Ashmole

Trainees are the lifeblood of Ashmole & Co accountancy firm which has offices throughout south and west Wales. Megan Morgan recently started with the team in Neath as a Trainee Accountant and has already successfully passed three AAT exams since starting.

Megan, who lives on her family’s farm near Tycroes in Ammanford, joined Ashmole & Co after gaining her A Levels at Ysgol Maes y Gwendraeth in Cefneithin.

Ashmole & Co’s Apprenticeship scheme is highly successful with more and more applying year on year. Megan was one of three trainees employed by the firm last summer and there will be another five places to fill this year.  

As a Trainee Accountant, day to day, Megan completes various tasks relating to preparing accounts and tax returns for clients including local individuals, sole traders, partnerships and limited companies.

Dave Morgan, Partner in the Neath Ashmole & Co office, said,

Megan said,

When Megan isn’t studying she enjoys spending time working on the family’s farm where she keeps her horse.

Ashmole & Co are one of the largest chartered certified accountants in south Wales. The Neath office is situated on 151 Windsor Road. The rapidly expanding and modern firm often has job opportunities for enthusiastic individuals both qualified and non-qualified within the organisation. If you feel you have the qualities to be part of the team at Ashmole & Co, please email, with your CV attached, to AshmoleHR@ashmole.co.uk. Alternatively, apply for a specific vacancy listed on the website: www.ashmole.co.uk

Feature image: Megan Morgan

Ashmole & Co accountants are delighted to announce two members of staff, Sam Jones and Lucy Jones, have been promoted to the new position of Associate.

Ashmole & Co is a forward-thinking firm and the Partners have made the business decision to bring younger members of the team onto the management board as Associates, to keep the firm ahead of the game for years to come. The expertise and knowledge these two members of staff have, will benefit clients, younger staff and the future of the business.

The new Associates will manage a portfolio of clients, acting as the primary contact, and will ensure the delivery of high-quality services. They will lead, coach, and develop a team of client managers and accountants, including performance appraisals and mentoring. They will also oversee and implement best practices in accounting processes, ensuring work quality and adherence to professional standards.

Lucy Jones, who lives in Ammanford, joined Ashmole & Co’s office in Ammanford as a manager in 2018. She gained her ACCA qualification in 2006 while working at a firm in Swansea for 16 years.

On becoming an Associate Lucy said,

Sam Jones is primarily based in the Llandeilo office. He started working with Ashmole & Co as a Trainee Accountant in 2015 and qualified as a chartered certified accountant in 2022. Having grown up on the family farm in Llannon, Sam has a particular interest in the agriculture sector.

On gaining the Associate position Sam said,

Ashmole & Co Chartered and Certified Accountants have been established since 1897 and are one of the largest accountancy and auditing practices in Wales, operating from 13 offices throughout south and west Wales including Haverfordwest, Ammanford, Swansea, Carmarthen and Llandeilo. The firm combines high quality audit, accounting, and taxation services with business consultancy, financial services and corporate planning.

Feature image: The two new Associates, Sam Jones and Lucy Jones.

Mabli Strick from Llandybie in Carmarthenshire is a brave, adventurous two year old who was born with an incredibly rare neurodevelopmental genetic condition. One of her greatest joys is skiing every week with the volunteer-run charity, Ski4All Wales.

Ashmole & Co Ammanford are delighted to be able to support Mabli and the charity as they desperately need funding to purchase new equipment to continue offering their transformative skiing experiences.

Jim Cornock, Partner with Ashmole & Co, went along to the ski centre at Pembrey to meet Mabli and her mum Gwenno recently. He said,

Mabli was born with GAND syndrome, which affects around only 455 people worldwide. Her mum, Gwenno, said,

Ski4All provides life-changing opportunities for children and adults with neurological and physical disabilities. The charity, which is run by volunteers, offers the opportunity to experience the thrill of skiing safely through the use of specialist adaptive sit-skis.

The charity urgently needs new equipment to continue offering transformative experiences. Without vital support many regular skiers, including children like Mabli, will no longer be able to take part.

More details about Ski4All and how you could contribute are available here: ski4allwales.cymru

Ashmole & Co Chartered, Certified Accountants are one of the largest accountancy and auditing practices in Wales, operating from 13 offices throughout south and west Wales including Swansea, Carmarthen, Llandeilo and Haverfordwest. The firm combines high quality audit, accounting and taxation services with business consultancy and corporate planning.

Featured image: Ashmole & Co Partner, Jim Cornock, with Mabli and her mum Gwenno and Mabli’s physiotherapist and ski instructor, Mia Martin, at the Ski4All base in Pembrey.

Ashmole & Co Ammanford are delighted to sponsor local cricket player, Owen Davies, as he heads to South Africa later this week.

Owen lives in Ammanford and plays for Ammanford Cricket Club. He has been selected for the South Wales Cricket Association’s 100th anniversary tour to South Africa.

The landmark tour represents a century of organised league cricket across south Wales – built on dedication, volunteerism, community spirit and a shared love of the game.

Laura Craddock, Partner with Ashmole & Co in Ammanford said,

Owen is currently studying his Masters in finance and financial technology at Cardiff University and has previously done work experience with Ashmole & Co in the Ammanford office during his summer holidays.

Owen said,

Neil Hobbs, Honorary Chair of the South Wales Cricket Club said,

Ashmole & Co is delighted to announce the launch of its Accountancy Apprenticeship Scheme for 2026.

One of the largest accountancy firms in south Wales begins the search for new Trainee Accountants ahead of National Apprenticeship week which starts on Monday, 9 February. It is a week-long celebration that brings together businesses and apprentices across the country to shine a light on the positive impact that apprenticeships make.

Those interested in training with Ashmole & Co can be school, college or university graduates. The firm will accept applications from those currently studying for their GCSEs, A Levels or Degree. Anyone who is looking for a new career in accountancy and those looking to do an internship during their degree studies are also encouraged to apply.

Ben Jones was one of three trainees that joined the Ashmole & Co team last year as part of the apprenticeship scheme. Ben started in the Llandeilo office in Carmarthenshire after obtaining his A Levels locally at Ysgol Bro Dinefwr. He had previously worked in the office during his school holidays to see if it was the right career path for him. Ben, who is Welsh speaking from Llangadog, has already passed two AAT Level Two exams since starting full time last September as he attends Coleg Sir Gar in Carmarthen one day a week.

Vinal Patel, is one of Ashmole & Co’s newest Partners. He joined Ashmole & Co as a trainee, straight from school, in 2002. He said,

Those joining the Ashmole & Co Apprenticeship Scheme straight from school will start on the AAT path to qualifications and those joining as college / university graduates will usually start on the ACCA qualification route.  

The job description for the trainees includes:

• Ensuring all clients are provided with an excellent service, meeting their deadlines, and supporting day to day queries that clients may have.
• Working as part of a team processing clients’ accounts, tax returns, VAT returns and company secretary duties.
• With the support of colleagues, you will ensure the smooth running of clients’ accounting systems.

The successful candidates will be offered a fully-funded training package in addition to Ashmole & Co’s basic salary. They will be given a permanent contract and be expected to work full time. For full details and the job description please visit the apprenticeship section of the website: www.ashmole.co.uk/english/about-us/ashmole-apprenticeships/ and email your cv to: ashmolehr@ashmole.co.uk

Ceri Llwyd, Partner in the Llandeilo and Llandovery Ashmole & Co offices, said,

Featured image: Ben Jones, Ashmole & Co’s newest trainees inside the Llandeilo office in Carmarthenshire. 

One member of staff at Ashmole & Co will be running 12km per day, for seven days in a row, next week to help raise funds for the accountancy firm’s charity of the year – Cardiac Risk in the Young [CRY].

Jim Cornock, a Partner with the accountancy firm, will be running every day from the 8th to 16th November, to raise awareness of the 12 young people who die each week from young sudden cardiac death.

Thankfully Jim is not a newcomer to running! Last year he ran three marathons to raise money to help raise funds for Tenovus Cancer Care Charity and he recently completed the Tenby Ironman challenge – for the second time!

Jim has worked for Ashmole & Co for 31 years and became a partner in the Ammanford office in 2004. He works out of the Haverfordwest, Ammanford, Llandeilo and Llandovery Ashmole & Co offices. Jim enjoys all aspects of his role as business adviser, particularly the satisfaction of helping clients achieve their goals.   

Staff throughout Ashmole & Co’s 13 offices will be taking part in a variety of challenges to help raise funds during CRY’s awareness raising week. Those working in the Llandeilo and Llandovery offices will be completing 12 half marathons over the course of the week between them! Staff in the Ammanford, Swansea, Neath, Haverfordwest and Abergavenny offices will be walking during their lunchbreak to get to a total of 12 miles at the end of the week. Staff in the Carmarthen office will hold a baking competition on Monday, 10 November with Jim Cornock kindly agreeing to be the judge, inbetween runs!

Every week in the UK at least 12 young people die of undiagnosed heart conditions. Since its formation in 1995, Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) has been working to reduce the frequency of young sudden cardiac death (YSCD). CRY supports young people diagnosed with potentially life-threatening cardiac conditions and offers bereavement support to families affected by YSCD.

CRY promotes and develops heart screening programmes and funds medical research. CRY publishes and distributes medical information written by leading cardiologists for the general public. CRY also funds specialist referral, screening and cardiac pathology services at leading UK hospitals. For more information about CRY’s services please visit the website: www.c-r-y.org.uk or to register interest for a cardiac screening near you, visit: www.testmyheart.org.uk

Any donations to support Ashmole & Co’s fundraising would be gratefully received. Here is the link to the Just Giving page, or you can donate at any office: Ashmole and co is fundraising for Cardiac Risk in the Young

One member of staff at Ashmole & Co has become ‘hooked’ on crocheting teddies to help raise funds for the accountancy firm’s charity of the year – Cardiac Risk in the Young [CRY].

Debbie Blanchard, an Accounts Clerk in Ashmole & Co’s Carmarthen office has spent many hours crocheting 12 teddy bears so they can be sold to raise money as part of CRY’s raising awareness week from the 8^th to the 16^th November of the 12 young people who die each week from young sudden cardiac death.

Crocheting was not something Debbie had tried until a couple of years ago when she decided to give it a go to make a blanket with a tractor design on it to raise funds for the DPJ Foundation.

Debbie said,

Day to day at Ashmole & Co Debbie helps the accountants with book-keeping and payroll. She joined the firm in 2019 as a Payroll Clerk and started in the position of Accounts Clerk in April this year. She lives with her husband in Llanwenog near Lampeter and they have two grown up daughters. In her spare time she loves sewing and more recently crocheting as well as walking and reading.

Sharon George, Partner in the Carmarthen office said,

Every week in the UK at least 12 young people die of undiagnosed heart conditions. Since its formation in 1995, Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) has been working to reduce the frequency of young sudden cardiac death (YSCD). CRY supports young people diagnosed with potentially life-threatening cardiac conditions and offers bereavement support to families affected by YSCD. CRY promotes and develops heart screening programmes and funds medical research. CRY publishes and distributes medical information written by leading cardiologists for the general public. CRY also funds specialist referral, screening and cardiac pathology services at leading UK hospitals. For more information about CRY’s services please visit the website: www.c-r-y.org.uk or to register interest for a cardiac screening near you, visit: www.testmyheart.org.uk

Ashmole & Co have done a ‘guess the name’ for one of the teddies to raise funds for CRY. If you are interested in purchasing one of the other 11 teddies, which all have handmade CRY buttons made by Debbie’s niece, then please get in touch with your local Ashmole & Co office. Any donations to support Ashmole & Co’s fundraising would be gratefully received. Here is the link to the Just Giving page, or you can donate at any office: Ashmole and co is fundraising for Cardiac Risk in the Young

Molly Williams, an Accounts Assistant with Ashmole & Co, will be taking on Cardiff Half Marathon next month to help raise funds for C-R-Y (Cardiac Risk in the Young) in memory of a family member.

Molly will be taking on Cardiff Half Marathon for the third consecutive year to raise funds for Ashmole & Co’s chosen charity, but this year it is personal for her as she wants to raise awareness of Cardiac Risk in the Young. The stepson of Molly’s uncle would still be alive today if he had received heart screening when he was young. He unfortunately passed away two years ago, aged 24, from a cardiac arrest leaving behind his young son. It came to light that he had lived his whole life with a heart condition which he was not aware of.

Mark Gould, Partner in Ashmole and Co’s Abergavenny, Haverfordwest, Carmarthen and Ammanford offices, said,

With Ashmole & Co Molly prepares VAT returns, Tax return information, as well as general office duties such as answering calls and assisting clients who visit the office. She loves being organised and making sure everything is in order for clients. A lot of her time is spent using various accounting programmes such as Sage.

Molly has worked with Ashmole & Co since completing her GCSEs in 2012. She worked for the accountancy firm during her holidays while studying for her A Levels and then her Degree. Molly gained a Business Management Degree from Swansea University, then went on to do a Masters degree in Accounting at the University of South Wales in Pontypridd while working part time with Ashmole & Co. She is currently working full time for Ashmole & Co and studying for her final ACCA exams with the University of South Wales in Newport.   

CRY’s CEO, Dr Steven Cox, said,

Every week in the UK at least 12 young people die of undiagnosed heart conditions. Since its formation in 1995, Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) has been working to reduce the frequency of young sudden cardiac death (YSCD). CRY supports young people diagnosed with potentially life-threatening cardiac conditions and offers bereavement support to families affected by YSCD. CRY promotes and develops heart screening programmes and funds medical research. CRY publishes and distributes medical information written by leading cardiologists for the general public. CRY also funds specialist referral, screening and cardiac pathology services at leading UK hospitals. For more information about CRY’s services please visit the website: www.c-r-y.org.uk or to register interest for a cardiac screening near you, visit: www.testmyheart.org.uk

Any donations to support Molly and Ashmole & Co’s fundraising would be gratefully received. Here is the link to the Just Giving page, or you can donate at any office: Ashmole and co is fundraising for Cardiac Risk in the Young

Ashmole & Co’s staff from across south and mid Wales will be putting on their walking shoes later this month to take on the challenging 10km hike around Llys-yr-Fran Reservoir in Pembrokeshire to help raise funds for their chosen charity this year – Cardiac Risk in the Young.

With thirteen offices spread across mid and south Wales, approximately 100 staff, including Partners from the accountancy firm, are currently in training to take on the three hour hike all the way around the Llys-yr-Fran path which can be difficult in places but offers stunning views.

Every week in the UK at least 12 young people die of undiagnosed heart conditions. Since its formation in 1995, Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) has been working to reduce the frequency of young sudden cardiac death (YSCD). CRY supports young people diagnosed with potentially life-threatening cardiac conditions and offers bereavement support to families affected by YSCD. CRY promotes and develops heart screening programmes and funds medical research. CRY publishes and distributes medical information written by leading cardiologists for the general public. CRY also funds specialist referral, screening and cardiac pathology services at leading UK hospitals.

Ian Badham, Partner with Ashmole and Co in the Haverfordwest and Tenby offices said,

Any donations to support Ashmole & Co’s fundraising for their walk which is taking place on Friday, 12 September 2025, would be very gratefully received. Here is the link to the Just Giving page, or you can donate directly to any member of staff or at any office: Ashmole and co is fundraising for Cardiac Risk in the Young

Daniel Mason, from Pembrokeshire, represents the Dean Mason Memorial Fund and CRY in Wales. He hopes to join Ashmole & Co staff on their fundraising walk. He said, “We are very grateful to Ashmole & Co for choosing to help raise funds for CRY. Your donations will mean that we can continue to raise awareness of sudden cardiac death in young people.”

In June 2010 Daniel’s family was on holiday when his brother Dean, aged just 26, passed away from a cardiac arrest caused by an undiagnosed cardiac problem. It was found that Dean had a slightly enlarged left ventricle and no other issue could be found as to the cause of his death. To say that this was a shock seems a huge understatement as there is no getting away from the fact this changed the family’s lives forever. After being made aware of Cardiac Risk in the Young and discovering how many families experience what they went through, the charity became a big part of their lives as a family. Having become familiar with the work CRY do in both preventative measures and also support supplied to grieving families and friends, Daniel became involved. When you realise that a simple screening could save a life in the space of a 10 minute appointment it’s a great incentive to get people to take the time to be screened.

To find out more about CRY’s screening programme please visit the website: Cardiac Screening – Cardiac Risk in the Young

Ashmole & Co, one of south Wales’ largest bilingual accountancy firms, is delighted to support Wales YFC through sponsorship of the dance competition at the Royal Welsh Show later this month.

Ashmole & Co have been working with the Welsh farming community since its inception in 1897. The firm is very passionate about the agricultural sector both professionally and personally, with many partners and staff having benefited greatly from being past or present members of Wales YFC. Supporting the future generation of farmers is extremely important to all the team.

The Royal Welsh Show is the highlight of the year for many YFC members. The event is packed full of competitions such as shearing, dancing, stock judging and flower arranging. The dance competition that Ashmole & Co are sponsoring will take place on the main YFC stage on Tuesday, 22 July, from 1pm.

Ceri Llwyd, Ashmole & Co’s Partner in the Llandovery and Llandeilo offices, said,

The Wales Federation of YFC is a vibrant and lively organisation which enthusiastically empowers young people to take responsibility and play an energetic role in their communities, whilst encouraging personal development through a wide range of programmes which the members have the responsibility of designing and managing. The organisation involves over 5,000 members between 10 and 28 years as well as many thousands of supporters, volunteers, parents and friends. It is estimated that over 210,000 Welsh people have been members or participants over the organisation’s 80-year history.

Mared Rand Jones, Chief Executive Officer for Wales YFC, said,

The 2025 Royal Welsh Show will take place from Monday 21 July – Thursday 24 July. The show is the pinnacle event in the British agricultural calendar. Along with an exciting four days of livestock and equine competitions, the show has something to interest everyone through its wide range of activities including forestry, horticulture, crafts, countryside sports, shopping, food and drink and a 12-hour programme each day of exciting entertainment, attractions and displays.

Ashmole & Co are delighted to announce a number of new trainee accountants have recently been appointed as part of the Apprenticeship Scheme. One of the largest accountancy firms in south Wales will have six new recruits in offices across south and mid Wales.

The Haverfordwest office has hit a sixer with one of their new trainees, Charlie Bujega, from St Clears. Charlie plays cricket for Wales, as well as Glamorgan under 18s, and Ammanford Cricket Club.

Charlie studied for his GCSEs at Ysgol Dyffryn Taf in Whitland and then joined Dyfed-Powys Police’s Finance Apprenticeship in the police HQ in Carmarthen where he started studying for his AAT qualifications.

As a Trainee Accountant with Ashmole & Co, day to day, Charlie completes various tasks relating to preparing accounts, VAT and tax returns for clients including local businesses, sole traders, partnerships and limited companies.

William Hughes, Partner with Ashmole & Co in Haverfordwest and Tenby said,

During his spare time Charlie plays various sports, particularly cricket to a high level and also football. When he plays cricket for Wales and Glamorgan he is up against various counties from all across the UK and the games can last anywhere between three hours and three days! Ashmole & Co will be the match sponsors when Charlie plays for Ammanford Cricket Club in July.

Charlie said,

With the majority of the Partners at Ashmole & Co having done their training with the firm they are keen to continue with the Apprenticeship Scheme again in 2026.

Those interested in training with Ashmole & Co can be school, college or university graduates. The firm will accept applications from those currently studying for their GCSEs, A Levels or Degree. Anyone who is looking for a new career path in accountancy would also be encouraged to apply.

Successful Apprenticeship candidates are offered a fully-funded training package in addition to Ashmole & Co’s basic salary. They are given a permanent contract and are expected to work full time. For full details and the trainee accountant job description please visit the vacancies section of the website: Job Vacancies (ashmole.co.uk)

Feature image: Charlie Bujega

After raising significant amounts of funds for Tenovus Cancer Care, the DPJ Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance over the past few years, Ashmole & Co accountancy firm are delighted to announce its new charity for this year is Cardiac Risk in the Young – C-R-Y.

With thirteen offices spread across west, mid and south Wales, the staff of Ashmole & Co were in favour of supporting a charity that helps to prevent young sudden cardiac deaths through awareness, screening and research, as well as supporting affected families.

Every week in the UK at least 12 young people die of undiagnosed heart conditions. Since its formation in 1995, Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) has been working to reduce the frequency of young sudden cardiac death (YSCD). CRY supports young people diagnosed with potentially life-threatening cardiac conditions and offers bereavement support to families affected by YSCD. CRY promotes and develops heart screening programmes and funds medical research. CRY publishes and distributes medical information written by leading cardiologists for the general public. CRY also funds specialist referral, screening and cardiac pathology services at leading UK hospitals.

Ian Badham, Ashmole & Co Partner in the Haverfordwest and Tenby offices, said,

Daniel Mason, from Pembrokeshire, represents the Dean Mason Memorial Fund and CRY in Wales. He said,

In June 2010 Daniel’s family was on holiday when his brother Dean, aged just 26, passed away from a cardiac arrest caused by an undiagnosed cardiac problem. It was found that Dean had a slightly enlarged left ventricle and no other issue could be found as to the cause of his death. To say that this was a shock seems a huge understatement as there is no getting away from the fact this changed the family’s lives forever. After being made aware of Cardiac Risk in the Young and discovering how many families experience what they went through, the charity became a big part of their lives as a family. Having become familiar with the work CRY do in both preventative measures and also support supplied to grieving families and friends, Daniel became involved. When you realise that a simple screening could save a life in the space of a 10 minute appointment it’s a great incentive to get people to take the time to be screened.

As part of the fundraising activities, Ashmole & Co will be doing a sponsored walk later in the year, have dress-down Fridays, cake bakes and some staff will be taking part in running events.

CRY’s CEO, Dr Steven Cox, said;

For more information about CRY’s services please visit the website: www.c-r-y.org.uk or to register interest for a cardiac screening near you, visit: www.testmyheart.org.uk

Any donations to support Ashmole & Co’s fundraising would be very gratefully received. Here is the link to the Just Giving page, or you can donate directly at any office: Ashmole and co is fundraising for Cardiac Risk in the Young.

Feature image: Ashmole & Co Haverfordwest Partner, Ian Badham, with Daniel Mason from the Dean Mason Memorial Fund

Ashmole & Co have raised a staggering £16,000 over the past 12 months for Tenovus Cancer Care. The staff of the accountancy firm skydived, run marathons and walked many miles to raise funds for the Welsh cancer charity.

Ten Ashmole & Co staff took on the ultimate thrill-seeking challenge recently by doing a tandem skydive over the Gower coastline. Jim Cornock, Partner, ran both the recent London Marathon and last autumn’s Marathon Eryri. Helen James in the Ammanford office organised a fundraising entertainment evening which raised over £1,600. Staff and Partners were sponsored to walk twelve miles along the Swansea coastal path last September. Staff in all offices also held dress down Fridays and baked cakes to help raise funds.

Tenovus Cancer Care is a Wales-based charity which gives help, hope and a voice to everyone affected by cancer. Tenovus is there for anyone affected by cancer. Together with its inspiring community of supporters, volunteers and fundraisers, the charity is determined to be there for everyone affected today, tomorrow and beyond.

Sharon George, Ashmole & Co Partner in the Carmarthen office, said,

The £16,109.55 raised by Ashmole & Co will fund the running costs, staffing and treatments in one of Tenovus’ mobile support units for one month.

Dealing with cancer can be frightening and stressful but Tenovus Cancer Care are there to help. They can provide treatment, expert advice and support. Tenovus relies on generous donations, as well as income from its retail chain, to run its cancer support services. The free support line is at the heart of their services which extend into Welsh communities with their fabulous Sing-with-Us choirs and Mobile Support Units bringing treatments closer to home.  For more information visit: www.tenovuscancercare.org.uk  

Clare Davies, Tenovus Cancer Care’s Regional Fundraising Manager said,

Feature image: Ashmole & Co Partners handing over a cheque for £16,109.55 to Clare Davies, Regional Fundraising Manager for Tenovus Cancer Care outside one of the mobile support units. L-R: Ashmole & Co Partners – Christine Daultrey, Vinal Patel, with Clare Davies from Tenovus Cancer Care in the middle, Sharon George and Laura Craddock.

Ian Badham, one of Ashmole & Co’s Partners in Haverfordwest, Tenby and Cardigan is celebrating a significant work anniversary this month having been employed by the accountancy firm for 30 years.

Ian started as an ACCA Trainee Accountant in Ashmole & Co’s Haverfordwest office in 1995 after graduating with an Accountancy & Finance Degree from Bristol University. He became a Partner, based in the Cardigan office, 10 years later in 2005.

A lot of changes have taken place during Ian’s time with Ashmole & Co. When he started there was only one computer with internet access in the whole office. It was a huge change to go from everything being paper-based to where we are now working in a digital office environment.

Ian, who lives in Penally near Tenby, said,

As well as managing a team in Haverfordwest, Ian is also one of the Partners in the Cardigan and Tenby offices. He is married to Claire and they have two sons. Most of Ian’s spare time is taken up with family as his youngest son plays rugby for the Scarlets and Carmarthen Quins, so he travels all around Wales to support him. His eldest son has recently had a child so Ian is enjoying his grandad duties. He also makes the most of the great outdoors in Pembrokeshire as he enjoys playing golf and sea rowing and kayaking.

Ashmole & Co, Chartered, Certified Accountants, has been established for over 125 years this year. It is one of the largest accountancy and auditing practices in south Wales, operating from thirteen offices including Swansea, Ammanford and Llandeilo.

Pupils of Ysgol Llandybie Primary School are benefiting from Ashmole & Co’s financial support. The Ammanford office of the accountancy firm has helped the school with the annual purchase of the online maths resource called MyMaths.

Llandybie Primary School uses the online resource to help pupils and parents with the teaching of maths at home. The MyMaths programme allows teachers to set tasks for pupils as well as provide them with tutorials to show them the mathematical concepts being taught. It is able to assist in all areas of mathematics from shape to space, data to financial literacy.

Laura Craddock, Partner in Ashmole & Co’s Ammanford office, said,

Llandybie Primary School Head Teacher, Rhian Pritchard, said,

Ashmole & Co Chartered, Certified Accountants have been established since 1897 and are one of the largest accountancy and auditing practices in south Wales, operating from 13 offices throughout south and west Wales including Swansea, Carmarthen and Haverfordwest.

Feature image: Llandybie Primary School year 6 pupils with Head Teacher, Rhian Pritchard and Ashmole & Co Partner in the Ammanford office, Laura Craddock.

Ashmole & Co are delighted to announce Jodie Cole, in the Haverfordwest office, has completed her studies and passed all her exams to become a qualified member of the ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants).

Jodie, from Kilgetty in Pembrokeshire, joined the Ashmole & Co team as a Trainee in 2020 after gaining her Degree in Business & Management with Finance at Cardiff Metropolitan University.

Day to day, Jodie prepares year-end accounts for sole traders, partnerships and limited companies, prepares tax returns, completes VAT returns and assists with audits.

Will Hughes, Partner in Ashmole & Co’s Haverfordwest office said,

A number of staff have achieved ACCA exam success recently including Simone Terry in the Haverfordwest office, Harvey Collins in the Swansea office, Ceirion Harries and Dafydd Saunders in our Ammanford office and Rhys Owen in our Cardigan office.

Ashmole & Co are one of the largest chartered certified accountants in south Wales. The firm has recently launched its Accountancy Apprenticeship Scheme for 2025 and is on the search for new Trainee Accountants to start this summer.

Those interested in training with Ashmole & Co can be school, college or university graduates. Applications will be accepted from those currently studying for their GCSEs, A Levels or Degree. Anyone who is looking for a new career in accountancy and those looking to do an internship during their degree studies are also encouraged to apply. If you feel you have the qualities to be part of the team at Ashmole & Co, please email, with your CV attached to AshmoleHR@ashmole.co.uk. Alternatively, apply for a specific vacancy listed on the website: www.ashmole.co.uk

Jodie said,

Jodie did her GCSEs and A Levels at Greenhill school, Tenby. She lives with her mother and brother and in her spare time enjoys walking her dogs on the beach, socialising with friends and going to the gym.

Ashmole & Co is delighted to announce the launch of its Accountancy Apprenticeship Scheme for 2025. One of the largest accountancy firms in south Wales is on the search for new Trainee Accountants to start this summer.

Those interested in training with Ashmole & Co can be school, college or university graduates. The firm will accept applications from those currently studying for their GCSEs, A Levels or Degree. Anyone who is looking for a new career in accountancy and those looking to do an internship during their degree studies are also encouraged to apply.

Vinal Patel, is one of Ashmole & Co’s newest Partners. He joined Ashmole & Co as a trainee, straight from school, in 2002. Whilst working full time for the accountancy firm, for over 20 years, he has achieved his ATT and ACCA qualifications.

Vinal said,

Those joining the Ashmole & Co Apprenticeship Scheme straight from school will start on the AAT path to qualifications and those joining us as college/university graduates will usually start on the ACCA qualification route. 

The job description for the trainees includes:

• Ensuring all clients are provided with an excellent service, meeting their deadlines, and supporting day to day queries that clients may have.
• Working as part of a team processing clients’ accounts, tax returns, VAT returns and company secretary duties.
• With the support of colleagues, you will ensure the smooth running of clients’ accounting systems.

The successful candidates will be offered a fully-funded training package in addition to Ashmole & Co’s basic salary. They will be given a permanent contract and be expected to work full time. For full details and the job description please visit the apprenticeship section of the website: www.ashmole.co.uk/english/about-us/ashmole-apprenticeships/ and email your cv to: ashmolehr@ashmole.co.uk

Local talented trainees are the lifeblood of rural accountancy firm, Ashmole & Co, which has offices throughout south and west Wales. Owain Rees, from Hermon, recently started with the Llandeilo team as a Trainee Accountant after completing his A Levels.

Ashmole & Co is committed to supporting its local communities by employing local talent, from trainee accountants to customer services, every member of the team is sourced from within the region.

Owain joined Ashmole & Co after gaining his A Levels at Ysgol Gyfun Bro Myrddin. He lives with his family on a small holding in Hermon. He is now studying for his AAT level 4 with Coleg Sir Gar as part of his traineeship with Ashmole & Co.

As a Trainee Accountant, day to day, Owain completes various tasks relating to preparing accounts, VAT and tax returns for clients including local farming businesses, sole traders, partnerships and limited companies.

Ceri Llwyd, Partner in the Llandeilo and Llandovery Ashmole & Co offices, said,

During his spare time Owain helps out on the family small holding, where they keep Texel and Suffolk sheep. When he isn’t studying for his AAT exams, he enjoys playing cricket for Bronwydd Cricket Club and is a keen supporter of the Scarlets rugby team and Liverpool football team.

Owain said,

Ashmole & Co are one of the largest chartered certified accountants in south Wales. The rapidly expanding and modern firm often has job opportunities for enthusiastic individuals both qualified and non-qualified within the organisation. If you feel you have the qualities to be part of the team at Ashmole & Co, please email, with your CV attached, to AshmoleHR@ashmole.co.uk. Alternatively, apply for a specific vacancy listed on the website: www.ashmole.co.uk

Feature image: Owain Rees on his family small holding.

Recent convert to running, Molly Williams, an Accounts Assistant with Ashmole & Co, will be taking on Cardiff Half Marathon next month to help raise funds for the south Wales accountancy firm’s charity of the year – Tenovus Cancer Care.

Molly is fairly new to running but has started to enjoy pounding the pavements, early in the morning, before she heads to work at the firm’s Abergavenny office. Her first half marathon was last year’s Cardiff Half and she hopes to complete the gruelling 13 mile course in a faster time on Sunday, 6 October.

With Ashmole & Co Molly prepares VAT returns, Tax return information, as well as general office duties such as answering calls and assisting clients who visit the office. She loves being organised and making sure everything is in order for clients. A lot of her time is spent using various accounting programmes such as Sage.

Mark Gould, Partner in Ashmole and Co’s Abergavenny, Haverfordwest, Carmarthen and Ammanford offices, said,

Molly has worked with Ashmole & Co since completing her GCSEs in 2012. She worked for the accountancy firm during her holidays while studying for her A Levels and then her Degree. Molly gained a Business Management Degree from Swansea University, then went on to do a Masters degree in Accounting at the University of South Wales in Pontypridd while working part time with Ashmole & Co. She is currently working full time for Ashmole & Co and studying for her final ACCA exams with the University of South Wales in Newport.   

Elin Murphy, Tenovus Cancer Care’s Regional Fundraising Manager for south west Wales, said,

Tenovus Cancer Care are a Wales-based charity which gives help, hope and a voice to everyone affected by cancer. Tenovus is there for anyone affected by cancer. Together with its inspiring community of supporters, volunteers and fundraisers, the charity is determined to be there for everyone affected today, tomorrow and beyond.

Any donations to support Molly and Ashmole & Co’s fundraising would be gratefully received. Here is the link to the Just Giving page, or you can donate at any office: Ashmole and co is fundraising for Tenovus Cancer Care (justgiving.com)

Nine Ashmole & Co staff will take on the ultimate thrill-seeking challenge next month to help raise funds for Tenovus Cancer Care. Nine of the accountancy firm’s staff, from across south Wales, have agreed to do a tandem skydive!

Just weeks after walking twelve miles along the Swansea coastal path to raise funds, the group of staff are now gearing up to do something they have never done before – a tandem skydive over the Gower coastline.

Karl Wilcox, Partner in Ashmole and Co’s Cardigan office and one of those doing the skydive said,

Skydiving is the ultimate thrill-seeking challenge where you enjoy the exhilarating and unforgettable feeling of flying through the clouds from over 10,000ft at up to 120 mph! For tandem skydives, participants can complete their training and jump on the same day. They can let a British Parachuting Association instructor do all the work while they enjoy the ride!

Those taking part in this thrill-seeking adventure on Saturday, 5 October, are: Karl Wilcox, Partner and Max Geary, Trainee Accountant from the Cardigan office; Eirian Evans, Payroll & HR Manager, based in Carmarthen; Vinal Patel, Partner, based in Ammanford and Carmarthen; Sam Jones, Accountant and Gareth Thomas, Trainee Accountant from the Llandeilo office; Kane Williams, Accountant from the Ammanford office; Rachel Jones, Payroll Clerk and Matthew Price, Payroll Assistant from the Haverfordwest office.

Any donations to support Ashmole & Co’s fundraising for Tenovus Cancer Care, would be very gratefully received. Here is the link to the Just Giving page, or you can donate directly to any member of staff or at any office: Ashmole and co is fundraising for Tenovus Cancer Care (justgiving.com)

Elin Murphy, Tenovus Cancer Care’s Regional Fundraising Manager for south west Wales, said,

Tenovus Cancer Care are a Wales-based charity which gives help, hope and a voice to everyone affected by cancer. Tenovus is there for anyone affected by cancer. Together with its inspiring community of supporters, volunteers and fundraisers, the charity is determined to be there for everyone affected today, tomorrow and beyond.

Trainees are the lifeblood of Ashmole & Co accountancy firm which has offices throughout south Wales. Tom Williams recently started with the Haverfordwest team as a Trainee Accountant after completing his AAT Level 2.

Tom, who lives with his family near St Davids, has joined Ashmole & Co after gaining his AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) Level 2 qualification. He is now studying for his AAT level 3 as part of his apprenticeship.

Ashmole & Co are encouraging those who are waiting for their GCSE or A Level results to consider a future career in accountancy. There is currently a vacancy for a Trainee Accountant in the Ammanford office and the firm can offer students work placements whilst they are studying. Full details are available on the website: www.ashmole.co.uk

As a Trainee Accountant, day to day, Tom completes various tasks relating to preparing accounts and tax returns for clients including local individuals, sole traders, partnerships and limited companies.

William Hughes, Partner in the Haverfordwest and Tenby Ashmole & Co offices, said,

“It is important as a profession that we help nurture the next generation of professional accountants. Trainee staff members are the lifeblood for the future success of our firm. We are a local business and are always keen to employ those who live locally.”    

Tom said,

“I’m grateful to Ashmole & Co for giving me the opportunity to join the team as a trainee. It is very rewarding to be constantly developing the skills that will help me succeed in the future.”

When he’s not studying or working Tom enjoys watching and following a variety of different sports.

Ashmole & Co are one of the largest chartered certified accountants in south Wales. The rapidly expanding and modern firm often has job opportunities for enthusiastic individuals both qualified and non-qualified within the organisation. If you feel you have the qualities to be part of the team at Ashmole & Co, please email, with your CV attached, to AshmoleHR@ashmole.co.uk. Alternatively, apply for a specific vacancy listed on the website: www.ashmole.co.uk

Ashmole & Co, one of south Wales’ largest bilingual accountancy firms, is delighted to support Wales YFC through sponsorship of the dance competition at the Royal Welsh Show later this month.

Ashmole & Co have been working with the Welsh farming community since its inception in 1897. The firm is very passionate about the agricultural sector both professionally and personally, with many partners and staff having benefited greatly from being past or present members of Wales YFC. Supporting the future generation of farmers is extremely important to all the team.

The Royal Welsh Show is the highlight of the year for many YFC members. The event is packed full of competitions such as shearing, dancing, stock judging and flower arranging. The dance competition that Ashmole & Co are sponsoring will take place from 1pm on the main YFC stage on Tuesday, 23 July 2024.

Ceri Llwyd, Ashmole & Co’s Partner in the Llandovery and Llandeilo offices, said,

“As the Auditor of Wales YFC, we know the importance of this bilingual, rural, youth organisation in helping and supporting young people become successful farmers, confident individuals, effective contributors and responsible citizens. It has been an honour to work with Wales YFC over many years. We have developed an excellent working relationship and I very much hope that this will continue for years to come. We would like to wish everyone competing at the Royal Welsh Show luck. We hope everyone enjoys the tremendous experience.” 

The Wales Federation of YFC is a vibrant and lively charity which enthusiastically empowers young people to take responsibility and play an energetic role in their communities, whilst encouraging personal development through a wide range of programmes which the members have the responsibility of designing and managing.   The organisation involves over 5,000 members between 10 and 28 years as well as many thousands of supporters, volunteers, parents and friends.  It is estimated that over 210,000 Welsh people have been members or participants over the organisation’s 80 year history.

Mared Rand Jones, Chief Executive Officer for Wales YFC, said,

“The Royal Welsh Show is the pinnacle of the year for YFC members and we look forward to seeing our members once again representing their counties and competing in a variety of competitions. Wales YFC will be showcasing the very best and the public will be entertained throughout the four days of the Show. We thank Ashmole & Co for their tremendous support to Wales YFC, as a charity organisation we depend on kind sponsorship to be able to provide activities and competitions for our members.  We look forward to welcoming everyone to the Wales YFC Centre during the Show.”

The 2024 Royal Welsh Show will take place from Monday 22 July – Thursday 25 July. The show is the pinnacle event in the British agricultural calendar. Along with an exciting four days of livestock and equine competitions, the show has something to interest everyone through its wide range of activities including forestry, horticulture, crafts, countryside sports, shopping, food and drink and a 12-hour programme each day of exciting entertainment, attractions and displays. Representatives from Ashmole & Co will be present at the event. If you would like to arrange a meeting with one of our Partners during the show please get in touch with your local office.

After raising significant amounts of funds for the DPJ Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance over the past two years, Ashmole & Co accountancy firm are delighted to announce its new charity for this year is Tenovus Cancer Care.

With thirteen offices spread across west, mid and south Wales, the staff of Ashmole & Co were in favour of supporting a Welsh charity that supports those affected by cancer.

Tenovus Cancer Care are a Wales-based charity which gives help, hope and a voice to everyone affected by cancer. Tenovus is there for anyone affected by cancer. Together with its inspiring community of supporters, volunteers and fundraisers, the charity is determined to be there for everyone affected today, tomorrow and beyond.

Sharon George, Ashmole & Co Partner in the Carmarthen and Pontardulais offices, said,

“Everyone knows someone who has been affected by cancer, or has a family member receiving treatment themselves. We were keen to support a cancer charity based in Wales and all the funds raised would be used to support those affected by cancer in Wales. We hope our clients and friends will help us raise as much money as possible through collections and events for this extremely worthy cause.”

Dealing with cancer can be frightening and stressful but Tenovus Cancer Care are there to help. They can provide treatment, expert advice and support. Tenovus relies on generous donations, as well as income from its retail chain, to run its cancer support services. The free support line is at the heart of their services which extend into Welsh communities with their fabulous Sing-with-Us choirs and Mobile Support Units bringing treatments closer to home.  For more information visit: www.tenovuscancercare.org.uk   

Elin Murphy, Tenovus Cancer Care’s Regional Fundraising Manager for south west Wales, said,

“We are very grateful to Ashmole & Co for choosing to help raise funds for Tenovus Cancer Care over the next 12 months. Your donations will mean that we can continue to support cancer patients and their loved ones with our services and actively campaign to improve outcomes and give a voice to all affected by cancer in Wales. As part of this year of events we will work with the staff and partners in the accountancy firm to help them appreciate how the money raised is used to help those affected by cancer in Wales.”

As part of the fundraising activities, Ashmole & Co will be doing a sponsored walk along the Mumbles coastal path later in the year, have dress-down Fridays once a month, cake bakes and some staff will be taking part in running events including the Cardiff Half Marathon. The firm has signed up for the Tenovus Tea for Ten event in July and one Partner at Ashmole & Co has already agreed to do Marathon Eryri to help raise funds.

Any donations to support Ashmole & Co’s fundraising would be very gratefully received. Here is the link to the Just Giving page, or you can donate directly at any office:

Ashmole and co is fundraising for Tenovus Cancer Care (justgiving.com)

Feature image: Ashmole & Co partners visiting the Tenovus Cancer Care mobile treatment unit in Carmarthen to learn about how useful a resource it is. L-R: Gregory Foley, Tenovus Cancer Care’s mobile support unit logistics manager; Laura Craddock, Ashmole & Co partner in Ammanford; Elin Murphy, the regional fundraising manager for Tenovus Cancer Care and Sharon George Ashmole & Co partner in Carmarthen.

Ashmole & Co have raised a staggering £7,000 over the past 12 months for the DPJ Foundation. The staff at the accountancy firm held a number of events to raise funds for the Welsh, rural, mental health charity.

With thirteen offices spread across mid and south Wales, approximately 80 staff including Partners from Ashmole & Co hiked 10 kms of the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path in September last year as the main fundraising event. Staff also held dress down Fridays, ran half marathon races and even crocheted a blanket to help raise funds.

Carwyn Morgan, Ashmole & Co Partner in the Carmarthen and Newcastle Emlyn offices, said,

“Our rural clients confide in us as their accountant and we are sometimes the first they turn to when financial or family concerns impact on their lives and mental health. We are grateful to the DPJ Foundation for the training sessions they gave our staff as part of this year of fundraising so we could recognise the mental health issue warning signs. Our staff now feel more confident in signposting clients to professional help and support with their mental health. Thank you also to our clients and friends who helped us raise this fantastic total for this extremely worthy cause.”

The £7,000 raised is the equivalent of 140 professional counselling sessions or that amount of funding could run the charity’s Share the Load helpline for seven months. 

Kate Miles, Manager of the DPJ Foundation, said,

“We are very grateful to Ashmole & Co for helping to raise funds and awareness of the foundation over the last 12 months. Poor mental health in agriculture is recognised as a big problem across society and the DPJ Foundation aims to break down the stigma that surrounds poor mental health and provide support services for those in rural communities when they need it, where they need it.  With the funds raised we are able to help people get help and ultimately prevent suicide.”

The DPJ Foundation was set up in July 2016 in Pembrokeshire, supporting those in the agricultural sector. The mental health farming charity has grown and covers the whole of Wales with all areas of support. The DPJ Foundation works with leading organisations in agriculture including NFU Cymru, FUW, YFC, vets and Welsh Government to help provide an accessible and flexible service. For more information visit: www.dpjfoundation.co.uk

Feature image: Ashmole & Co Partners handing over a cheque for £7,040 to Kate Miles, Manager of the DPJ Foundation. L-R: Partners with Ashmole & Co – Sharon George, William Hughes, Jim Cornock, Laura Craddock and Ian Badham; Kate Miles Manager of the DPJ Foundation and Ceri Llwyd Partner with Ashmole & Co.

Ashmole & Co accountants are delighted to announce one of its longest serving members of staff, Vinal Patel, has been promoted to the position of Partner.

Vinal, who lives in Ammanford, joined Ashmole & Co as a trainee, straight from school, in 2002. Whilst working full time for the accountancy firm, for over 20 years, he has achieved his ATT and ACCA qualifications.

Vinal said,

“I am delighted to be joining the partnership of Ashmole & Co after working my whole career with the firm. I pride myself on building working relationships with clients and being approachable and available when needed to help clients achieve their goals. I’m looking forward to starting this new chapter.”

Vinal has been involved in sports all his life, he played rugby for Brynamman RFC for many years and more recently competing in triathlons including Ironman Wales in 2023. He also served the local community as a retained fire fighter for a period of 10 years.

Vinal lives with his wife Non, daughter and dog. In his spare time along with spending time with his family and supporting his daughter in playing sports, he also enjoys being a lifelong Liverpool football fan, and continues to swim, cycle and run.

Ashmole & Co Chartered and Certified Accountants have been established since 1897 and are one of the largest accountancy and auditing practices in Wales, operating from 13 offices throughout south and west Wales including Haverfordwest, Ammanford, Swansea and Carmarthen. The firm combines high quality audit, accounting, and taxation services with business consultancy, financial services and corporate planning.

Feature image: Vinal Patel

Ashmole & Co is delighted to announce the launch of its Accountancy Apprenticeship Scheme for 2024. One of the largest accountancy firms in Wales is on the search for new Trainee Accountants to start this summer.

Those interested in training with Ashmole & Co can be school, college or university graduates. The firm will accept applications from those currently studying for their GCSEs, A Levels or Degree. Anyone who is looking for a new career in accountancy and those looking to do an internship during their degree studies are also encouraged to apply.

Karl Wilcox, Partner with Ashmole & Co said,

“After graduating from Aberystwyth University I joined Ashmole & Co as a trainee and progressed within the firm. I gained my ACCA qualifications and then worked hard to become a Partner. The majority of the Partners at Ashmole & Co did their training with the firm. We strongly believe it is important as a profession that we help to train the next generation of accountants. Our apprenticeship scheme will give you the practical skills and qualifications to eventually become a fully qualified accountant. You will also be given the opportunity to experience a wide variety of client work and specialisms.”

Those joining the Ashmole & Co Apprenticeship Scheme straight from school will start on the AAT path to qualifications and those joining us as college / university graduates will usually start on the ACCA qualification route. 

The job description for the trainees includes:

• Ensuring all clients are provided with an excellent service, meeting their deadlines, and supporting day to day queries that clients may have.
• Working as part of a team processing clients’ accounts, tax returns, VAT returns and company secretary duties.
• With the support of colleagues, you will ensure the smooth running of clients’ accounting systems.

The successful candidates will be offered a fully-funded training package in addition to Ashmole & Co’s basic salary. They will be given a permanent contract and be expected to work full time. For full details and the job description please visit the apprenticeship section of the website: www.ashmole.co.uk/english/about-us/ashmole-apprenticeships/ and email your cv to: ashmolehr@ashmole.co.uk

Feature image: Harvey Collins is one of this year’s Apprenticeship Scheme Trainees and he is based in our Swansea office.

Newcomer to running, Molly Williams, from Ashmole & Co’s Abergavenny office, will be taking on Bath Half Marathon next month to help raise funds for the accountancy firm’s charity of the year, the DPJ Foundation.

Molly Williams is fairly new to running but has started to enjoy exploring the streets and lanes of Abergavenny early in the morning before she heads to the office to her position as an Accounts Assistant.

During the day Molly prepares VAT returns, Tax return information, as well as general office duties such as answering calls and assisting clients who visit the office. She loves being organised and making sure everything is in order for clients. A lot of her time is spent using various accounting programmes such as Sage.

Molly has worked with Ashmole & Co since completing her GCSEs in 2012. She worked for the accountancy firm during her holidays while studying for her A Levels and then her Degree. Molly gained a Business Management Degree from Swansea University, then went on to do a Masters degree in Accounting at the University of South Wales in Pontypridd while working part time with Ashmole & Co. She is currently working full time for Ashmole & Co and studying for her final ACCA exams with the University of South Wales in Newport.

Mark Gould, Partner in Ashmole and Co’s Abergavenny office, said,

“It’s great that Molly is using her new love of running to increase the awareness of the DPJ Foundation. We are very proud of all the staff doing what they can to help raise funds for our charity of the year. We hope our clients and friends will help us raise as much money as possible for this extremely worthy cause.”

With thirteen offices spread across mid and south Wales, Ashmole & Co staff wanted to support a charity, that, like them, helped and supported those living rurally.

The DPJ Foundation was set up in 2016 following the death of Daniel Picton-Jones. Daniel’s suicide rocked the community, his wife Emma realised very quickly the lack of support that was available for those suffering with poor mental health in rural communities. It was announced at Daniel’s funeral that a fund would be set up that would provide support to those, like Daniel, who were suffering from poor mental health. It became clear that there was a lack of awareness around mental health, everyone had been touched by suicide but very little was being done to combat the issue. The mental health farming charity has grown and now covers the whole of Wales with all areas of support.

Kate Miles, Manager of the DPJ Foundation, said,

“We are very grateful to Ashmole & Co for choosing to help raise funds and awareness of the foundation over the next 12 months. We wish Molly well for her run next month and hope the weather is kind to her.”

Any donations to support Molly and Ashmole & Co’s fundraising would be gratefully received. Here is the link to the Just Giving page, or you can donate at any office: Jim Cornock is fundraising for The DPJ Foundation (justgiving.com)

Ashmole & Co help fund the accountants of the future with donation to Llandybie Primary School

Mathematicians of the future in Carmarthenshire are being financially supported by Ashmole & Co. The Ammanford office of the accountancy firm has made a donation to Ysgol Llandybie Primary School to help with the annual purchase of the online maths resource for pupils called MyMaths.

Llandybie Primary School uses the online resource to help pupils and parents with the teaching of maths at home. The MyMaths programme allows teachers to set tasks for pupils as well as provide them with tutorials to show them the mathematical concepts being taught. It is able to assist in all areas of mathematics from shape to space, data to financial literacy.

Laura Craddock, Partner in Ashmole & Co’s Ammanford office, said,

“We are always keen to offer our support locally. We are more than happy to help fund the online resource MyMaths to help train the local accountants of the future.”

Llandybie Head Teacher, Rhian Pritchard, said,

“We are keen to continue using online resources to enhance our pupils’ learning experience but they come at an extra cost. We are grateful to Ashmole and Co for the donation which will enable us to continue the provision of online maths learning.”

Ashmole & Co Chartered, Certified Accountants have been established since 1897 and are one of the largest accountancy and auditing practices in Wales, operating from 13 offices throughout south and west Wales including Swansea, Carmarthen and Haverfordwest.

Two weeks of work experience has turned into a full-time Trainee Accountant’s position with largest accountancy firm in south Wales – Ashmole & Co.

Dafydd Saunders, from Capel Hendre, has recently started working full-time at Ashmole & Co’s Ammanford office as part of the firm’s Apprenticeship Scheme, following the successful completion of two weeks work experience in July.

Dafydd graduated from Swansea University in the summer with a First-Class Honours degree in Accounting. During his studies he decided not to seek employment so he could focus on getting good grades. Once he finished University, he was successful in his application to his local Ashmole & Co office in Ammanford for work experience.

As a Trainee Accountant Dafydd helps prepare VAT returns and assists with the preparation of accounts working with Quickbooks, Xero and Sage he also helps with queries from clients.

Laura Craddock, Partner in Ashmole & Co’s Ammanford office said,

“Our Apprenticeship Scheme is giving Dafydd the practical skills and qualifications to eventually become a fully qualified accountant. He is being given the opportunity to experience a wide variety of client work and specialisms. I started with Ashmole & Co after I qualified from Cardiff University and I gained my ACCA qualifications through the firm and then worked hard to become a Partner. The Partners strongly believe it is important as a profession that we help to train the next generation of accountants.”

For the Trainee Accountant position Dafydd feels candidates need a variety of skills including clear communications when talking to clients and working with senior members of staff. Time management is essential as being efficient is very important. Numerical skills are vital to ensure accuracy and problem-solving skills to think outside the box.

Dafydd said,

“I’m very grateful to Ashmole & Co for giving me this opportunity and giving me positive feedback on my work as it makes me feel appreciated. The most rewarding part of my job is being able to help clients, whether that be financially through accounting work or through answering their queries.”

During his spare time Dafydd is studying for his ACCA exams to become a fully qualified accountant. He enjoys going to the gym regularly and meeting up with friends. He is a Swansea City fan and goes to watch most of the football club’s home games.

With the majority of the Partners at Ashmole & Co having done their training with the firm they are keen to continue with the Apprenticeship Scheme again in 2024.

Those interested in training with Ashmole & Co can be school, college or university graduates. The firm will accept applications from those currently studying for their GCSEs, A Levels or Degree. Anyone who is looking for a new career path in accountancy would also be encouraged to apply.

Successful Apprenticeship candidates are offered a fully-funded training package in addition to Ashmole & Co’s basic salary. They are given a permanent contract and are expected to work full time. For full details and the trainee accountant job description please visit the vacancies section of the website: Job Vacancies (ashmole.co.uk)

Feature image: Dafydd Saunders outside Ashmole & Co’s Ammanford office.

Trainees are the lifeblood of Ashmole & Co accountancy firm which has offices throughout south Wales. Harvey Collins recently started with the Swansea team as a Trainee Accountant after qualifying from Swansea University earlier this year.

Harvey, who lives with his family in Swansea, gained A Levels in Accounting, Business Studies and Economics at Gower College. He then went on to study Accounting & Finance at Degree level which he achieved First Class Honours.

During Harvey’s studies he obtained work experience with Ashmole & Co and then went on to apply for a full time Trainee position through the Apprenticeship Scheme earlier this year.

Ashmole & Co are encouraging those currently studying for a degree or A Levels to consider a future career in accountancy. The firm can offer students work placements whilst they are studying as well as the opportunity to apply for next year’s Apprenticeship scheme which opens for applications in February 2024.

As a Trainee Accountant, day to day, Harvey completes various tasks relating to audit, personal and business Tax returns and VAT returns for local individuals, sole traders, partnerships and limited companies.

Christine Daultrey, Partner in the Swansea Ashmole & Co office, said,

“It is important as a profession that we help nurture the next generation of professional accountants. Trainee staff members are the lifeblood for the future success of our firm. We are a local business and are always keen to employ those who live locally.” 

Harvey said,

“I’m grateful to Ashmole & Co for giving me the opportunity to join the team as a trainee. The most rewarding part of my job is putting what I have learnt from my previous studies into practice. I am also gaining lots of experience whilst developing my knowledge and ability.”

When he’s not studying or working Harvey enjoys watching football, playing tennis and spending time with his family.

Ashmole & Co are one of the largest chartered certified accountants in south Wales. The rapidly expanding and modern firm often has job opportunities for enthusiastic individuals both qualified and non-qualified within the organisation. If you feel you have the qualities to be part of the team at Ashmole & Co, please email, with your CV attached, to AshmoleHR@ashmole.co.uk. Alternatively, apply for a specific vacancy listed on the website: www.ashmole.co.uk

Feature image: Harvey Collins

Ashmole & Co are delighted to announce a number of new trainee accountants have recently started working with the firm as part of the new Apprenticeship Scheme. The largest accountancy firm in south Wales has four new recruits in offices across south and mid Wales.

Ceirion Harris, from Mountain Ash, is one of the first Trainee Accountants to start working with the Ammanford office under the Apprenticeship Scheme. Ceirion first joined the team during his gap year from University in 2021 and after completing his degree in Accounting and Finance at Swansea University he has now joined as one of the new Trainees.

Day to day Ceirion completes year-end accounts, VAT returns and helps with queries from clients. Ceirion says one of the most important skills he brings to the position is communication with the team and with clients. While on tasks he tries to ensure he is in constant communication with the specific team he’s working with to ensure there’s no communication errors and everything is done correctly.

Ceirion said,

“The most rewarding part of the job is applying my studied university knowledge into a practical experience. While working on a task I recognise parts of the work that I have previously studied throughout university and therefore have previous experience on. This helps me in particular tasks and also motivates me to continue my studies to benefit my future role. I’m very grateful to Ashmole & Co for giving me this opportunity.”

During his spare time Ceirion enjoys participating in a lot of sport. He plays for a local football team as well as going to the gym and running on a regular basis.

With the majority of the Partners at Ashmole & Co having done their training with the firm they are keen to continue with the Apprenticeship Scheme again in 2024.

Those interested in training with Ashmole & Co can be school, college or university graduates. The firm will accept applications from those currently studying for their GCSEs, A Levels or Degree. Anyone who is looking for a new career path in accountancy would also be encouraged to apply.

Laura Craddock, Partner with Ashmole & Co said, “Our Apprenticeship Scheme is giving Ceirion the practical skills and qualifications to eventually become a fully qualified accountant. He is being given the opportunity to experience a wide variety of client work and specialisms. I started with Ashmole & Co after I qualified from Cardiff University and I gained my ACCA qualifications through the firm and then worked hard to become a Partner. The Partners strongly believe it is important as a profession that we help to train the next generation of accountants.”

Successful Apprenticeship candidates are offered a fully-funded training package in addition to Ashmole & Co’s basic salary. They are given a permanent contract and are expected to work full time. For full details and the trainee accountant job description please visit the vacancies section of the website: Job Vacancies (ashmole.co.uk)

Ashmole & Co’s latest recruit has 30 years of work experience, both within the NHS and local accountancy firms and in her spare time is studying for a degree in Accounting & Finance.

The south and mid Wales firm of accountants are delighted to welcome Julie Walters to the role of Accounts Clerk in the Carmarthen office.

Julie is originally from Carmarthen and now lives in Pontyberem. For 20 years she worked as an Information Analyst in the NHS which involved collating waiting list data on how long patients were waiting for treatment. She then went on to work for an accountancy firm part time where she progressed to an accountancy role.

Day to day with Ashmole & Co, Julie prepares financial accounts for sole traders, partnerships and limited companies. She also prepares and submits VAT returns.

Welcoming Julie to the team, Carwyn Morgan, Partner in the Carmarthen Ashmole & Co office, said,

“We are delighted to have Julie, with all her previous experience, join our team. I admire her enthusiasm to study part time with the Open University for a degree in Accounting and Finance alongside working full time with our team.”

Julie is married with three daughters. The eldest is teaching English in Vietnam, her middle daughter has just graduated from university and her youngest is in secondary school. During any spare time she has, Julie enjoys travelling, gardening and binge watching a Netflix series.

Commenting on her appointment Julie said,

“I work with a great team who are friendly and helpful. I find it very rewarding to provide a high quality service to our clients and being able to help with any queries they have. I enjoy learning new things and working with numbers so this is my ideal job.”

Visit: www.ashmole.co.uk

A team of staff from Ashmole & Co, one of south Wales’ largest accountancy firms, will be running Cardiff Half Marathon on 1 October to help raise funds for the DPJ Foundation.

With thirteen offices spread across mid and south Wales, the staff at Ashmole & Co wanted to support a charity, that, like them, helped and supported those living rurally.

Jim Cornock, Partner with Ashmole and Co, said,

“A number of staff, including myself, run to help our own mental health and so we decided to create a corporate team to take on the Cardiff Half Marathon. We hope our clients and friends will help us raise as much money as possible over the next few months for this extremely worthy cause.”

The DPJ Foundation was set up in Pembrokeshire in 2016 following the death of Daniel Picton-Jones. Daniel’s suicide rocked the community, his wife Emma realised very quickly the lack of support that was available for those suffering with poor mental health in rural communities. It was announced at Daniel’s funeral that a fund would be set up that would provide support to those, like Daniel, who were suffering from poor mental health. It became clear that there was a lack of awareness around mental health, everyone had been touched by suicide but very little was being done to combat the issue. The mental health farming charity has grown and now covers the whole of Wales with all areas of support.

Any donations to support Ashmole & Co’s fundraising would be gratefully received. Here is the link to the Just Giving page, or you can donate at any office: Jim Cornock is fundraising for The DPJ Foundation (justgiving.com) 

Running on behalf of Ashmole & Co at the Cardiff Half Marathon next month are: Sam Jones, from the Llandeilo office; Carwyn Jones from the Carmarthen office; Molly Williams from the Abergavenny office; David Thomas and Rhydian Fox from the Swansea office; Jim Cornock and Vinal Patel from the Ammanford office.

Kate Miles, Manager of the DPJ Foundation, said, ]

“We are very grateful to Ashmole & Co for choosing to help raise funds and awareness of the foundation over the next 12 months. We wish the team of staff taking part in the Cardiff Half Marathon well for their run next month and hope the weather is kind to them.”

Feature image: Ashmole & Co staff from the Swansea office who are taking part in the Cardiff Half Marathon, David Thomas on the left and Rhydian Fox on the right.

Ashmole & Co’s staff from across south and mid Wales will be swapping their calculators for walking boots later this month to hike 10 kms of the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path to help raise funds for the DPJ Foundation.

With thirteen offices spread across mid and south Wales, approximately 100 staff, including Partners from Ashmole & Co, are currently in training to walk approximately seven miles from Amroth to Tenby via Saundersfoot.

Jim Cornock, Partner with Ashmole and Co said,

“We recently launched a year of fundraising in aid of the DPJ Foundation, to help support those in the agricultural sector, and living rurally, with poor mental health. Our rural clients confide in us as their accountant and we are perhaps the first they turn to when financial or family concerns impact on their lives and mental health. We will use this year of working with the DPJ Foundation to learn ourselves how to recognise these mental health issue signs and in future we will be able to signpost these clients of ours to professional help and support with their mental health.”

Jim continued,

“They say going for a walk can help with your mental health and we’ve certainly taken that on board when choosing our main fundraising event this year with our walk along the coastal path. We hope our clients and friends will help us raise as much money as possible for this extremely worthy cause.”

Any donations to support Ashmole & Co’s fundraising for their walk which is taking place on 22 September 2023, would be very gratefully received. Here is the link to the Just Giving page, or you can donate directly to any member of staff or at any office: Jim Cornock is fundraising for The DPJ Foundation (justgiving.com)

Kate Miles, the DPJ Foundation Manager, said,

“We are grateful to Ashmole & Co for choosing to support us. We wish them well for their sponsored walk and hope the weather is kind to them.  Physical exercise can play a vital role in maintaining good mental health and wellbeing and having the time and space to enjoy the fresh air and our beautiful coastline and countryside can also help.  The power of taking time out in the fresh air can be easy to underestimate but can make a big difference.”

The DPJ Foundation was set up in July 2016 in Pembrokeshire, supporting those in the agricultural sector. The mental health farming charity has grown and covers the whole of Wales with all areas of support. The DPJ Foundation works with leading organisations in agriculture including NFU Cymru, FUW, YFC, vets and Welsh Government to help provide an accessible and flexible service. For more information visit: www.dpjfoundation.co.uk

Feature image: Ashmole & Co’s staff during last year’s sponsored walk at the top of Pen y Fan. They are hoping for better weather for this year’s walk along the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path!

Ashmole & Co are delighted to announce that Rhys Ibbiston, in the Ammanford office, has completed his studies and passed all his AAT exams to complete his apprenticeship.

Rhys, from Capel Hendre, joined Ashmole & Co as a Trainee Accountant in 2021. Previously he had attended Ysgol Dyffryn Aman until year 11 when he chose to leave school and start an AAT level 2 course in Accounting.

During his apprenticeship, day to day, Rhys helped the team to complete VAT returns, takes phone calls from clients and helps them with their queries. He will now use his AAT qualification to start a degree course next month which he has decided to study full time at university.

Laura Craddock, Partner in Ashmole & Co’s Ammanford office said,

“We are proud of Rhys’ achievements. It’s been a pleasure to watch him achieve his qualifications whilst with us. We would all like to wish Rhys well with his future degree course now that he has completed his apprenticeship with us.”

Rhys said,

“I am grateful to have been given this opportunity to gain qualifications, whilst having the practical experience to match. Initially it was difficult to take in so much information while learning basic tasks, but over time it has definitely become less challenging. Seeing the improvement in myself and being able to complete tasks to a high standard are the most rewarding part of the job.”

Ashmole & Co are one of the largest chartered certified accountants in Wales. The rapidly expanding and modern firm often has job opportunities for enthusiastic individuals both qualified and non-qualified within the organisation. If you feel you have the qualities to be part of the team at Ashmole & Co, please email, with your CV attached, to AshmoleHR@ashmole.co.uk. Alternatively, apply for a specific vacancy listed on the website: www.ashmole.co.uk

Ashmole & Co retired Partner will cycle 1,000 miles from Land’s End to John O’Groats to raise funds for MND Association

Ashmole & Co retired Partner, Dylan Harries, will cycle from Land’s End to John O’Groats next month to raise vital funds for a charity close to the accountancy firm’s heart – the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

Former Partner of Ashmole & Co, Bryan Jones, died of MND in 2020. Bryan worked for Ashmole & Co for 37 years, his entire working life. He started straight from school in 1974 and became a partner in 2001. He retired in 2011. Bryan’s wife, Mandy, still works for the firm in the Haverfordwest office and is one of the longest serving members of staff.

Dylan Harries and Bryan Jones used to work together in the firm’s Haverfordwest office as well as cycle together and Dylan will now take on this mamouth 1,000mile cycling challenge in memory of his friend and former colleague.

Dylan Harries, retired Partner in Ashmole & Co’s Haverfordwest office, said,

“I recently had my biggest fitness test where I rode 100 miles. I managed to complete it despite atrocious weather. It was my first 100mile bike ride in a very long time and it has given me the confidence that I can complete the challenge next month. MND is a terrible disease that took my colleague far too young. We will be raising much needed funds for the MND Association so we would be grateful for any donations no matter how big or small.”   

In 2006 four cyclists including Bryan and Dylan embarked on a 500mile charity cycle ride. It was something they all wanted to do again but never had the opportunity. Seventeen years later, in Bryan’s memory, two of the original group, Dylan and Martin Mackintosh, have agreed to embark on this 1,000mile challenge with a friend, Andrew Rees. They will leave Land’s End on 6 September and plan to reach John O’Groats 13 days later.

If you are able to make a donation to help Dylan reach his fundraising target, this is the link to the Just Giving page:  MAD Boys End to End Challenge – MAD represents Martin, Andrew, Dylan fundraising for Motor Neurone Disease Association on JustGiving

Bryan was a very fit and active person when he was younger. He started road cycling, both socially and competitively, in his forties. He completed stages of the Tour de France, cycled the length of France and circumnavigated Wales. He was well known in Pembrokeshire and the world of cycling as he founded the Tour of Pembrokeshire Sportive, an annual fund-raising cycling event.

Motor Neurone Disease Association is a charity that is also close to the heart of Martin, with Martin’s father, John Mackintosh having suffered from Motor Neurone Disease. The team are self-funding the whole cost of this challenge so every penny raised will be passed on to MNDA.

Ashmole & Co Chartered and Certified Accountants have been established since 1897 and are one of the largest accountancy and auditing practices in Wales, operating from twelve offices throughout south and west Wales including Swansea, Carmarthen, Haverfordwest, Abergavenny, Ammanford, Llandovery and Newcastle Emlyn.

Feature image: L-R Martin Mackintosh, Andrew Rees and Dylan-Harries

Ashmole & Co, one of south Wales’ largest bilingual accountancy firms, is delighted to support Wales YFC through sponsorship of the dance competition at the Royal Welsh Show later this month.

Ashmole & Co have been working with the Welsh farming community since its inception in 1897. The firm is very passionate about the agricultural sector both professionally and personally, with many partners and staff having benefited greatly from being past or present members of Wales YFC. Supporting the future generation of farmers is extremely important to all the team.

The Royal Welsh Show is the highlight of the year for many YFC members. The event is packed full of competitions such as shearing, dancing, stock judging and flower arranging. The dance competition that Ashmole & Co are sponsoring will take place at 1pm on the main YFC stage on Tuesday, 25 July 2023.

Ceri Llwyd, Ashmole & Co’s Partner in the Llandovery and Llandeilo office, said,

“As the Auditor of Wales YFC, we know the importance of this bilingual, rural, youth organisation in helping and supporting young people become successful farmers, confident individuals, effective contributors and responsible citizens. It has been an honour to work with Wales YFC over many years assisting with their accounts and audit of the charity. We have developed an excellent working relationship and I very much hope that this will continue for years to come. We would like to wish everyone competing at the Royal Welsh Show luck. We hope everyone enjoys the tremendous experience.” 

The Wales Federation of YFC is a vibrant and lively charity which enthusiastically empowers young people to take responsibility and play an energetic role in their communities, whilst encouraging personal development through a wide range of programmes which the members have the responsibility of designing and managing.  The organisation involves over 5,000 members between 10 and 28 years as well as many thousands of supporters, volunteers, parents and friends.  It is estimated that over 210,000 Welsh people have been members or participants over the organisation’s 80 year history.

Mared Rand Jones, Chief Executive Officer for Wales YFC, said,

“The Royal Welsh Show is the pinnacle of the year for YFC members and we look forward to seeing our members once again representing their counties and competing in a variety of competitions. Wales YFC will be showcasing the very best and the public will be entertained throughout the four days of the Show. We thank Ashmole & Co for their tremendous support to Wales YFC, as a charity organisation we depend on kind sponsorship to be able to provide activities and competitions for our members.  We look forward to welcoming everyone to the Wales YFC Centre during the Show.”

The 2023 Royal Welsh Show will take place from Monday 24 July – Thursday 27 July. The show is the pinnacle event in the British agricultural calendar. Along with an exciting four days of livestock and equine competitions, the show has something to interest everyone through its wide range of activities including forestry, horticulture, crafts, countryside sports, shopping, food and drink and a 12-hour programme each day of exciting entertainment, attractions and displays. Representatives from Ashmole & Co will be present at the event. If you would like to arrange a meeting with one of our Partners during the show please get in touch with your local office.

Ashmole & Co is delighted to announce the appointment of Eirian Evans as the Human Resources Manager for the expanding accountancy firm.

Eirian, who lives in Hermon, Cynwyl Elfed, joined Ashmole & Co in 2018 as the Payroll Manager and is based in the Carmarthen office. She has qualifications in Accounting, Payroll Administration, Payroll Management, Pensions Administration and Human Resources.

As the Payroll and HR Manager, Eirian’s day to day duties include dealing with the HR matters that arise with Ashmole & Co’s staff as well as payroll queries and processing payroll. She also has to make sure she is up to date with all legislation changes which happen frequently.

Sharon George, Ashmole & Co Partner in the Carmarthen office, said,

“With over 100 staff working for Ashmole & Co across south, mid and west Wales, thanks to our successful expansion over recent years, we felt it was the best decision to have a qualified member of staff manage our human resources internally. We are very lucky that Eirian has agreed to take on this extra role and responsibility on top of her payroll duties.”

 On becoming the Payroll and HR Manager Eirian said,

“Job satisfaction for me is a happy workforce when it comes to the HR element of my role and client satisfaction when I’m dealing with clients’ payroll accounts. Since Covid 19 businesses’ needs have changed and we are seeing a higher demand for quicker outcomes. We have to be responsive to these changes and ahead of the game.”

Eirian grew up on a beef and sheep farm. With her husband and two children, they have a small flock of sheep. In her spare time she loves to be outdoors. She is the Treasurer for Llandysul Agricultural Society and Show and trains with Sharks KMA kickboxing in Carmarthen.

Ashmole & Co’s latest recruit in the Swansea office is a familiar face to the team. The firm is delighted to announce that Simon Webster has recently started working for the successful accountancy team in Swansea but he first joined Ashmole & Co in August 2000 in the Haverfordwest office.

Simon, who now lives in Porthcawl, is originally from Tenby, where his immediate family still live. He still regards himself as a west Walian and that’s how he worked for Ashmole & Co’s Haverfordwest team for eleven years before moving to Porthcawl.

Before re-joining Ashmole & Co as a Senior Accounts Clerk, Simon worked for the Jehu Group Ltd and had temporary contracts in financial positions at Bridgend County Council and South Wales Police HQ.

Day to day with Ashmole & Co, Simon completes accounting records for sole traders, partnerships and limited companies. He also works on the taxation records for clients.  

Welcoming Simon to the Swansea team, Christine Daultrey, Partner in the Swansea Ashmole & Co office, said,

“We are delighted that Simon has joined our team in Swansea and re-joined our wider team at Ashmole & Co. It’s great to have a new starter that already knows all the systems we have in place. He was certainly able to hit the ground running when he started.”

Simon said,

“It’s great to be back working in the familiar surroundings of Ashmole & Co but with the exciting prospect of being able to help and work with new clients in the Swansea area. It doesn’t matter where you’re based really as the work load intensifies in December and January due to the Personal Tax return deadline no matter where you are!”

Simon spends his spare time taking relaxing long walks along the coast. He has two children. His daughter is studying a Masters degree in Fashion and his son is studying Forensics. Simon and his son are season ticket holders at Parc y Scarlets so they enjoy watching all of the Scarlets’ home games and when his daughter is home from university they enjoy going to live music gigs together.

Ashmole & Co, one of south Wales’ largest bilingual accountancy firms, is delighted to sponsor a new aspect of the Urdd Eisteddfod, taking place in Llandovery, Carmarthenshire next week.

As the Auditor of Cwmni Urdd Gobaith Cymru, Ashmole & Co know the importance of the organisation when it comes to helping with children’s speech and language skills through the various competitions and so were keen to help support the movement financially.

This year, for the first time, the Urdd Eisteddfod will be partnering with Makaton translator, Ceri Bostock, to translate and perform Makaton translations during choir or group competitions and Ashmole & Co have agreed to sponsor this important extra service during the event.

The effects of Covid 19 on children’s speech and language skills have been huge and so the Urdd Eisteddfod felt it was important to show Makaton translators as part of the Eisteddfod’s mainstream competitions to encourage use of the language and to help young competitors with communication. Makaton is also extremely beneficial for Welsh learners; Ceri Bostock will not only help children with learning and speech difficulties but also help Welsh learners to understand the meaning of words or poems.

Ceri Llwyd, Ashmole & Co’s Partner in the Llandovery and Llandeilo office, said,

“The Urdd Eisteddfod means a lot to me personally having competed since I was aged six. Now as a mum, I encourage my children to get involved and compete.”

Ceri continued, “As well as Cwmni Urdd Gobaith Cymru, I am the Partner at Ashmole & Co responsible for the accounts, and audit where applicable, for Eisteddfod Genedlaethol Cymru, Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru, Mentrau Iaith Cymru, Menter Dinefwr, Menter Gorllewin Sir Gâr. When I was invited to tender for the audit services of Cwmni Urdd Gobaith Cymru I had no hesitation in wanting to work with this client given the importance of the organisation in Wales, even though it was during the middle of the pandemic! We have developed an excellent working relationship and I very much hope that this will continue for years to come.”

Ceri lives in Cross Hands with her two young sons and has been a partner with Ashmole & Co since 2008 when the firm opened its office in Llandovery. Ceri is a fluent Welsh speaker and specialises in working with charities, farmers, solicitors and family run businesses. Ceri enjoys singing in her spare time with Côr Llanddarog a’r Cylch.

Ceri said,

“My client portfolio in the Welsh sector has grown significantly over the years and being able to provide a service where the accounts are prepared in Welsh as well as undertaking the work and general conversation in Welsh is somewhat of a niche area. All the staff in the Llandovery office are very excited about the prospect of having this major event on our doorstep. It’s such a fantastic opportunity for our small rural town.”

The Urdd Eisteddfod takes place in Llandovery from 29 May until 3 June in Llandovery. This will be the eighth time that Carmarthenshire have hosted the Urdd Eisteddfod although this will be the first time that the Eisteddfod is visiting Llandovery. For full details visit the website: www.urdd.cymru/en/eisteddfod/20231/

Ashmole & Co, one of south Wales’ largest Accountancy firms, has launched a year of fundraising in aid of the DPJ Foundation, to help support those in the agricultural sector, and living rurally, with poor mental health.

With thirteen offices spread across rural mid and south Wales, the staff of Ashmole & Co were unanimously in favour of supporting a charity that raised awareness and gave support to those with mental health problems.

Carwyn Morgan, Ashmole & Co Partner in the Carmarthen and Newcastle Emlyn offices, said,

“Our rural clients confide in us as their accountant and we are perhaps the first they turn to when financial or family concerns impact on their lives and mental health. We will use this year of working with the DPJ Foundation to learn ourselves how to recognise these mental health issue signs and in future we will be able to signpost these clients of ours to professional help and support with their mental health. We hope our clients and friends will help us raise as much money as possible through collections and events for this extremely worthy cause.”

The DPJ Foundation was set up in Pembrokeshire in 2016 following the death of Daniel Picton-Jones. Daniel’s suicide rocked the community, his wife Emma realised very quickly the lack of support that was available for those suffering with poor mental health in rural communities. It was announced at Daniel’s funeral that a fund would be set up that would provide support to those, like Daniel, who were suffering from poor mental health. It became clear that there was a lack of awareness around mental health, everyone had been touched by suicide but very little was being done to combat the issue. 

 Daniel was an agricultural contractor and was well-liked and known throughout the community. His strong ties with the agricultural sector coupled with Emma being a farmer’s daughter made this an obvious route for targeting support. It also became clear that agriculture carried the highest rate of suicide, yet little was being done to help this. Emma has used Daniel as a basis for everything the Foundation has gone forward to do. Daniel was a quiet character with lots of love and care for those around him, he would hate the idea of anyone suffering or feeling the way he did. In his name the DPJ Foundation is using Daniel’s story to help others.

Kate Miles, Manager of the DPJ Foundation, said,

“We are very grateful to Ashmole & Co for choosing to help raise funds and awareness of the foundation over the next 12 months. As part of this year of events we will work with the staff and partners in the accountancy firm to help them be better equipped in spotting the signs of poor mental health in their clients and give them the confidence to guide those clients to the correct services in order to help.”

As part of the fundraising activities, Ashmole & Co will be doing a sponsored walk along the Pembrokeshire coastal path, dress-down Fridays once a month and some staff will be taking part in running events including the Cardiff Half Marathon.

Any donations to support Ashmole & Co’s fundraising would be very gratefully received. Here is the link to the Just Giving page, or you can donate directly at any office: www.justgiving.com/page/ashmoleandco-dpj

Image: William Hughes and Ian Badham, the Ashmole & Co partners in Haverfordwest and Tenby with Kate Miles, DPJ Foundation’s Manager.

Ashmole & Co have raised a staggering £16,000 for Wales Air Ambulance. The staff at the accountancy firm held a number of events as part of their 125th anniversary celebrations to fundraise for the life-saving charity.

With thirteen offices spread across mid and south Wales, approximately 100 staff including Partners from Ashmole & Co, battled the wind and rain last October, to walk up Pen y Fan, the highest peak in south Wales, as the main fundraising event. Staff also held dress down Fridays, ran half marathon races and did cake bakes to raise funds.

Mark Gould, the longest serving Partner with Ashmole and Co said,

“We wanted to mark Ashmole & Co’s 125th anniversary year by fundraising for a worthwhile charity. Everyone we speak to knows someone who has been helped by the Welsh Air Ambulance Service. We are extremely grateful to our clients and friends who helped us raise this fantastic amount for this extremely worthy cause.”

Wales Air Ambulance, which was founded in 2001, has completed over 45,000 missions and is on standby 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Often described as a ‘Flying ED’, the charity operates from bases across Wales. The Wales Air Ambulance needs to raise £8 million every year to keep its helicopters in the air and rapid response vehicles on the road.

The Charity offers advanced critical care across Wales which is delivered via a unique Third Sector and Public Sector partnership between the Wales Air Ambulance Charity and the Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service (EMRTS Cymru).

As a result, the service is consultant-led and is known as a ‘flying emergency department’, taking hospital-standard treatments to the patient at the scene of an incident. This includes the ability to administer anaesthesia, deliver blood transfusions and conduct minor operations, all at the scene of an incident.

Mark Stevens, Wales Air Ambulance’s Head of Fundraising, said,

“We are incredibly grateful to Ashmole & Co for choosing to support us and for raising such a substantial amount for our charity.

“Wales Air Ambulance is funded by the people of Wales and we rely entirely on public donations to operate our service. Without support like this, we simply wouldn’t exist. Ashmole & Co have shown that you can raise money through a variety of ways and get all staff involved. Thank you to everyone who contributed and supported us.”

Visit: www.walesairambulance.com | www.ashmole.co.uk

Ashmole & Co launch Apprenticeship Scheme with assurance there’ll be no Lord Sugar boardroom tactics!

Ashmole & Co is delighted to announce the launch of its new Accountancy Apprenticeship Scheme. The largest accountancy firm in Wales is on the search for new Trainee Accountants to start this summer.

With the majority of the Partners at Ashmole & Co having done their training with the firm they want to assure applicants that there will be none of Lord Sugar’s boardroom tactics! The best candidates will certainly be ‘hired’ for the trainee roles.

Those interested in training with Ashmole & Co can be school, college or university graduates. The firm will accept applications from those currently studying for their GCSEs, A Levels or Degree. Anyone who is looking for a new career path in accountancy would also be encouraged to apply.

Laura Craddock, Partner with Ashmole & Co said,

“I started with Ashmole & Co after I qualified from Cardiff University and I gained my ACCA qualifications through the firm and then worked hard to become a Partner. The Partners strongly believe it is important as a profession that we help to train the next generation of accountants. Our Apprenticeship Scheme will give you the practical skills and qualifications to eventually become a fully qualified accountant. You will also be given the opportunity to experience a wide variety of client work and specialisms.”

Those joining the Ashmole Apprenticeship Scheme straight from school will start on the AAT path to qualifications and those joining us as college / university graduates will usually start on the ACCA qualification route.

The job description for the trainees includes:

• Ensuring all clients are provided with an excellent service, meeting their deadlines, and supporting day to day queries that clients may have.
• Part of the team processing clients’ accounts, tax returns, VAT returns and company secretary duties.
• With the support of colleagues, you will ensure the smooth running of clients’ accounting systems.

The successful candidates will be offered a fully-funded training package in addition to Ashmole & Co’s basic salary. They will be given a permanent contract and be expected to work full time. For full details and the job description please visit the apprenticeship section of the website: www.ashmole.co.uk/english/about-us/ashmole-apprenticeships/ and email your cv to: ashmolehr@ashmole.co.uk

Ashmole & Co are delighted to announce that Manon Rees, in the Ammanford office, has completed her studies and passed all her exams to become a qualified member of the ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants).

Manon, who is from Saron, joined the Ashmole & Co team as a Trainee Accountant in July 2020, after graduating from Aberystwyth University with a First in Accounting and Finance. Initially Manon did two weeks work experience with the firm in her second year in University and made such a great impression that she was offered a trainee role once she had graduated.

As well as gaining a first in her degree, Manon, in her final year at University, received the Sir Julian Hodge prize for best performance in Accounting and Finance and the Sir Julian Hodge prize for Advanced Topics in Accounting – Audit.

Laura Craddock, Partner in Ashmole & Co’s Ammanford office said,

“We are all so proud of Manon and her fantastic achievements. She has become an integral part of our team in the Ammanford office. It’s been an absolute pleasure to watch her going from strength to strength. It is important as a profession that we help to train the next generation of accountants. Qualified staff members are the lifeblood for the future success of our firm.”

Manon’s day to day responsibilities include preparing year end accounts for sole traders, partnerships and limited companies; completing VAT returns; helping clients use various accounting software and assisting in audit work. 

Manon said,

“I am grateful to Ashmole and Co for being so supportive since I started and helping me gain my qualifications. I am enjoying working with local businesses and knowing that I am helping them with their needs. It is very rewarding to see the end results once I complete a client’s set of year end accounts.”          

Manon lives in Saron, Ammanford and in her spare time enjoys meeting her friends, taking her dog for walks and baking.

Ashmole & Co are one of the largest chartered certified accountants in Wales. The rapidly expanding and modern firm often has job opportunities for enthusiastic individuals both qualified and non-qualified within the organisation. If you feel you have the qualities to be part of the team at Ashmole & Co, please email, with your CV attached, to AshmoleHR@ashmole.co.uk. Alternatively, apply for a specific vacancy listed on the website: www.ashmole.co.uk

Surf’s up for Ashmole & Co’s newest Trainee Accountant, Rhys Baker. Rhys, who grew up on the Gower, works in the accountancy firm’s Ammanford and Pontardulais offices.

Rhys learnt to surf from a young age while he lived in Llanrhidian, on the Gower and still enjoys catching the waves in his spare time now that he lives in Gowerton. He went to Gowerton secondary school and studied Accountancy, Business, Economics and AAT at Gower College in Swansea. Before starting with Ashmole & Co he worked for another accountant firm for three years.

Day to day with Ashmole & Co, Rhys prepares year end accounts, corporation tax returns, VAT returns and Self-assessment tax returns for clients. He admits the most challenging aspect of being a trainee accountant is learning new skills to tackle each job as each job has its own unique aspects to understand.

Laura Craddock, Partner in the Ammanford Ashmole & Co office, said,

“We are delighted that Rhys has joined Ashmole & Co. He has fitted in well and is an asset to the team. He has once again passed another of his ACCA exams this week and we’re very proud of the effort he is putting in to become fully qualified. It’s great to see him building relationships up with local clients and going the extra mile to help them.”

Rhys said,

“I am grateful to Ashmole and Co, who are one of the most established and largest teams of chartered, certified accountants and auditors in south and west Wales, to give me this opportunity. Working within a fun environment with a great team of dedicated colleagues who encourage me to be successful in my studies and work is appreciated.”

As well as surfing in the summer, in his spare time Rhys enjoys playing six-a-side football, plays the drums and regularly goes to watch live music.

Ashmole & Co are one of the largest chartered certified accountants in Wales. The rapidly expanding and modern firm often has job opportunities for enthusiastic individuals both qualified and non-qualified within the organisation. If you feel you have the qualities to be part of the team at Ashmole & Co, please email, with your CV attached, to AshmoleHR@ashmole.co.uk. Alternatively, apply for a specific vacancy listed on the website: www.ashmole.co.uk

Ashmole & Co Ammanford help fund the accountants of the future with donation to Llandybie Primary School

Ammanford Accountants, Ashmole & Co, are helping to support the young local mathematicians of the future by making a donation to Ysgol Llandybie Primary School to help with the annual purchase of the online maths resource for pupils called MyMaths.

Llandybie Primary school took the decision during the Pandemic to purchase MyMaths as a result of pupils having to study at home during lockdown or self isolation. The resource was so successful that the school has decided to continue to subscribe to help pupils and parents with the teaching of maths at home.

Laura Craddock, Partner in Ashmole & Co’s Ammanford office, said,

“We have recently welcomed pupils from Llandybie Primary School to our office so they can see for themselves how we use maths every day in accountancy. We are always keen to offer our support locally. We are more than happy to help fund the online resource MyMaths to help train the local accountants of the future.”

The MyMaths programme allows teachers to set tasks for pupils as well as provide them with tutorials to show them the mathematical concepts being taught. It is able to assist in all areas of mathematics from shape to space, data to financial literacy.

Llandybie Head Teacher, Rhian Pritchard, said,

“We are keen to continue using online resources to enhance our pupils’ learning experience but they come at an extra cost. We are grateful to Ashmole and Co for the donation which will enable us to continue the provision of online maths learning.”

Ashmole & Co Chartered and Certified Accountants is celebrating its 125^th anniversary this year and is one of the largest accountancy and auditing practices in Wales, operating from thirteen offices throughout south and west Wales including Llandeilo, Carmarthen and Haverfordwest.

Ashmole & Co have scored a try with their newest Trainee Accountant. The firm is delighted to announce that Aled Jones has recently started working for the successful accountancy team in the Llandeilo office.

Aled, who lives in Pontyberem, is a community rugby referee in his spare time. He referees senior rugby games on Saturdays and Junior rugby games on Sundays including cup matches. He is also involved in the Scarlets Cup Final at Parc y Scarlets and the Carmarthenshire cup finals.

Before joining Ashmole & Co Aled was a Personal Banker with Barclays Bank for five years. He studied AAT Level three at Coleg Sir Gar. Aled went to primary school in Pontyberem and secondary school in Ysgol y Gwendraeth.

Day to day with Ashmole & Co, Aled prepares and inputs clients’ sales and purchase invoices onto the accounting software; completes clients’ VAT returns and assists senior members of the team with the preparation of accounts. The most rewarding part of the job for Aled is hearing that the clients are happy.

Welcoming Aled to the team, Ceri Llwyd, Partner in the Llandeilo Ashmole & Co office, said,

“We are delighted that Aled has joined our team in Carmarthenshire. He has fitted in well and is a pleasure to work with. I’ve told my rugby mad sons that they have to behave now when they play rugby on a Sunday in case Aled is their referee! It is great that he gives up his spare time to help local rugby clubs in this way.”

Aled said,

“I am grateful to Ashmole and Co, who are one of the most established and largest teams of chartered, certified accountants and auditors in south and west Wales, to give me this opportunity.”

Ashmole & Co offer financial support to a significant number of junior and professional sports teams across south Wales. The Llandeilo office has recently shown its support to Llandeilo RFC by contributing towards new tops for the juniors.

Ceri added,

“As a rural firm that works with businesses in the area it is a pleasure for us to be able to lend our support to local sports teams.”

Visit: www.ashmole.co.uk

Over half of Ashmole & Co’s staff braved the gale force winds and torrential rain last week to walk up Pen y Fan. The walk was organised to celebrate the firm’s 125^th anniversary whilst raising vital funds for Wales Air Ambulance.

With thirteen offices spread across mid and south Wales, almost 60 staff and Partners from Ashmole & Co took on Pen y Fan, the highest peak in south Wales, situated in the Brecon Beacons National Park. Many had had little training and staff were of various fitness levels from Ironmen and marathon runners to those who prefer a much less active lifestyle.

Mark Gould, the longest serving Partner with Ashmole and Co said,

“We are so proud of all the staff who battled with the wind and rain to walk up Pen y Fan. The conditions were horrendous but everyone knew that they were raising funds for such a fantastic cause. Everyone we speak to knows someone who has been helped by the Welsh Air Ambulance Service. Thank you to all those who have already sponsored us. It isn’t too late to help us raise as much money as possible for this extremely worthy charity.”

Any donations to support Ashmole & Co’s fundraising would be very gratefully received. Here is the link to the Just Giving page, or you can donate directly to any member of staff or at any office: Jim Cornock is fundraising for Wales Air Ambulance Charitable Trust (justgiving.com)

Katie Macro, Wales Air Ambulance Campaign Manager, said,

“Well done to you all we are so grateful that you chose to support our charity on your 125^th anniversary. Thanks to everyone involved.” 

Kate added,

“Wales Air Ambulance is funded by the people of Wales; we rely entirely on the public’s support to help keep the helicopters flying. The charity does not receive direct funding from the government and we also fail to qualify for National Lottery funding. The money is therefore raised through charitable donations, fundraising events and membership of our in-house Lifesaving Lottery.”

Sharon George, one of Ashmole & Co’s Partners in Carmarthen, is celebrating a significant work anniversary this month having been employed by the firm for 30 years.

A lot of changes have taken place during Sharon’s time with Ashmole & Co. When she started as a Trainee Accountant in 1992 there were just five offices in Haverfordwest, Carmarthen, Newcastle Emlyn, Swansea and Ammanford compared to the current 13. Accountancy has also drastically changed from being an almost completely paper system to these days being massively computerised.

Sharon, who is from Pendine, said,

“I started working as a trainee for Ashmole & Co in 1992, straight out of school. I then worked at the same time as studying for my HNC. I remember being told at the time I started that 80 had applied for the trainee position so I felt very lucky to get the job.  A lot has changed over 30 years. It was a very manual job at the start. We had to hand deliver tax returns in big carrier bags to the tax office in Carmarthen!  Nowadays the technology has improved the role of an accountant considerably.”

Sharon has been a Partner with Ashmole & Co since 2011 and as well as managing a team in Carmarthen she also manages the Pontardulais and St Clears offices. She lives with her husband and two sons in Pendine. In her spare time Sharon loves walking along the beach or practising her baking and is an avid Strictly Come Dancing fan.

Ashmole & Co, Chartered, Certified Accountants, has been established for 125 years this year. It is one of the largest accountancy and auditing practices in Wales, operating from thirteen offices throughout south and west Wales including Swansea, Haverfordwest and Llandeilo.

Visit: www.ashmole.co.uk

To celebrate Ashmole & Co’s 125^th anniversary, staff from across the accountancy firm’s south and mid Wales offices will be swopping their calculators for walking boots next month to hike up Pen y Fan in aid of Wales Air Ambulance.

With thirteen offices spread across mid and south Wales, approximately 100 staff including Partners from Ashmole & Co, are currently in training to take on Pen y Fan, the highest peak in south Wales, situated in the Brecon Beacons National Park.

Jim Cornock, Partner with Ashmole and Co said,

“Ashmole & Co is celebrating its 125^th anniversary this year and we wanted to mark the occasion with an event that everyone can get involved with. Some will run up, others will walk but we’ll all work together to get everyone to the summit. It’s important to us that we also support a worthwhile charity at the same time. Everyone we speak to knows someone who has been helped by the Welsh Air Ambulance Service. We hope our clients and friends will help us raise as much money as possible through collections for this extremely worthy cause.”

According to the history books Ashmole & Co was created as a partnership in 1897. Over the years the name has had slightly different variations depending on whereabouts in south Wales you were a client. The firm has considerably grown since 1897 to become one of Wales’ largest accountancy firms. Originally there was just one large main office in Swansea which concentrated on providing an accountancy service to the coal mining industry.

Any donations to support Ashmole & Co’s fundraising for their walk which is taking place on 30 September 2022, would be very gratefully received. Here is the link to the Just Giving page, or you can donate directly to any member of staff or at any office: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ashmoleandco125

Katie Macro, Wales Air Ambulance Campaign Manager, said,

“Wales Air Ambulance is funded by the people of Wales; we rely entirely on the public’s support to help keep the helicopters flying. The charity does not receive direct funding from the government and we also fail to qualify for National Lottery funding. The money is therefore raised through charitable donations, fundraising events and membership of our in-house Lifesaving Lottery. We are grateful to Ashmole & Co for choosing to support us.”

Ashmole & Co are delighted to announce that Gwenllian Phillips, in the Cardigan office, has completed her studies and passed all her exams to become a qualified member of the ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants).

Gwenllian, who is from Cardigan, joined the Ashmole & Co team as a Trainee Accountant in August 2020, after graduating from Aberystwyth University with a First in Accounting and Finance.

Karl Wilcox, Partner in Ashmole & Co’s Cardigan office said:

“We are all so proud of Gwenllian and her fantastic achievements. She has become an integral part of our team in the Cardigan office. It’s been an absolute pleasure to watch her going from strength to strength. It is important as a profession that we help to train the next generation of accountants. Qualified staff members are the lifeblood for the future success of our firm.”

Gwenllian’s day to day responsibilities include completing VAT returns, assisting in audit work and preparing end of year accounts for local sole traders, partnerships and limited companies.

Gwenllian said:

“I am grateful to Ashmole and Co for being so supportive since I started and helping me gain my qualifications. I am enjoying working with local businesses and knowing that I am helping them with their needs. There has been a lot to learn and remember with every set of accounts being different but that means that every day is different which makes the role really interesting.”

Gwenllian lives in Cardigan and in her spare time enjoys going to yoga classes, reading and walking in the countryside around Ceredigion.

If you would like to contact Ashmole & Co’s Cardigan office in Manchester House on Grosvenor Hill, please telephone: 01239 612162 or email: cardigan@ashmole.co.uk

Ashmole & Co are one of the largest chartered certified accountants in Wales. The rapidly expanding and modern firm often has job opportunities for enthusiastic individuals both qualified and non-qualified within the organisation. If you feel you have the qualities to be part of the team at Ashmole & Co, please email, with your CV attached, to AshmoleHR@ashmole.co.uk. Alternatively, apply for a specific vacancy listed on the website: www.ashmole.co.uk

Ashmole & Co are celebrating the success of their staff as Rhydian Fox, in the Swansea office, has recently completed his studies and passed all his exams to become a qualified member of the ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants).

Rhydian, from Port Talbot, has been working full time for Ashmole & Co since 2017, when he started as a Trainee Accountant in the Swansea office.

After gaining A Levels in Business and Maths from Neath Port Talbot College, Rhydian gained AAT Level 3-4 from Gower College before starting his ACCA qualifications there whilst working for Ashmole & Co.

Christine Daultrey, Partner in Ashmole & Co’s Swansea office said,

“We are all so proud of Rhydian and his fantastic achievements. He has become an integral part of our team in the Swansea office. It’s been an absolute pleasure to watch him going from strength to strength during his studies. It is important as a profession that we help to train the next generation of accountants. Qualified staff members are the lifeblood for the future success of our firm.” 

As a Qualified Accountant with Ashmole & Co, Rhydian prepares and manages clients’ accounts as well as prepares Tax, VAT and Audit work. He also reviews the work from the trainees in the office. The most rewarding part of the job for him is completing new goals.

Rhydian said,

“I am so pleased to have qualified and am very grateful to the Partners and fellow members of staff at Ashmole & Co for their help and support during my studies. I’m looking forward to the future with the team in Swansea.”

A number of staff have achieved exam success recently including Poppy Wilks in the Haverfordwest office; James Davies in the Carmarthen office and Manon Rees in the Ammanford office. Congratulations to them all.

Ashmole & Co are one of the largest chartered certified accountants in Wales. The rapidly expanding and modern firm often has job opportunities for enthusiastic individuals both qualified and non-qualified within the organisation. If you feel you have the qualities to be part of the team at Ashmole & Co, please email, with your CV attached, to AshmoleHR@ashmole.co.uk. Alternatively, apply for a specific vacancy listed on the website: www.ashmole.co.uk

Ashmole & Co are celebrating their 125th anniversary this year with a fresh new look for the firm of accountants which will better represent the forward-thinking business.

The firm, which has offices across mid and south Wales, has unveiled its new branding this week marking the start of a new chapter in Ashmole & Co’s prestigious history. The brand is still represented by the image of an Ash tree but it has been redesigned to better reflect the company’s modern innovations. To celebrate the anniversary and reflect a greater online presence, the website has also been transformed: www.ashmole.co.uk

As one of Ashmole & Co’s longest serving Partners, Mark Gould, who has worked for the firm for over 28 years, said,

“We are celebrating our 125th anniversary by modernising our outlook. We have continued to grow and adapt over the years, so we meet our clients’ requirements. We are always looking for new opportunities and assessing how we can be one-step ahead of the trends and financial regulations that are emerging. We are a great team with a vibrant mix of vast experience together with young trainees and newly qualified staff.”

Ashmole & Co has considerably grown over the years to become one of Wales’ largest accountancy firms. Originally there was just one large main office in Swansea which concentrated on providing an accountancy service to the coal mining industry. In the 1970s there were four main offices in Haverfordwest, Swansea, Ammanford and Carmarthen and five Partners. The company then grew as a result of the farming businesses requiring the services of an accountant to calculate their income tax. Now the firm has 13 offices across south and mid Wales with a team of 14 partners and over 100 staff with a wide range of clients including construction, agriculture, sole traders, shops and small businesses.

The company grew extensively in the 70s and 80s through the acquisition of retiring accountancy businesses. The latest acquisition was in 2020 when Ashmole & Co expanded into Neath. More recently the firm prefers to build the business naturally with customer recommendations.

Accountancy has changed considerably over the years that Ashmole & Co has been in business. Retired Partners recall how they calculated clients’ tax returns using only pen and paper and wrote them out by hand. Then there was the introduction of counting machines, calculators and computers in the 90s. In the beginning computer technology was very slow, with staff watching a circle going around on the screen waiting for the ‘world wide web’ to work! Now accounts are calculated using a number of electronic methods including electronic spreadsheets, Xero, IRIS, SAGE, KASHFLOW, AUTOENTRY as well as calculators and they are usually submitted online.

According to the history books Ashmole & Co was created as a partnership in 1897. Over the years the name has had slightly different variations depending on whereabouts in south Wales you were a client. In the Ammanford area, for many years it was Ashmole, Butterfield & Morgan and in Haverfordwest, before Ashmole & Co was adopted, it was Ashmole, Prichard, Rhead & Co. These names were to reflect the local accountancy firms that had recently been acquired by the firm.

Ashmole & Co, Chartered, Certified Accountants, is one of the largest accountancy and auditing practices in Wales, operating from 13 offices throughout south and west Wales including Abergavenny, Tenby, St Clears and Llandovery. For contact details of all the offices please visit: www.ashmole.co.uk

Ashmole & Co are encouraging those qualifying from university, sitting their GCSEs or A Levels this month to consider a future career in accountancy. Trainees are the lifeblood of the accountancy firm which has offices in Haverfordwest and Tenby.

Ashmole & Co employed Adam Bowen last year as a Trainee Accountant based in the Haverfordwest office. Adam lives in Pembroke with his parents and brother. Day to day he prepares statutory accounts for clients, Tax returns and VAT returns for local individuals, sole traders, partnerships and limited companies.

William Hughes, Partner in the Haverfordwest Ashmole & Co office, said,

“It is important as a profession that we help nurture the next generation of professional accountants. Trainee staff members are the lifeblood for the future success of our firm. We are a local business and are always keen to employ those who live locally.”

After passing his A Levels Adam completed a Business Management Degree gaining a First Class Honours and an MSc Accounting and Finance Masters with Distinction, both at Swansea University. He began his Masters in September 2020 and joined Ashmole & Co in February 2021. He then went on to complete his Masters exams and dissertation as an Ashmole & Co employee completing his course in September 2021 and graduating in December 2021.

Commenting on his appointment Adam said,

“I was delighted to be given the opportunity to work with the experienced team at Ashmole & Co who are one of the most established and largest teams of chartered and certified accountants and auditors in south and west Wales. It is very rewarding to be able to learn new skills and apply the skills I’ve already gained from my University and ACCA studies.”

In his spare time Adam likes playing football. He plays for Hundleton Football Club and when he isn’t taking part himself he enjoys watching the game.

Ashmole & Co are one of the largest chartered certified accountants in Wales. The rapidly expanding and modern firm often has job opportunities for enthusiastic individuals both qualified and non-qualified within the organisation. If you feel you have the qualities to be part of the team at Ashmole & Co, please email, with your CV attached, to AshmoleHR@ashmole.co.uk. Alternatively, apply for a specific vacancy listed on the website: www.ashmole.co.uk

Feature image: Adam Bowen outside Ashmole & Co’s Haverfordwest office.

Ashmole & Co are delighted to sponsor local tri-athlete Andrew Horsfall-Turner this year as he aims to fulfil his dream of becoming the first British professional male to win at the Ironman World Championships in Kona.

Andrew, from Swansea, is part of a new generation of up-and-coming Ironman athletes who are ready to challenge the status quo and change the dynamics of the event. He took up Triathlon in 2018 after competing as an elite swimmer for many years. In his first Ironman competition, in 2019 he qualified for Kona as an Age Group athlete.

Jim Cornock, Partner with Ashmole & Co and an Ironman himself said,

“It is a pleasure to be able to sponsor Andrew in his bid to become a champion Ironman. It is a fantastic achievement to be able to compete at such a high level in such a demanding mixture of events and we wish him all the luck with his forthcoming championships. As a local business we are always happy to support local sports teams and individuals to help them achieve their goals.”

Last year Andrew took on the Outlaw Triathlon events, the first in June at Outlaw Half Nottingham, he qualified for his Professional Racing License. He went on to break the Ironman Distance Welsh Record when winning Outlaw Full in July.

 In 2022 Andrew looks to take on the Professional Ironman circuit where the aspiration is to gain qualification to the Ironman World Championships. Within the next five years he aims to contend for the Ironman World Championships title.

Andrew said,

“I am so grateful to Ashmole & Co for supporting me. Without sponsorship it is impossible to compete at this level. It would be great to get the backing of other local companies looking to support an athlete as well. Please follow my journey towards an Ironman title on Instagram.”

Ashmole & Co Chartered, Certified Accountants are one of the largest accountancy and auditing practices in Wales, operating from 13 offices throughout south and west Wales including Swansea, Neath, Carmarthen and Haverfordwest. The firm combines high quality audit, accounting, and taxation services with business consultancy and corporate planning.

Rob Vaughan, one of Ashmole & Co’s longest serving partners, is putting his calculator away for the final time at the end of this month when he is set to retire.

Rob joined the accountancy firm as a qualified accountant in 1995. Born and bred in Haverfordwest he worked in the town centre office for four years before moving to become a Partner in the Swansea office in 1999. After moving to Swansea, he also worked for a day a week in the Ammanford office for a few years.

A lot of changes have taken place during Rob’s time with Ashmole & Co. When he started there were just three main offices in Carmarthen, Ammanford and Haverfordwest. The nature of the work has also drastically changed with advances in technology over the years.  

Rob said,

“The years have flown by. I’m pleased to say that some of my clients have been with me since I started all those years ago and I’ve worked with some fantastic businesses including ones that have now been passed down through generations of the family. It has been a privilege to work with and help so many local companies and individuals.”

Rob has worked with Evan Pritchard Contractors Ltd since his early days in Haverfordwest as well as Knight and Brenchley Tool Hire in Swansea, to name just two on his long list of clients.

Although sad to say goodbye to Rob, the Swansea office has taken advantage of this opportunity to promote two new Partners who will be looking to expand the team further and take on additional staff in the future. When Rob became Partner of the Swansea office there were six staff and as he leaves there are 13 members of the team.

Sam Keith and Christine Daultrey will join Dave Morgan as the resident Partners in the firm’s Swansea office from 1 April 2022.

Sam qualified with a first-class honours degree in Accountancy and Finance from Cardiff University in 2007 and became a qualified accountant (senior member of the team) in 2010 after passing her ACCA professional examinations. She lives in Port Talbot and is married with two children. During her spare time she helps coach rugby with Aberavon Green Starts and she also trains and teaches karate, something she has been doing since she was 9 years old.

Christine worked for a printing company based in Llansamlet before joining Ashmole & Co.

She qualified with an accountancy practice in Bridgend where she worked for four years. She then moved to Hammond & Davies accountants before it was acquired by Ashmole & Co. Christine has worked with Ashmole & Co since April 2016. She lives in Cwmtwrch. Christine represents Ashmole & Co at the networking group BNI (Liberty Chapter) and in her spare time enjoys walking her dogs with her partner Phill.

Rob is looking forward to pursuing other interests after he retires. He’s hoping to travel more and will have time to train his new rescue dog as well as enjoy running and cycling. Rob was part of the Ashmole & Co team that ran Cardiff Half Marathon to raise funds for Wales Air Ambulance. You can donate to the team’s justgiving page here: Vinal Patel is fundraising for Wales Air Ambulance Charitable Trust (justgiving.com)

Ashmole & Co Chartered, Certified Accountants is celebrating its 125^th anniversary as they have been established since 1897 and are one of the largest accountancy and auditing practices in Wales, operating from 13 offices throughout south and west Wales.

Ashmole & Co, one of south Wales’ largest Accountancy firms, will launch a year of fundraising events in aid of the Wales Air Ambulance next week when a team of staff swop their calculators for trainers to take on the Cardiff Half Marathon.

With thirteen offices spread across mid and south Wales, the Partners of Ashmole & Co were in favour of supporting a charity, that, like them, helped and supported those living rurally.

Jim Cornock, Partner in Ashmole and Co’s Ammanford and Haverfordwest offices said,

“Ashmole & Co is celebrating its 125^th anniversary this year and we wanted to mark the occasion by supporting a worthwhile charity. Everyone we speak to knows someone who has been helped by the Welsh Air Ambulance Service. We hope our clients and friends will help us raise as much money as possible through collections and events for this extremely worthy cause.”

With a widely-scattered population and diverse landscape, many in Wales live in isolated locations, far from a major or specialist hospital. In urban areas, traffic congestion and collisions can significantly delay treatment when in a road ambulance. For these reasons, there is a recognised need for Wales Air Ambulance’s four helicopters to be on active duty 365 days a year. The charity needs to raise £8 million every year to operate the service and it has to raise all the funds required for the day-to-day running of missions.

Running on behalf of Ashmole & Co at the Cardiff Half Marathon on 27 March are: Rob Vaughan, Partner in the Swansea office; Sam Jones, from the Llandeilo & Ammanford offices; Mandy Jones from the Haverfordwest office and her friend Delyth Mattick. Paul Craddock, husband of Laura Craddock, Partner in the Ammanford office along with Vinal Patel, Gareth Thomas, Ceirion Harries and Rhys Ibbitson from the Ammanford office.

Vinal Patel has also been given the opportunity to participate in Ironman Wales this September and will be fundraising for the Wales Air Ambulance. The Ironman Wales challenge includes a 2.4mile swim, followed by a 112 mile bike ride and then run a marathon around Tenby in Pembrokeshire.

Vinal said,

“I know it will be a massive challenge for myself to do an Ironman and I hope I’m up for the challenge. At the same time I will raise money for this great cause. Hopefully I can complete the course and be an Ironman. I have watched the Ironman in Tenby for the past few years and I take my hat off to anyone who completes the gruelling course. I’m hoping to be one of them people, and your donations will help me along the way.” 

Katie Macro, Wales Air Ambulance Campaign Manager, said,

“Wales Air Ambulance is funded by the people of Wales; we rely entirely on the public’s support to help keep the helicopters flying. The charity does not receive direct funding from the government and we also fail to qualify for National Lottery funding. The money is therefore raised through charitable donations, fundraising events and membership of our in-house Lifesaving Lottery. We are grateful to Ashmole & Co for choosing to support us during the next 12 months.”

Any donations to support Ashmole & Co’s fundraising would be very gratefully received. Here is the link to the Just Giving page, or you can donate directly at any office: Vinal Patel is fundraising for Wales Air Ambulance Charitable Trust (justgiving.com).

Feature image: Ashmole & Co staff from the Ammanford office who are taking part in the Cardiff Half Marathon

William Hughes, one of Ashmole & Co’s Partners in Pembrokeshire, is celebrating a significant work anniversary this month having been employed by the firm for 25 years.

A lot of changes have taken place during William’s time with Ashmole & Co. When he started as a Trainee Accountant in 1997 there were just three offices in Haverfordwest, Carmarthen and Ammanford compared to the current 13. Accountancy has also drastically changed from being an almost completely paper system to these days being massively computerised.

William, who lives in Manobier with his wife and two children, said,

“I started working as a trainee for Ashmole & Co in 1997.  How the time has flown by in reaching my silver anniversary! A lot has changed in those years, with it being a very manual job at the start.  Nowadays the technology has changed massively!

William has been a Partner with Ashmole & Co since 2011 and divides his time between the Haverfordwest and Tenby offices. He says, “The lovely part of my job is talking to our customers and helping them as much as I can and hopefully saving them some tax along the way. The other rewarding part I find is working with the amazing team at Ashmole & Co and seeing skills being developed.  There is nothing better than seeing a newly qualified member of staff coming through the ranks as I once did.”

William went to Greenhill School in Tenby and joined Ashmole & Co as a Trainee Accountant in February 1997 after completing his degree at Aberyswyth University. He qualified in 2002.

Ashmole & Co, Chartered, Certified Accountants, has been established for 125 years this year – since 1897. It is one of the largest accountancy and auditing practices in Wales, operating from thirteen offices throughout south and west Wales including Swansea, Haverfordwest and Llandovery.

Training the next generation of accountants is part of the job for Mark Packer, Senior Accounts Clerk at Ashmole & Co’s Swansea office. During his spare time, however, he is dedicated to training the next generation of female footballers.

For the past 11 years Mark has coached girls’ football, from ages 5 to 16, in Ammanford. He is the girls football co-ordinator for Ammanford AFC and is on the West Wales Women and Girls Football League Committee as the Treasurer. When he’s not on the sideline coaching on a Sunday morning, he can be found refereeing if the need arises aswell!

Mark is originally from Craig Cefn Park and now lives in Clydach. He has played for Clydach Sports AFC for eight years and plays six-a-side in Pontardawe Leisure Centre weekly.

Mark said,

“I started coaching football when my daughter was aged 11 in 2011 and it’s grown from there. We are a very sporty family as my daughter now plays rugby for the Harlequins and England. When I’m not watching my daughter play, coaching or playing football myself, I watch most sport on the TV. I’m especially a big fan of cricket!”

Day to day with Ashmole & Co, Mark reviews and prepares accounts, VAT and Tax returns for clients and supervises junior staff. January is a particularly busy time for him and all the team as they prepare clients’ paperwork for the 31 January Self-Assessment deadline.

Mark joined Ashmole & Co in 2008. He studied at Morriston Comprehensive School before attending Neath College and Swansea Institute of Higher Education to gain his AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) qualifications. He did his accountancy training with Bevan & Buckland before moving into industry as a company accountant and then went self employed for a time before coming back into practice with Ashmole & Co.

Ashmole & Co offer financial support to a significant number of junior and professional sports teams across south Wales. The Ammanford office has recently shown its support to Ammanford AFC by sponsoring coats for all the members of the girls teams.

Dave Morgan, Ashmole & Co Partner in the Swansea office said,

“As a local firm that works with local businesses it is a pleasure for us to be able to lend our support to local sports teams.”

Ashmole & Co are delighted to announce Sam Jones, in the Llandeilo office, has completed his studies and passed all his exams to become a qualified member of the ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants).

Sam, from Llanon, has been working full time for Ashmole & Co since 2015, when he started as a Trainee Accountant in the Ammanford office.

Sam grew up on the family farm in Llannon. After leaving Maes yr Yrfa high school, he gained an Extended Diploma in Business at Distinction Level at Coleg Sir Gar in Llanelli. During his Diploma he did work experience with Ashmole & Co and joined full time after completing his studies.

Ceri Llwyd, Partner in Ashmole & Co’s Llandeilo and Llandovery office said,

“We are all so proud of Sam and his fantastic achievements. He has become an integral part of our team both in the Ammanford and more recently in the Llandeilo office. It’s been an absolute pleasure to watch him going from strength to strength with the help of Partners, Jim Cornock and Laura Craddock, who have helped mentor him during his studies. It is important as a profession that we help to train the next generation of accountants. Qualified staff members are the lifeblood for the future success of our firm.”

Sam Jones said,

“I am so pleased to have qualified and am very grateful to Laura, Jim and Ceri for their help and support whilst sitting my exams. I’m looking forward to the future with the team in Llandeilo.”

A number of staff have achieved exam success including Rhydian Fox in the Swansea office; Poppy Wilks in the Haverfordwest office; Carol Pickover in the Carmarthen office; Emyr Matthews in the Llandeilo office and Gareth Thomas in the Ammanford office.

Ashmole & Co are one of the largest chartered certified accountants in Wales. The rapidly expanding and modern firm often has job opportunities for enthusiastic individuals both qualified and non-qualified within the organisation. If you feel you have the qualities to be part of the team at Ashmole & Co, please email, with your CV attached, to AshmoleHR@ashmole.co.uk. Alternatively, apply for a specific vacancy listed on the website: www.ashmole.co.uk

London Marathon’s list of 2021 fundraisers has Ashmole & Co Partner in the list ahead of running next month’s marathon

Running way beyond her fundraising target for the London Marathon is Carmarthenshire Ashmole & Co Partner, Laura Craddock. She has raised almost £18,000 (£8,000 more than her original target). Laura is running the London Marathon on Sunday, 3 October, to help raise money for the Teenage Cancer Trust and local fundraising.

Laura was originally meant to run the London Marathon in April 2020. She had done her longest training run of 20 miles just days before the Prime Minister announced we were heading into a national lockdown and the Marathon had to be cancelled.

Laura’s younger brother, Leighton, was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma in 2010 at the age of 23. He underwent 15 months of gruelling treatment including a stem cell transplant, which he received on the Teenage Cancer Trust ward in Cardiff Hospital. Nine years on and he has made a full recovery.

Laura and Leighton have been named in the top 20 fundraisers for next month’s London Marathon. Laura said,

“The ‘run-up’ to this marathon has taken a long time thanks to Covid-19 but I’m pleased that the event will be going ahead next month and we’re both fit and ready for it. Thank you to everyone who has helped and supported us get beyond our target of £10,000. To be the number 16 fundraiser in the top 20 for the event is an achievement in itself.

“My family will always be indebted to the Teenage Cancer Trust for the life saving treatment my brother received. I would have been the last person you would say that could run the London marathon a few years ago and now I’ve trained for two!”

If you are able to make a donation to help Laura you can donate directly at the Ammanford Ashmole & Co office or donate via the Just Giving page: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Laura-Craddock1

Ashmole & Co Chartered and Certified Accountants have been established since 1897 and are one of the largest accountancies and auditing practices in Wales, operating from thirteen offices throughout south and west Wales including Swansea, Carmarthen, Haverfordwest, Abergavenny, Ammanford, Llandovery and Newcastle Emlyn. www.ashmole.co.uk

To see more about Ashmole & Co on the Welsh Country website and other related stories go to www.welshcountry.co.uk/ashmole-co-chartered-and-certified-accountants/

Ashmole & Co Swansea are delighted to sponsor grassroots football team Calsonic Kansei Swiss Valley AFC’s Under 13s shirts for the 2021/22 season.

Calsonic Kansei Swiss Valley AFC play in the Carmarthenshire Association Junior League and associated cup competitions. Ashmole & Co have been one of the club’s sponsors for five years.

Dave Morgan, Ashmole & Co Partner in the Swansea and Neath offices said:

“It is a pleasure to be able to sponsor the Calsonic Kansei Swiss Valley Under 13s new shirts for the 2021/22 season. As I’m from Llanelli I’m always keen to show my support locally. This last year hasn’t been easy for the club so it was more important than ever for us to show our support as a firm.”

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in grass-roots sporting clubs facing grave financial difficulties with their very existence being thrown into doubt. That concern certainly hung over Calsonic Kansei – a club in the Swiss Valley area of Llanelli that takes its name from the Japanese automotive plant on whose sports ground they play.

The club provides football for over 300 people of all ages across 17 teams. There’s five girls teams, eight mixed teams and four senior teams.

 Darren Clark, Coach with the Calsonic Kansei Swiss Valley Under 13s, said:

“We’re grateful to Ashmole & Co for providing sponsorship towards our new season tops. This year has been a difficult one for the club not being able to raise funds or play matches due to the pandemic. We’re hoping we will be able to get back to a bit of normality when the next season starts.”

Ashmole & Co Chartered, Certified Accountants are one of the largest accountancy and auditing practices in Wales, operating from 13 offices throughout south and west Wales including Swansea, Neath, Carmarthen and Haverfordwest. The firm combines high quality audit, accounting, and taxation services with business consultancy and corporate planning.

Ashmole and Co has had a presence in Newcastle Emlyn for almost 40 years and before moving to an office location in 1989, meetings with clients were carried out in the front parlour of a gentleman’s house, on mart day, once a week!

We’re delighted to say that farmers still make up the lion’s share of our local clients but they no longer have to visit someone’s home to discuss their finances with us!

Helen Morris has worked for Ashmole & Co in various locations around Newcastle Emlyn for 32 years. Helen manages the office, which has been situated in the Telematic Centre, as you enter the Business Park, Aberarad for the past 15 years. Helen is also an Accounts Technician.

Helen has known some of the local clients for over 30 years and has a great relationship with many, having seen families and businesses grow during this time.

She says,

“In such a small community I believe it is important to provide the personal contact and let clients know we are only a phone call or visit away to assist with all their financial needs. Having grown up on a local dairy farm myself I totally understand the needs of our farming clients. Many clients have become friends over the years and are the reason why I enjoy my job so much.”

Carwyn Morgan has been the Partner in the Newcastle Emlyn office since 2008. He has seen a lot of changes over those years, mainly the advancement of computers and how we have come to rely on them.

He says,

“IT has changed a massive amount in the last 14 years and I believe it will change a lot more in the next five years again as tax is forced to become digital.”

Carwyn was brought up on his family’s beef and sheep farm near Bronwydd. He combines his passion for farming with his accountancy skills in order to help clients involved in the agricultural industry.

Carwyn, a fluent Welsh speaker, offers farming clients expert advice on their business including immediate and long term tax planning and passing on their business to their children. He also informs clients of any grants that are available to them, prepares clients’ accounts and tax returns.

He loves the variety of questions he gets asked by clients. One day recently he said he had the full range of tax questions from ‘when is the best time to buy a new tractor’ to ‘how much tax do I pay on £100,000 of bitcoin that I mined during the year’. Carwyn admits, “You never know what you’ll get!”

Gwenola Phillips (Gwen), Senior Accounts Assistant, has worked for Ashmole & Co in Newcastle Emlyn for 16 years and has a very good rapport with clients. Living in Rhos Llangeler she divides her time each week between the Newcastle Emlyn and Carmarthen offices.  Gwen, also a fluent Welsh speaker, went to Llandysul Grammar school and after leaving school she went to work for NatWest bank in Carmarthen and was there for 18 years before being one of the many employees the bank made redundant. As well as working with local farming businesses Gwen and the team also work for various local businesses including shops, all trades, limited companies and tax return clients.

With over 60 years of experience between them, the Newcastle Emlyn team welcomed James Davies in 2017 as a Trainee Accountant.

James says the changes in legislation to Make Tax Digital have brought about a lot of technological changes for example the development of cloud-based accounting software packages such as xero.  He admits it is a challenge to keep up to date with current legislation and technological changes to ensure Ashmole & Co keep at the forefront of the industry.

Carwyn says,

“It’s all very well having adverts for accountancy IT packages for businesses to manage their accountants themselves, but many would prefer to call on the expertise of our team at Ashmole & Co to do it for them. This means the local businesses that we work with can continue to manage their own businesses and do what they do best whether that’s farming, bread-making or gardening while they trust us to manage their accounts.”

If you’re not already a client with Ashmole & Co in Newcastle Emlyn give us a call to arrange a meeting. Unlike other firms of accountants, we always guarantee your first meeting is FREE and with a partner. Telephone: 01239 710220 or Email: newcastle.emlyn@ashmole.co.uk

Ashmole & Co are delighted to announce that Jodie Cole has started in the accountancy firm’s Haverfordwest office, whilst studying for her ACCA (Association for Chartered Certified Accountants) professional exams.

Jodie, from Kilgetty, joined the Ashmole & Co team as a Trainee Accountant after studying Business and Management with Finance at Cardiff Metropolitan University.

As a Trainee Accountant Jodie prepares the accounts and VAT returns for various local sole traders, partnerships and limited companies. She has to ensure deadlines are met so that clients do not incur any fines from HMRC.

Will Hughes, Partner in Ashmole & Co’s Haverfordwest office said,

“It is important as a profession that we help to train the next generation of accountants. Qualified staff members are the lifeblood for the future success of our firm. We are a local firm and we are always keen to employ those who live locally. Having been educated in Tenby and living in Kilgetty, Jodie has local knowledge that helps her relate to our clients across the county.”

Jodie did her GCSEs and A Levels at Greenhill school, Tenby. She lives with her mother and brother and in her spare time enjoys walking her dogs on the local beaches.   

Jodie said,

“I am grateful to Ashmole and Co for giving me this opportunity to continue learning whilst working. As a trainee the most rewarding part of my job is learning how to do new things and then applying these new skills to my work.”

Ashmole & Co are one of the largest chartered certified accountants in Wales. The rapidly expanding and modern firm often has job opportunities for enthusiastic individuals both qualified and non-qualified within the organisation. If you feel you have the qualities to be part of the team at Ashmole & Co, please email, with your CV attached, to AshmoleHR@ashmole.co.uk. Alternatively, apply for one of the specific vacancies listed on the website: www.ashmole.co.uk

Local Accountants, Ashmole & Co, are delighted to announce a number of exam successes for their staff, in particular Vinal Patel, in the firm’s Ammanford office, who has completed his studies and passed all his exams to become a qualified member of the ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants).

Vinal, who lives in Ammanford, has been working for Ashmole & Co since he left school at 18 years old. Whilst working full time he has also worked hard to pass each and every exam to achieve his ATT qualification and now his ACCA qualification. A total of 17 exams covering every subject related to accountancy including Corporation and Business Law as well as Taxation.

Laura Craddock, Partner in Ashmole & Co’s Ammanford office said,

“We are all so proud of Vinal and his fantastic achievement. He has become an integral part of our team in the Ammanford office over the past 19 years. He has worked so hard to achieve all his qualifications whilst having a young family at home and is a part time retained fire fighter. It is important as a profession that we help to train the next generation of accountants. Qualified staff members are the lifeblood for the future success of our firm.”

As a Senior Accounts Manager with Ashmole & Co, Vinal prepares accounts, manages clients accounts and offers tax advice to clients. The most rewarding part of the job for him is helping clients reach their business aims and getting to know clients on both a professional and personal level.

As a part time retained fire fighter with Ammanford Fire Brigade Vinal admits there’s not enough hours in the day sometimes, especially as he is also training to take part in an Ironman competition in the autumn and any spare time he has is spent with his family.

Vinal said,

“I am grateful to Ashmole and Co to have given me the opportunity to work whilst studying. Laura has given me the motivation to continue with my studies even when I’ve struggled due to time constraints and Ashmole & Co kindly allowed me to go to college when it came to my higher level ACCA exams which was a massive help to get my final qualifications.”

A number of staff from across Ashmole & Co’s offices have also achieved exam successes this month including Sam Jones in the firm’s Llandeilo office; Rhydian Fox, in the Swansea office; Joanne Chesters in the Carmarthen office and Poppy Wilks in Haverfordwest.

Ashmole & Co Chartered and Certified Accountants have been established since 1897 and are one of the largest accountancy and auditing practices in Wales, operating from 13 offices throughout south and west Wales including Haverfordwest, Swansea and Carmarthen. The firm combines high quality audit, accounting, and taxation services with business consultancy, financial services and corporate planning.

Website: www.ashmole.co.uk

Ashmole & Co are celebrating five years of having an office in Llandeilo town centre this month. As one of the oldest accountancy firms in mid Wales, the local team is going from strength to strength with the addition of a new member of staff.

The Market Square office in Llandeilo and the High Street office in Llandovery are managed by Ashmole & Co partner, Ceri Llwyd, and together are a hub for clients across north Carmarthenshire. The team pride themselves on providing a local, bilingual, rural service, working with local farm businesses, individual business owners and those companies who also serve the local community.

Celebrating Ashmole & Co’s five-year anniversary in Llandeilo Ceri Llwyd said,

“We are very grateful for all the support we have been shown by local businesses in the Llandeilo area since we moved into the town five years ago. We have been delighted to help fund local events, clubs and teams which all help to make this rural community thrive.”

As part of its expansion the rural, chartered, certified accountants are delighted to welcome Rhydian Davies who has joined the Llandeilo team as a Trainee Accountant. Rhydian works alongside Sam Jones and Ceri Llwyd, Partner.

Rhydian is from Penygroes. Day to day he prepares and completes year-end accounts; deals with queries from clients as well as preparing and submitting VAT returns. After leaving Maes yr Yrfa high school he qualified from Cardiff Metropolitan University with a 2:2 Accountancy degree. For three years he then worked for Morgan, Hemp & Co accountants before starting with Ashmole & Co. 

Commenting on his appointment Rhydian said,

“I’m delighted to be given the opportunity to work with the experienced team at Ashmole & Co. The most rewarding part of my job is the problem-solving. I constantly stive to keep a high standard of work whilst helping as many clients as I possibly can.”

Sam Jones joined Ashmole & Co in 2015. He recently moved from the Ammanford office to be based in Llandeilo. Sam grew up on the family farm in Llannon. After leaving Maes yr Yrfa high school, he gained an Extended Diploma in Business at Distinction Level at Coleg Sir Gar in Llanelli. During his Diploma he did work experience with Ashmole & Co and joined full time after completing his studies. Sam’s family are well known in the Llandeilo area with his uncle owning Huw Rees Brides since 2009.

Ashmole & Co Chartered and Certified Accountants have been established since 1897 and are one of the largest accountancies and auditing practices in Wales, operating from thirteen offices throughout south and west Wales including Carmarthen, Pontarddulais, Newcastle Emlyn, Haverfordwest and Swansea.

Ashmole & Co are delighted to announce that Rachel Evans has started working in the accountancy firm’s Swansea office, whilst studying for her ACCA professional exams.

Rachel, from Cwmgwrach, near Neath, joined the Ashmole & Co team as a Trainee Accountant, part qualified, in September after graduating from Aberystwyth University with a 2:1 in Accounting and Finance.

Rob Vaughan, Partner in Ashmole & Co’s Swansea office said,

“It is important as a profession that we help to train the next generation of accountants. Qualified staff members are the lifeblood for the future success of our firm. Covid19 has been an added pressure for anyone starting a new position as we are told to work from home rather than together in the office but Rachel has taken on that extra challenge and is managing everything really well.” 

As a part-qualified accountant, Rachel’s responsibilities include: VAT; Tax returns and preparing end of year accounts for local sole traders, partnerships and limited companies.

Rachel said,

“I am grateful to Ashmole and Co, who are one of the most established and largest teams of chartered, certified accountants and auditors in south and west Wales, to give me this opportunity. I am enjoying working with a variety of businesses and helping clients. It hasn’t been easy starting a new job during the Covid19 restrictions, but the team have been really helpful and welcoming.”

Ashmole & Co Chartered, Certified Accountants have been established since 1897 and are one of the largest accountancies and auditing practices in Wales, operating from thirteen offices throughout south and west Wales including Swansea, Neath, Carmarthen and Haverfordwest.

Visit: www.ashmole.co.uk

About Ashmole & Co

Ashmole & Co Chartered, Certified Accountants have been established since 1897 and are one of the largest accountancy and auditing practices in Wales, operating from thirteen offices throughout South and West Wales including Swansea, Neath, Carmarthen, Llandovery, Abergavenny and Haverfordwest.

We combine high quality audit, accounting, and taxation services with business consultancy, financial services and corporate planning. Hence Ashmole & Co ensures that every client has the dedicated, professional support required to maximise their potential.

Almost 600 local small firms have been helped to access the Government’s Furlough Scheme by local accountants, Ashmole & Co, resulting in 2,700 jobs being saved from redundancy.

Claims made by Ashmole & Co to the Furlough Scheme, up to the end of October, resulted in £6.9million paid out to the 595 local companies who had to close or reduce their staff numbers due to the Covid19 pandemic.

Ian Badham, Partner with Ashmole & Co, said,

“It has been an especially difficult time for so many employers having to furlough staff as a result of the pandemic. We are proud to be able to help them safely through the minefield of applying for support to ensure those employees still have jobs to come back to and get paid. Since the Covid19 pandemic struck Ashmole & Co’s Payroll team have been extremely busy working hard for clients to make sure they are getting all the government support they are entitled to via the Furlough Scheme.”

The Furlough Scheme was set to end on 31 October but the Chancellor has extended it so it will now continue, in a changed form, until at least 31 March 2021. The level of the grant that can be claimed has now reverted to that available in August 2020. That is for the hours that are not worked, an employer can now claim for 80% of wages up to a cap of £2,500 per month. Employers must pay national insurance and pension contributions for these hours. 

Ashmole & Co’s dedicated payroll team allows companies to be relieved of the burden of administering their payroll and during the Covid19 pandemic has meant applying for government support to retain those staff on the payroll. Clients can concentrate on the core activities of their business. Payroll registration, advice, compliance, investigations, bureau service and CIS contracts are all part of the service Ashmole & Co can provide.

Four years ago Ashmole & Co, which covers south and west Wales, had just one payroll clerk and now they are a strong team of nine. Day to day the Payroll team are the hidden heroes for local clients as they administer their pay systems.

Ashmole & Co Chartered and Certified Accountants have been established since 1897 and are one of the largest accountancies and auditing practices in Wales, operating from 13 offices throughout south and west Wales including Llandovery, Ammanford, Swansea, Neath, Carmarthen, Haverfordwest and Tenby.

Visit: www.ashmole.co.uk

Ashmole & Co’s Payroll team has gone from strength to strength with Wendy Davies, from Pembroke, having recently joined as a Payroll Clerk covering the firm’s Tenby and Haverfordwest offices.

Four years ago the accountancy firm had just one payroll clerk and now, with Wendy joining, they are a strong team of seven. Day to day the Payroll team are the hidden heroes for local clients as they administer their pay systems.

Since the Covid19 pandemic struck Ashmole & Co’s Payroll team have been extremely busy working hard for clients to make sure they are getting all the government support they are entitled to via the Furlough Scheme.

Wendy joined Ashmole & Co at the beginning of November and is already helping local clients with urgent claims to the government’s Furlough Scheme. Day to day she processes clients’ payroll, auto-enrolment and CIS (Construction Industry Scheme) submissions.

Wendy previously worked for the Alexander Partnership Accountants in Tenby for four years as their Payroll Administrator and prior to joining them she was the Personnel Manager for Silcox Coaches for 24 years. 

Welcoming Wendy to the team, William Hughes, Partner in the Tenby and Haverfordwest Ashmole & Co offices, said,

“We are absolutely delighted to have someone of Wendy’s calibre, with such vast experience in payroll, join our local team. Our dedicated payroll team allows local companies to be relieved of the burden of administering their payroll. It has been an especially difficult time for so many employers having to furlough staff as a result of the pandemic. We are proud to be able to help them safely through the minefield of applying for support to ensure those local employees still have jobs and are paid.”

With Ashmole and Co managing payroll, local clients can concentrate on the core activities of their business. Payroll registration, advice, compliance, investigations, bureau service and CIS contracts are all part of the service Ashmole & Co can provide.

The most rewarding part of the job for Wendy is working closely with clients and making sure they are happy. She admits the Furlough Scheme, and the regular alterations by the Chancellor, have been challenging but she always strives to do the best for her clients. Wendy is married and in her spare time enjoys going for long walks with her husband and dog, especially on the beach. She is looking forward to the time when she can go on holidays abroad again in the sun.

Commenting on her appointment Wendy said,

“Having lived and worked in this area all my life I’m delighted to be able to continue helping local companies with their payroll as part of the team at Ashmole & Co.”

Ashmole & Co Chartered and Certified Accountants have been established since 1897 and are one of the largest accountancies and auditing practices in Wales, operating from 13 offices throughout south and west Wales including Swansea, Carmarthen and Tenby.

Ammanford Accountants, Ashmole & Co, are helping to support the young local mathematicians of the future by making a donation to Ysgol Llandybie Primary School to help with the purchase of the online maths resource for pupils called MyMaths.

With the prospect of pupils having to work from home again in the future as a result of lockdowns or self isolation, Llandybie Primary school took the decision to purchase MyMaths which can help pupils and parents with the teaching of maths at home.

Llandybie Head Teacher, Rhian Pritchard, said,

“This year has been the most challenging year throughout my career. It has ranged from keeping our learners safe from the risk of Covid19 and helping parents and pupils with home learning to name but a few. To add to this, the efforts of the Parents & Teachers Association have been hampered considerably by the impact of social distancing. We are grateful for all the assistance we receive towards funding these extra online resources. Thank you Ashmole & Co for your donation to help support our pupils with their online maths learning.”

The MyMaths programme allows teachers to set tasks for pupils as well as provide them with tutorials to show them the mathematical concepts being taught. It is able to assist in all areas of mathematics from shape to space, data to financial literacy.

Laura Craddock, Partner in Ashmole & Co’s Ammanford office, said,

“We are always keen to offer our support locally. We all appreciate this is a difficult time for schools who are unable to fundraise in the traditional way. We are more than happy to help fund the online resource MyMaths to help train the local accountants of the future.”

Ashmole & Co Chartered and Certified Accountants have been established since 1897 and are one of the largest accountancy and auditing practices in Wales, operating from twelve offices throughout South and West Wales including Swansea, Carmarthen and Haverfordwest. The firm combines high quality audit, accounting, and taxation services with business consultancy, financial services and corporate planning. Hence Ashmole & Co ensures that every client has the dedicated, professional support required to maximise their potential.

Visit: www.ashmole.co.uk

Ashmole & Co Celebrate Exam Success After Helping Train the Next Generation of Accountants  

Ashmole & Co are delighted to announce that Manon Rees has started working for the accountancy firm full time after gaining her degree in Accounting and Finance with first-class honours from Aberystwyth University.

Manon, from Saron, Ammanford, has been working two days a week in Ashmole & Co’s Ammanford office since she finished her studies in June. Initially she did two weeks work experience with the firm in her second year and made such a great impression that she was offered a trainee role once she had qualified. Manon starts as a Trainee Accountant, full time today, 20 July 2020.

Laura Craddock, Partner in Ashmole & Co’s Ammanford office said,

“We are all very proud of Manon and her fantastic achievement. We look forward to welcoming her to the team full time. It is important as a profession that we help to train the next generation of accountants. Qualified staff members are the lifeblood for the future success of our firm.” 

As well as gaining a first in her degree, Manon, in her final year, received the Sir Julian Hodge prize for best performance in Accounting and Finance and the Sir Julian Hodge prize for Advanced Topics in Accounting – Audit.

Manon said,

“I am grateful to Ashmole and Co to give me this opportunity.  I am so pleased I succeeded in achieving a first-class honours degree. I am enjoying all aspects of my work and I’m looking forward to the future with the team in Ammanford.”

Visit: www.ashmole.co.uk

About Ashmole & Co

Ashmole & Co Chartered and Certified Accountants have been established since 1897 and are one of the largest accountancy and auditing practices in Wales, operating from twelve offices throughout South and West Wales including Swansea, Carmarthen and Haverfordwest.

We combine high quality audit, accounting, and taxation services with business consultancy, financial services and corporate planning. Hence Ashmole & Co ensures that every client has the dedicated, professional support required to maximise their potential.