New private client director at accountancy firm

Accountancy and advisory firm PKF Smith Cooper has recruited Dean Castledine as a new private client director.

Castledine brings 20 years of experience in private client tax advisory services to the firm. He began his career working for HMRC and has since occupied several roles in the Midlands, including a position at leading accounting firm RSM. Before joining PKF Smith Cooper, he was private client senior manager at Shorts Chartered Accountants for seven years.

Gary Devonshire, tax advisory partner at PKF Smith Cooper, said: “I am really happy to recruit a professional of Dean’s experience and stature and he is a key recruit in our private client advisory business. Dean brings with him a wealth of experience in several key areas that our clients need to have on their radar as part of their personal and family wealth strategies.

“Dean’s key areas of focus will include IHT and will planning, trust and family investment company establishment, pre-sale tax planning, school and university fee planning, and property and personal investment company planning. Dean’s skill in delivering the above services will complement the skills of our existing advisory specialists to create a rounded advisory offering for our clients and assist the tax advisory team in continuing its rapid growth.”

Castledine added: “I am excited to be joining PKF Smith Cooper as Private Client Director and look forward to working with my new colleagues and using my specialisms and expertise to assist our clients in achieving their personal and family goals. I am impressed by the helpful and inclusive attitude of the partners and staff and look forward to a long and successful career at the firm as it continues its growth plan.”