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Azets has announced that restructuring and insolvency partner, Duncan Swift, will be retiring after helping drive the fast growth of the firm’s Plymouth office.
Swift joined Azets in 2020 and, alongside audit partner Laura Pingree, co-founded what became the firm’s first “grow-your-own” office. They set out in 2022 with the aim of building a 30-strong team within three years. The team reached that target in just 18 months and now numbers around 40, with plans to grow to more than 60 over the next three years.
Reflecting on his time at the firm, Swift said: “Azets in Plymouth has grown into something incredibly special. Our success has stemmed from listening to the market, engaging with clients and stakeholders, and, most importantly, investing in exceptional people.
“Laura and I may have laid the foundations, but it’s the wider team, including early recruits like Annette Stone, who have built something sustainable by continually attracting and developing talent who share our values.”
The Plymouth office has worked with institutions such as City College and the University of Plymouth to build a diverse, client-focused team.
Swift added: “We look for fundamentals like positive attitude, client focus and strong values, the rest can be developed through our structured training and development programmes. I leave knowing that the team is in great hands and that the Plymouth office will continue to thrive and grow.”
Annette Stone, office managing partner in Plymouth and head of private client tax, said: “It’s been a privilege to work alongside Duncan in building something from the ground up. His leadership and experience have been instrumental in shaping a culture that’s entrepreneurial, people-focused, and resilient.
“We’re deeply grateful for his immense contribution and wish him a fulfilling and well-deserved retirement, though we know he’ll be keeping busy with his many non-executive director roles.”
The Plymouth office remains on a growth trajectory, continuing to recruit and expand its services as part of Azets’ national strategy.
Azets is an international business advisory group with regional offices across the UK, including in Truro, Blandford Forum, South Molton, St Asaph, Gloucester, Bristol, Cardiff, Swansea, Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Coventry, Nottingham and Tamworth.
