Sandiford, a partner in Bishop Fleming's Bath office and head of its corporate and business services, takes over from Matthew Lee who has held the position since 2001.

Ian Smith, Bishop Fleming chair, said: ‘As we enter 2018, the restructuring of our management team is an important step for a firm of our size and ambition. I'd like to thank Matthew for his years of leadership, during which we have doubled in size, quadrupled our turnover and extended the reach of our work both nationally and internationally. Matthew's track record certainly provides a great launch pad for the future.’

Bishop Fleming, ranked at 33 in the Accountancy league table of firms, has a turnover of £22.3m and saw organic growth of 12% in 2016/17. With seven offices spanning from the west Midlands to the south west, the firm has 29 partners and over 340 staff in the UK, Bishop Fleming is also a member of Kreston International network.

Sandiford said: ‘We are entering an exciting new phase for Bishop Fleming and I am delighted to be taking up this position as we look to build on our growth and achievements.

‘There is much work to do as our industry faces the challenges presented by the unprecedented economic and political situation, but I am confident we are well placed to continue to thrive in these promising times.’

The changes, which include a newly constituted management board, came into effect on 1 January 2018.

Report by Pat Sweet