Regional chartered accountancy firm Albert Goodman has announced today that its managing partner, Richard Bugler, will be stepping down after serving six successful years at the helm. A new successor and current partner at the firm, Iain McVicar, will take on the role for the same term starting on 1 May.
Richard trained at Albert Goodman before working his way up to partner status and eventually taking on the six-year term as managing partner in 2016. Under his leadership he has exponentially grown the firm year on year, promoted the board of partners to include a 50% female partnership and invested heavily in new premises in Weymouth, Weston-super-Mare and the firm’s headquarters in Taunton. Richard will continue to stay on at Albert Goodman as a partner with a particular focus on the firm’s corporate finance offering.
As part of the succession planning, the partnership board has elected Iain McVicar, a partner in the farming estates team, to replace Richard. Iain will honour the firm’s five-year commitment to grow the business and continue to meet Albert Goodman’s sustainability goal of becoming net zero by 2030. This will complement their work with large corporates across the region, especially next generation business leaders, who are looking to drive their own businesses forward in a sustainable way.
Richard Bugler, managing partner at Albert Goodman, explains, “I’ve enjoyed 28 wonderful years at Albert Goodman, from my time as a trainee, to growing the business as one of the largest chartered accountancy practices in the South West. Hopefully my career path is an inspiration to our young apprentices that are at the start of their career. Anything is possible if you’re dedicated, passionate about helping customers to reach their full potential and possess good leadership qualities.”
“Working with Iain over the years has been tremendous and highly rewarding, seeing him grow personally and professionally. I’m confident he will do very well and I’m excited to see where he takes Albert Goodman over the next six years.”
Iain McVicar, partner in the farm estates team at Albert Goodman, added, “I know I’ve got big shoes to fill as Richard is well respected in the region for so many reasons and he’s done a sterling job of putting Albert Goodman on the map. The business is in great shape to take over the reins and it feels like the right time for me personally to move into the managing partner position and utilise all my experience.
“Helping South West businesses is my number one priority, and I am grateful that I have an amazing team behind me to support all of their accountancy needs. From apprenticeship level to partners within the firm, I’m fortunate to work with a team that have so much experience and a real passion to continue Richard’s legacy.”