Bagley takes over at Smith Cooper

Andrew Delve is set to step down as managing partner at accountancy firm Smith Cooper and hand over the reins to James Bagley.

Delve, who has been in the position since 1996 and will continue group chairman, said: “I have achieved the objectives that I set when I first took on the role in 1996.

“We have introduced new service lines to meet our clients’ needs, the firm has grown by 9% year on year and we have recruited a number of talented professionals across our offices.”

He added: “Now is the right time for me to return to the core practice and to continue to work with our expanding client base.

“James is the perfect person to take on the role, having worked closely with me over the last few years whilst acting as managing partner of the firm’s Nottingham office.

“He is a gifted business advisor and respected leader. I am proud of what this firm has achieved over the last 20 years and supremely confident that further growth and success will follow under James leadership.”

Bagley said: “It’s a great honour for me to take on the role of managing partner at Smith Cooper. Andrew has led the firm over the past twenty years with great skill and I know that he will be a hard act to follow.”

Smith Cooper has offices in Nottingham, Derby, Leicester, Buxton, Ashbourne, Birmingham and Telford.