Whitley Stimpson has strengthened its senior tax team with the appointment of Mike Shearan as senior tax manager, bringing nearly 30 years of specialist experience to the accountancy and business advisory firm.
Mike joins from James Cowper Kreston, where he also served as senior tax manager, following earlier senior advisory roles at Grant Thornton.
In his new position, Mike will work across Whitley Stimpson’s Witney and Banbury offices, supporting directors and colleagues with complex tax matters affecting owner-managed companies and larger management-led businesses in Oxfordshire and across the UK.
His expertise spans a wide range of technical areas, including business start-ups and disposals, raising capital through share issues, and estate planning to safeguard family wealth.
Mike has particular experience in advising private company shareholders and technology businesses. His work often focuses on the tax implications of share investments, share sales and employee share incentive schemes, including share options — a growing area of importance for expanding companies.
Reflecting on his new role, Mike said:
“I am very excited to take on this broad technical tax role with a growing and diverse firm like Whitley Stimpson.
“The firm has encapsulated the professionalism of a large regional firm with a friendly local feel where the people really are adding value to their clients.”
Mike’s appointment comes as Whitley Stimpson continues to invest in new talent and develop its workforce. Four new trainees — Elizabeth Appleyard, Harry Meehan, Elliot Stagg and Mark Kersley-Rooke — have joined the firm this year, each benefitting from Whitley Stimpson’s long-established training and development programme.
The firm is also celebrating significant long-service milestones achieved by its staff. John Vidler marks an impressive 40 years with the company, Laura Adkins celebrates 20 years, and both Jacqui Foster and Jamie Abbotts reach their 10-year anniversaries.
Ian Parker, director at Whitley Stimpson, said:
“We warmly welcome Mike to Whitley Stimpson, his appointment is an excellent move for the firm.
“Mike’s impressive track record has earnt him a strong reputation for establishing excellent client relationships and his specialist knowledge in complex tax matters makes him a perfect fit for our team.
“We’re delighted to welcome our new trainees to the firm. Nurturing new talent is at the heart of what we do, and our successful training and development programmes ensure they have the support they need to build their accountancy careers.
“This approach means that when people thrive here, they stay, and we’re particularly proud to celebrate some remarkable long service milestones this year.”
