• Swindon & Wiltshire Appointments
• Monday March 3 2025
• Author Name: Peter Davison

All change at Haines Watts as long-serving accountants retire

Accountant Mike Lloyd is stepping down as the managing partner of Haines Watts Swindon after 30 years at the helm. His colleague Sue Plumb, who is the charity and not-for-profit partner at the Old Town practice, has also announced her retirement after 23 years with the company.

Tax partner Martin Gurney, who has been with the firm for 21 years, will take over as managing director, assisted by partner and SME advisor Emma Skinner.

Mike said: “I have had the pleasure of working with Sue for many of my years at Haines Watts, and I hope she enjoys her well-earned retirement.

“Sue has been a committed and dedicated colleague and friend and, as with me, it is time for her to embrace different adventures.

“For me, on March 31 it will be 30 years exactly since I joined Haines Watts. I was appointed a partner six months later and became managing partner in April 1996, a role that I have fulfilled ever since. It has been an amazing journey.

“Whatever the next chapter entails, it will be different from this one and I am looking forward to seeing what life brings. I have been very fortunate to work with so many talented colleagues and business friends, not to mention fabulous clients in this time, and I consider myself very lucky.

“There are so many people I want to thank for the joy that this career has given me. They know who they are!”

Mike is looking forward to spending more time with his partner Pat at their second home in the south of France and visiting friends and family in Australia and New Zealand.

“I am also planning to finally learn to play the guitar that has hung forlornly on my wall for thirty years and also to try for my race licence and indulge my need for speed legally!,” Mike said.

“I am hoping to get involved in the amazing work done by White Ribbon UK in the ongoing fight to combat violence against women and girls. With Pat and I having three daughters and a grand-daughter it is something very close to my heart. Au revoir for now!”

Martin said: “We would like to thank both Mike and Sue for their commitment over so many years as they have built the foundations on which we can build and take the business positively into the future.”

Pictured: Emma Skinner, Martin Gurney, Sue Plumb, and Mike Lloyd