Partner Article

Pierce chairman Graham Boyes passes on the baton

A leading figure in the success of a prominent Lancashire business advisory and accountancy firm is passing on the baton after 32 years as the practice goes from strength to strength.

Pierce CA Ltd chairman Graham Boyes is retiring confident that his client portfolio is in the capable hands of colleagues who will continue to provide the professional service that the practice is renowned for.

His portfolio will be managed by Ben Smith, Gary Speak, Simon Diggle, Paul Moulding, John Corteen and Paul Warren.

Respected by colleagues and clients as a “charismatic, energetic and professional man”, Graham, 66, who lives in the Ribble Valley, is credited with helping Pierce to establish its extensive and impressive client base.

Affectionately known as GGB by colleagues – his full name is Graham Gardner-Boyes - he marked his retirement with a celebration lunch attended by past and present colleagues and clients at The Out Barn, Clough Bottom, Bashall Eaves, near Clitheroe.

Guests included former Pierce colleagues Mike Wills, Eddie Nutter, Simon Baxendale and John Thompson, and serving directors David Sharpe and Ben Smith.

Also invited were current Pierce CA shareholders Paul Warren, John Green, Mark Maden-Wilkinson and Nadeem Hussain.

Speaking about his retirement, Graham said: “I have had an amazing time at Pierce, making many great friends while providing some inspirational entrepreneurs with advice that has helped them to grow successful businesses of their own.

“Some of that advice included succession planning and I am pleased to say that Pierce has a team in place who will ensure it can go from strength to strength by continuing to deliver the high level of service for which Pierce is renowned.”

It was in 1983 that Graham left his job as financial director with The Slinger Group, Great Harwood, to join PF Pierce and Co’s Accrington office. He maintained his former employer as a client.

Along with a team from the Accrington Office, he opened offices for PF Pierce & Co at Strawberry Bank, Blackburn, in April 1987.

In 1991, PF Pierce was renamed Pierce Chartered Accountants.

Working closely with Paul Warren, a partner at the Accrington office, Graham was instrumental in the amalgamation in 1996 of both offices into Richmond Terrace, Blackburn.

In June 2004, the firm was incorporated and became Pierce CA Ltd and moved to modern offices at Mentor House, Ainsworth Street, Blackburn, in 2005.

Pierce director John Green said: “Graham’s clients have known the care and attention of a superb professional and will not be disappointed going forward as their needs will continue to be met by a team of people who share his values and commitment to quality.

“Practising what he preached about succession planning, Graham was mindful of building a strong team to continue his good work once he retired.

“Many businesses in Lancashire and beyond have benefited from his experience and expertise and I am sure that they will join us in wishing him all the best for his retirement.

“With Graham’s help, Pierce remains a progressive and dynamic firm which has naturally and organically evolved into a forward thinking practice with ‘one stop shop’ facilities for its clients.

“With a strong backbone of long serving staff, an experienced Board of Directors and excellent preparation for the future, Pierce is very well placed to support the North West business community.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Simon Donohue .