This month, Shorts bid a long and happy retirement to 3 of its longest serving members of staff; Robert Mellor, Terry Dryburgh and Wendy White. Robert joined Shorts’ Accounts and Audit team in 1968, Terry joined in 1980 also specialising in the Audit department and Wendy joined the Tax team in 2007.
Wishing them well, partner Howard Freeman commented “Shorts is proud of it heritage and its record for low staff turnover rates compared to those generally seen within our profession. Testament to this, these 3 members of staff have between them served a total of 93 years for Shorts, which is truly exceptional and as valued members of the team, their contributions will be greatly missed. However, we wish them well, and hope that they each enjoy a long and happy retirement.”
When asked about their retirement plans Terry Dryburgh said “After 36 years at Shorts, it’s time for me to finally press “stop” and get off the bus. It’s been an exciting ride as the firm has expanded from about 25 employees when I joined in 1980 to over 100 now. While I shall undoubtedly miss the many friends and colleagues I have acquired along the way, not to mention the daily cut and thrust of office life, it’ll be nice to be able to switch off the alarm clock in the mornings. Though whether I’ll be able to resist reading the next exciting Accounting Standard to be published is not so certain……”
Wendy White added “I’ve worked at Shorts for 9 years, which is quite short compared to some members of staff, but I can honestly say that it has been the best firm to work for in my career but, retirement beckons. Both the staff and the clients are really friendly and it has been a pleasure knowing them. It will seem quite strange not to come to work each week but I am looking forward to not having to brave the snow and ice in the winter!”
Robert Mellor said “It has been a very long journey but I have now reached my destination, hit the buffers, and will now be shunted into the sidings to rest, and watch everybody else doing the work! Along the way, I have met some wonderful people, both staff and clients (and the occasional person I’d like to forget!) It has been a real pleasure to work with all the team at Shorts and I would like to wish them all the very best for the future.”
Pictured L-R Robert Mellor, Wendy White and Terry Dryburgh
Howard Freeman
Howard joined Shorts as a partner in 2003 and has a varied client base made up of private companies, partnerships and sole traders ranging from small businesses to large groups. Drawing on the experience gained through working for an international firm, Howard provides commercial business advice, providing accounting, audit and tax solutions for companies and businesses of all shapes and sizes. Howard is one of a handful of professionals in the area who is both a Chartered Accountant and Chartered Tax Adviser. He is often involved in advising on business acquisitions and disposals and heads our forensic accounting work.
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