Howard Wilkinson is to retire as senior partner and joint managing partner of top 50 practice Mercer & Hole at the end of the month, after 46 years with the firm.

Wilkinson joined Mercer & Hole as an articled clerk in 1967, first becoming a partner in 1974. Noted for its tax and trust expertise, during Wilkinson's time with the firm it has grown from a small local practice with a turnover of less than £500,000, to one with a turnover in excess of £12m, around 150 staff and offices in London, St Albans and Milton Keynes.

Wilkinson said: 'The complexity, breadth and scope of work has changed dramatically over the years and continues to do so.

'I am obviously delighted with the firm's success but I am most pleased that in all that time we have not only kept pace with all the regulatory changes, but have continued to offer a very personal service where it is the client who always comes first.

'I am confident that Paul Webster as managing partner and Paul Maberly as senior partner will continue to develop Mercer & Hole in the same way in the future.'