The team at Shorts are marking a landmark event with the 40th Work Anniversary of Tax Compliance Adviser Sue Saxon.
Sue began her career at Shorts in February 1984, having previously worked for a handful of years within other local accountancy practices, where she completed her tax training.
Sue was initially contacted by a friend who worked at Shorts, Janet Patterson, to see whether Sue was interested in filling a vacancy within the tax team. She came for interview with Partners Jim Brier and John Bown, was offered the job as a Tax Senior and has never looked back. At that time Frank Stewart, Peter Freeman and Gerald Smith were the other partners at Shorts.
Sue's early days were working in Shorts' old premises on Fairfield Road, when the tax team consisted of only two members (Janet and Sue). When Janet then left soon after, Sue looked after all of the tax compliance work for a period of around six months before more people later joined the team.
(Pictured with some of the tax compliance team 2024)
Over the years, Sue has seen many changes within the world of personal tax and also at Shorts itself. Not only have the team numbers grown considerably, the firm opened offices in Sheffield, the service offerings have developed and the Chesterfield offices were combined into the offices we see today on Ashgate Road.
The role has developed and Sue has accumulated an enormous breadth of knowledge over the years. She has a client portfolio which contains a blend of interesting clients, many of whom she has looked after for many years. In some cases, this also means looking after many generations of the same families - four generations of the same family in one case.
When asked whether she recalls any unusual circumstances over the years, Sue comments that she still encounters people who contact Shorts for help, citing that they think they "may have a tax problem", and then going on to say they have been receiving income over a number of years that they have never declared. Even today, this is one of the challenges that people face, and Sue will help to bring everything up to date for them.
And when asked about interesting stories over her four decades in tax, Sue recalls how different things were within the office environment 40 years ago, particularly for a woman working within the profession. She recalls the transition from paper based to electronic working, how differently people addressed one another in and around the office, and how differently they dressed on a day to day basis. Today, we adopt a 'dress for your diary' code of dress, whereas she would have previously always worn a suit for work every day.
As she looks back, Sue fondly reminisces about the countless work social gatherings, festive Christmas parties, staff events and enduring friendships that have provided many fond memories.
One of the 'funniest' incidents that she can recall occurred in her early days at Fairfield Road. A traditionally built Victorian style building, the ladies toilets had a large, elaborate glass light fitting. Over time, people walking on the upper floor of the building must have worked the light fitting loose, and Sue recalls one day visiting the facilities and being somewhat startled when the light fitting decided to part company with the ceiling at a 'rather inconvenient moment' - luckily avoiding serious injury to Sue by the narrowest of margins. A stark contrast to the modern offices of today.
(Celebrating with flowers, champagne and banner)
To celebrate her milestone, the team decorated her desk with balloons, banners and sprinkles and presented her with flowers, champagne and chocolates and have other plans to celebrate in the very near future.
So, congratulations Sue on completing such a fantastic and momentous milestone, and we look forward to celebrating with you at your 50th Work'iversary maybe? 😍
Tags: Team News
