton Comprehensive School and John Leggott Sixth Form College before studying at Durham.
He qualified, after training, as a chartered accountant and is also a specialist tax adviser and a member of the Chartered Institute of Taxation.
Chris is based in the agricultural team at the Brigg office and a past President of the Humber branch of the ICAEW.
“The support from the partner group - current and those now retired - has been immense and played a crucial role in my development.
“This goes back to 2015 when I joined the firm as a trainee, supporting me through my accountancy exams.
“After I passed my accountancy exams, this continued by immediately providing the backing to help me complete my taxation qualification.
“Post study, I've worked closely with now retired Adrian (Ingleton) and Gary (Makinson), in particular, both were crucial to my progression through the firm and transition to partner.”
Being an accountant was not a part of a career plan.
“I'm not sure I've ever met anyone who does want to be an accountant!
“I realised I wasn't a talented athlete quite young, so I would have to study hard.
“After studying subjects I enjoyed, I just fell into accountancy, which has worked out rather well.”
There were several aspects to the job he enjoyed.
“Meeting clients, getting to understand how their business operates and what I can do to help are all enjoyable.
“And variety – there is a lot of repetition with filing accounts and tax returns but coming across new problems that need solving every day means it's never dull.”
There were challenges to face in the future but also plenty of opportunities, including technology.
Clients had consistent issues.
“For my agricultural clients, most are concerned about the inheritance tax changes announced in Autumn's Budget.
“More recently, and perhaps more pressing, concerns over the withdrawal of subsidies come at a critical time for the future of the industry.
“Changes to national insurance and the national minimum wage are also concerning, at a time when cost pressures across the board remain problematic.”
The answer to the concerns was simple, said Chris.
“Plan and speak to your RNS contact.
“We're here to provide advisory services, and really add value to your business. However insurmountable the problem may seem, there's always a solution that we can help you come to.”
Senior partner John Heeney congratulated Chris on becoming an equity partner.
“Chris is an incredibly talented and knowledgeable chartered accountant and specialist tax adviser who is a terrific asset to the firm,” said John.
“I'm sure clients, like ourselves, will be pleased he has committed himself long term to the firm and continuing to deliver the best possible service to his clients.”