Scrutton Bland appoints three partners and one director

Suffolk and Essex-based accountancy firm Scrutton Bland has announced four promotions across the firm. Ben Cussons and Emma Clifton have been appointed as business advisory partners, while Simon Hurren has been appointed to the role of private client tax partner. Additionally, James Thurkettle has been promoted to corporate finance director. Clifton has been working at the group’s Ipswich office for over 20 years. According to Scrutton Bland, her “dedication to client success and unwavering support for her team have set a high standard for excellence”. Meanwhile Cussons has grown the firm’s client base in Diss over the last 12 years and Hurren’s expertise in tax planning and personalised guidance for the firm’s clients have been “instrumental” in their financial well-being. Hurren will continue to grow the group’s private client service offering. Lastly, Thurkettle has been with the firm for over nine years and in that time has been “pivotal” in driving “successful” transactions. His promotion recognises his “outstanding contributions” to the firm and specialism in US GAAP audits. The promotions mean that the firm now has an 16-strong partner team and come alongside the news that they have secured investment from Sumer, a top 15 UK accountancy challenger practice that invests in accountancy firms across the UK. Jason Fayers, managing partner of Scrutton Bland, said: “We are thrilled to announce the well-deserved promotions of Emma, Ben, Simon and James. Their hard work, commitment to excellence, and leadership have significantly contributed to the success of our firm. “We are focused on supporting the needs of ambitious businesses and their owners, and our people are at the heart of all we do. These promotions not only recognise their individual accomplishments but also reinforce our firm’s dedication to fostering growth and recognising talent within our team. We look forward to their continued success as they move into their new roles.”