Leading Cheltenham accountants announces double partner hire to boost private client offering

Leading south west accountancy firm, Bishop Fleming, has announced the appointment of two new tax partners at its Gloucestershire headquarters in Cheltenham.

Continuing its commitment to increasing its reach across Gloucestershire and the south west, the firm aims to boost its private client offering with these key senior appointments.

Iona Martin was previously tax director and head of private banking tax at KPMG and brings with her over 25 years of private client advisory experience. Iona's last role focused on supporting financial services clients in the wealth sector with tax reporting, tax remediation and tax risk management.

While Zoe Martin is a private client taxation specialist, also with over 25 years’ experience in private practice and joins the Bishop Fleming team from accountancy firm, RSM UK. Zoe brings experience of working with high-net-worth individuals, owner-managed businesses and trusts, specialising in capital gains tax and inheritance tax planning.

Iona said: 'I’m pleased to be joining Bishop Fleming and look forward to using my experience to push forward the strategic growth ambitions of the firm, both in Cheltenham and beyond. By growing its presence in Cheltenham, the firm is well-positioned to provide a top-quality offering while still maintaining a local knowledge and understanding, which can be invaluable to our clients.'

Zoe commented: 'I am delighted to be joining Bishop Fleming at this exciting time and I look forward to growing the firm’s presence in the Gloucestershire region. I have ambitions to make Cheltenham a hub of specialism for our private clients, developing bespoke, holistic solutions.

Head of the firm's tax department, Andrew Browne, added: 'We see great opportunity for growth in the region. The opening of our Cheltenham office in 2023 and subsequent investment in people is testament to our focus on ambitious growth targets across the Midlands and south west. I look forward to working with Iona and Zoe and drawing upon their experience and knowledge to help realise our ambitions during this exciting journey.'