Register to get free articles
Want unlimited access? View Plans
Already have an account? Sign in
Huddersfield Chartered accountancy practice, Sheards has celebrated its 120th anniversary and has marked the milestone by inviting clients, old and new, and other local businesses to a celebratory event at The Cellar Theatre at Lawrence Batley Theatre on 29 June.
Sheards is an accounting firm from Kirklees. It was founded in 1903 by Fred Sheard and the company still bears his name.
He was joined by his two sons Ernest and Percy, who were trained by their father and the firm became Fred Sheard and Sons.
Fred Sheard died in 1931, aged 58 and Ernest and Percy continued the family firm. In the 1950’s they were joined by Fredrick Sheard, son of Ernest, and Michael Dyson, becoming chartered accountants.
In 1985, Sheards current director, Carolyn Atkinson joined Sheards and in 1987 the firm moved out of Kirkgate Buildings, to the current location at Vernon House.
Pat Messenger, the firm’s longest-standing accountant, joined the Sheards fold in 1989 and a week later, Kevin Winterburn was taken on as an apprentice.
Sheards remained in family ownership until 2002 when Atkinson and Winterburn took over the reins as directors of the firm.
The two current directors boast a combined service of 72 years. Atkinson celebrated her 38th year with the firm this year and Winterburn also recently celebrated his 33rd work anniversary.
Sheards now have 18 staff and have grown significantly over recent years.
Today, Sheards offer a wide range of accountancy services which embrace digital and cloud-based technologies.
Atkinson, president of the Huddersfield and District Society of Chartered Accountants, said: “It is such a privilege to be continuing the business that Fred Sheard founded way back in 1903. I am so proud of our team here at Sheards.
“We have a high number of staff who have been with the business for over 10 years, some spanning three decades, which is certainly something to shout about! Most of our team are local, born and bred in the Huddersfield area and we pride ourselves in our recruitment and retention even being shortlisted in ‘The Best Employer’ category at the Yorkshire Accountancy Awards one year.”
Winterburn added: “We have really good relationships with our clients and the local businesses in our community. We felt privileged that so many of them came along on the night to celebrate this milestone with us. We’re proud of our commitment to the community and to local charities, having supported many local charities including The Welcome Centre and The Lawrence Batley Theatre.”
