On the Move: Barcan+Kirby; Old Mill; Indigo Contracting; Milsted Langdon
Bristol-based law firm Barcan+Kirby’s managing partner Bill Willcocks will retire from the partnership this month after 27 years with the firm.
Willcocks will continue to support the firm in a consultancy role, with current executive partner and family lawyer Anna Wilson set to take over as managing partner.
Since qualifying as a solicitor in 1994, Willcocks has specialised in personal injury and dispute resolution. He joined Kirby Simcox in 1998, became a partner in 2001, and took on the role of managing partner in 2010 following a merger with Sheppard.
In 2015, he played a pivotal role in the successful merger with Barcan Woodward, forming Barcan+Kirby, and he has led the firm since 2017.
The firm said: “Bill will be deeply missed by colleagues who describe him as an inspiring leader, a generous mentor, and a role model of professionalism, fairness, and warmth. His calm and approachable manner, combined with his fantastic sense of humour, has made a lasting impact on everyone who has worked with him.”
Willcocks said: “It has been a privilege to have been entrusted with the leadership of Barcan+Kirby and before that, Kirby Sheppard, for the last 13 years. Thinking about how the firm has grown since 2001 when I was first appointed as a partner at Kirby Simcox amazes me. I have worked with some great colleagues over the last 30+ years since I qualified as a solicitor, sadly not all of whom are still with us. I have learned from all of them and hope that I may have left a positive mark on others I have met along the way. I leave the firm in very good hands as I retire and I am sure that the culture of the firm will continue. Caring and respect for each other (clients, colleagues and the wider community alike) lies at the heart of everything we do, and I am proud to have played some part in that. Most of all, though, I am looking forward to not setting my alarm clock.”
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Somerset-based Old Mill has announced the promotion of Willem Puddy to partner in the firm’s rural team.
Since joining Old Mill in 2018, the firm said his promotion, achieved in record time, highlights “both his talent and dedication to delivering results”.
Puddy said: “Becoming a partner at Old Mill is an incredible honour. This milestone is not just a personal achievement but a reflection of the support and shared efforts of an exceptional team. Old Mill is an ambitious firm with a clear vision for the future, and stepping into this role provides an exciting opportunity to contribute to that growth, support colleagues, and deliver even greater value to clients.”
Andrew Vickery, head of rural at Old Mill, said: “Willem’s promotion is a testament to his dedication, expertise, and the outstanding work he has done for both clients and the wider Rural team. His ability to build strong relationships and drive forward innovative solutions has been invaluable. As a Partner, Willem will continue to play a significant role in shaping the future success of the Rural team and the businesses it supports. We’re incredibly proud of Willem’s journey, and we can’t wait to see him take Old Mill’s Rural team to even greater heights.”
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Katie Hunston
Indigo Contracting, part of the Indigo Group, has appointed Matthew Bennett, Katie Hunston and Rhys Jenkins as directors to spearhead its growth strategy.
The trio bring nearly 30 years of combined experience within the Indigo Group.
Bennett will focus on developing the firm’s regional presence with a particular focus on the South West of England and the M4 corridor, while Hunston will grow a team from the firm’s headquarters in Teddington.
These two roles will be supported by group operations director Jenkins, who also joins the board of directors.
Bennett said: “We plan to open satellite offices in the West of England to strengthen and grow our existing network, with eventual expansion along the coast. We also intend to implement a similar strategy in West Wales.
“As part of our expansion plans, we aim to create over 15 new business development roles in the coming years to enhance our regional footprint and bring high quality employment opportunities for local people”.
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Accountancy firm Milsted Langdon has recruited Jessica Rosser as its new general practice assistant manager, based at its Bath office.
She joins the firm with a strong focus on supporting owner-managed businesses, providing a full range of accountancy services including accounts preparation and tax compliance.
Her areas of expertise include accountancy services for limited companies, sole traders and partnerships, as well as Personal Tax and Payroll support.
Since graduating with a degree in Accounting and Finance in 2017, Rosser has built a solid foundation in accountancy, achieving ACCA qualification in 2020.
She said: “I am delighted to be joining Milsted Langdon and contributing to the continued success of the firm. Supporting owner-managed businesses has always been a passion of mine, and I look forward to working alongside a talented team to help clients achieve their financial goals.”
Rachel Hotham, people partner at Milsted Langdon, added: “We are thrilled to welcome Jessica Rosser to the team. Her hands-on experience working with owner-managed businesses and her dedication to delivering high-quality accountancy services are a great match for our client-focused approach. We are confident she will be an excellent addition to the Bath office and the wider firm.”
