BRADFORD accountancy firm Watson Buckle has appointed two new directors as part of its plans for growth.

Gillian Craven and Andrew Padgett join the existing directors at the leading practice, having being appointed to their new roles in recognition of their hard work and commitment to the company.

Gillian started her career at Watson Buckle in 2005 as a graduate trainee. After attaining the ACA qualification, she was promoted to Audit Manager in 2010. Her focus has been on audit and accounting, tax, and business advisory.

Gillian leads audits for a wide variety of clients, including pension schemes and FCA-regulated businesses and focuses on creating long-lasting relationships with clients.

She said: “It has been a challenging but enjoyable journey getting to where I am today and I am very excited to be taking on my new role as Director. As a firm, we offer so much to our clients and I am excited to be guiding the firm in the years to come.”

Andrew has been with the firm since 2015 having joined from a top 30 accountancy practice. He provides advice and support with audit and accounts preparation, business advisory, and strategic planning.

He has played a key role in the firm’s adoption of the latest technology which is helping its clients to remain ahead of the curve.

Andrew said: “I am delighted to be joining the team of Directors at Watson Buckle. The firm has come so far in such a short time and I am sure we can achieve even greater things in future.”

The appointments coincides with the retirement of the firm’s joint managing director, Susan Sedgwick, who retired at the end of 2019.

During Susan’s 40 years at the practice, she played a key role in the development of Watson Buckle and has been a significant influence in its growth and drive for innovation.

Mark Wilcock, managing director at Watson Buckle, said: “It is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to Susan. She has worked incredibly hard alongside our other directors to make our firm what it is today. She will be missed, but we hope she enjoys a very long and happy retirement.

“It is exciting to have Andrew and Gillian as newly appointed Directors. They have both fully invested themselves into the role and have worked immensely hard to get where they are today.

“I am sure they will inject plenty of new energy and ideas into the direction and success of our firm.”

The firm, which traces its history back more than a century, is based at Cottingley Business Park.

Watson Wood was founded in Bradford in 1902, while Charles D Buckle & Co was founded in 1905.

The two later merged in 2000 to form Watson Buckle.