35 under 35 2024: Third wave of winners revealed!
Showcasing the industry's rising talent, the second instalment of our 35 under 35 rankings highlights ten young UK professionals who are making great contributions to both their firms and fields
The Accountancy Age 35 under 35, in partnership with AJ Chambers, seeks to highlight the rising stars of the accountancy profession, featuring those who have made great professional contributions to the field and their individual firms.
Over the course of the next few weeks, we will be announcing the full list of honourees. Today, we present the third wave of noteworthy professionals who made the Accountancy Age 35 under 35.
The full Accountancy Age 35 under 35 will be unveiled on June 25th, 2024.
Alisha O’Donovan, Senior Manager, BKL
Patrick (Paddy) Thornton, Partner, Child & Child
Patrick joined the law firm Child & Child, as a partner and Head of Tax. In 2023, he founded the ICAEW practice within the firm and his portfolio includes ultra-high net worth individuals, family offices, an international investment bank, and high-profile influencers. Clients are able to benefit from the expertise of the other partners in the law firm, across a variety of disciplines, high end Property, Corporate, Disputes and wider Private Client legal services.
Patrick trained with Sagars (now part of the AAB Group), and qualified as a chartered accountant with BDO in London, in the Consumer Markets team. He has since held senior finance positions at White & Case LLP (a US law firm in its London office), and at Farrer & Co. Currently, he is a partner in the Private Wealth & Tax team at Child & Child, and serves as the firm’s Head of Tax. By offering accounting and taxation services alongside private wealth and tax legal services, the practice ensures a comprehensive and exceptional level of client service to a broad range of clients.
Patrick’s client focus includes accounting and tax services for owner-managed trading businesses, property investment companies, professional practices, wealth management and tax structuring on property, business, and fund, transactions. Clients range from those with significant accumulated personal wealth to business owners of high-performing trading and investment companies.
Moving forwards, Patrick intends to grow the private client function within Child & Child, and to elevate the profile of Alternative Business Structure (ABS) model law firms. He believes that this approach will boost growth, and long term sustainability, across the accounting & legal industries, expanding the exceptional service provision to a wide range of clients. According to Patrick, this models represents the future of the collective professional practice, enabling continued exceptional client service, for aspiring trusted advisers.
Ben Allen, Partner, Glazers Accountants
Ben Allen’s remarkable rise in the accounting industry is marked by his recent appointment as one of the youngest partners in the history of Glazers. Within just five years post-qualification, Ben has not only secured a partnership but has also driven significant growth and strategic initiatives within the firm.
At Glazers, Ben has been instrumental in developing the outsourcing function, establishing robust internal processes that have enhanced the firm’s operational efficiency. As Head of Marketing, he has significantly boosted Glazers’ online brand presence, with his Thought Leadership posts on LinkedIn attracting as much as over 200,000 views. His expertise in managing high-profile clients is exemplified by his work with one of the leading luxury watch brands globally, showcasing his ability to handle prestigious and complex accounts.
Ben’s approach is holistic and client-focused, offering a full spectrum of services that provide valuable insights and guidance. His advisory-led methodology has notably contributed to the development of a group of companies which has created a new online global trading platform, helping them achieve a projected valuation exceeding $250 million. In addition to his professional achievements, Ben is dedicated to mentoring Glazers’ growing team of professionals. As HR Partner, he has revamped HR strategies with a strong emphasis on professional development, playing a pivotal role in guiding team members through their qualifications and career advancements. His mentorship has been crucial in fostering a culture of success within the firm.
Across his various roles, Ben has streamlined costs and improved overall business functions at Glazers. He also extends his expertise to the community, serving as treasurer for two charities, demonstrating his commitment to societal improvement. His leadership roles within Glazers and his community work reflect his wide-ranging impact and dedication.
Ben Allen epitomises young leadership in the accounting sector. His innovative contributions to Glazers and exceptional client service make him a standout professional. His record is not only a testament to his exceptional skill set but also his profound dedication to advancing the accounting profession and contributing positively to society.
Francesca Robe, Partner, Moore Kingston Smith
Francesca Robe, who became a partner in May 2024, has been with Moore Kingston Smith since joining as a trainee in 2009. With over 15 years of experience focusing on the creative industries, she works with owner-managed businesses, assisting them in achieving their growth goals through her extensive knowledge and passion for the marketing services and media sectors.
Following her return from maternity leave in 2024, Francesca’s promotion to partner underscores her dedication to her clients and her field of expertise. She is committed to supporting and inspiring the next generation of leaders in the accountancy and professional services sectors. As a mentor, she guides individuals through their career development, helping them progress into more senior positions and build robust internal and external networks. Francesca is particularly passionate about supporting working parents and those returning to work after a period of leave, drawing from her own experience.
Francesca co-edits and presents Moore Kingston Smith’s Annual Survey on the financial performance of marketing services companies. This industry-respected report examines the results of the UK’s top agencies across various marketing services disciplines. It is considered an essential reference tool for industry insiders, analyzing the performance of over 250 agencies and providing a comprehensive summary of key statistics, including profit and productivity ratios, people costs, and numbers. The report benchmarks key performance indicators and evaluates the impact of various trends on the industry’s financial performance.
Actively engaged in her field, Francesca collaborates with the Institute of Practitioners in Advertising (IPA) on its Accelerator Scheme, assisting in the development of emerging agencies. She frequently presents on evaluating performance, tracking key ratios, and benchmarking results against industry standards, as well as advising on employee incentives.
Francesca also works with trade bodies such as the Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA) and British Interactive Media Association (BIMA), presenting webinars and chairing roundtables. Recently, she presented at The Indie Summit on how top agencies perform financially and how to monitor financial performance for success.
Francesca’s dedication to her clients, her passion for her field, and her active engagement in industry development make her a valuable asset to Moore Kingston Smith and the broader professional community.
Ben Brownson, Group Director and Head of Operations, RPG Chartered Accountants
Ben Brownson, at 29, serves as Group Board Director and Head of Operations at RPG Chartered Accountants in Manchester, a top 100 practice. After joining RPG from Deloitte in March 2022, he has swiftly risen through the ranks, becoming COO within 21 months. His recent election on May 1st, 2024, as the youngest ever board member of DFK UK and Ireland (“UKI”), a national group within the DFK International accountancy association, underscores his rapid professional ascent and the recognition of his contributions to the field.
Ben has been instrumental in leading RPG’s digital transformation project, transitioning the firm from a traditional practice to one with a robust technological foundation. His unique use of technology, centered around Microsoft as the core vendor, has set RPG apart within the sector. This strategy has empowered employees, enhancing operational efficiency and client service quality. Ben’s leadership in technology and being one of the most progressive thinkers in the sector, has made him a prominent public speaker on the topic, with engagements at international forums, technology webinars, and the upcoming Accountex in May 2024.
One of Ben’s notable achievements at RPG is the evolution of the traditional secretarial team into a high-performing operational team focused on project management and transformation. Built from scratch within a year, this team has played a crucial role in adopting technology efficiently and according to best practices. His efforts have significantly improved RPG’s operational processes and have ensured a sustainable growth trajectory.
In addition to his internal contributions, Ben manages a diverse portfolio of clients, including individuals, listed companies, and notable transactions such as leading the firm’s largest ever transaction for a client in 2023. His advisory-led approach has driven significant client growth and satisfaction, initiating 16 new clients in early 2024 alone.
Ben’s impact extends beyond RPG. He has been involved in developing academic curricula at both college and university levels and has chaired the DFK Emerging Leaders program for EMEA and UKI. His contributions to professional education and development have been substantial, reflecting his commitment to fostering future leaders in the accounting sector.
Moreover, Ben has overseen the transition of RPG’s administrative team into a skilled Project Management and Operations Team, enhancing the firm’s technological transformation. This approach ensures each team member has a clear career development pathway, a relatively unique aspect within the sector. His leadership has streamlined costs, improved overall business functions, and fostered a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.
Ben’s dedication to mentoring and professional development is evident in his enhancement of RPG’s trainee accountant recruitment program for September 2024. His efforts have resulted in increased external engagement, greater employee involvement, and a high calibre of candidates, enriched with personal touches and a sense of humour true to RPG’s culture.
Beyond his professional achievements, Ben has been involved in several charitable ventures in senior positions, affirming his commitment to societal improvement. His broad impact in both his professional and community roles demonstrates his dedication to advancing the accounting profession and contributing positively to society. Ben Brownson epitomizes young leadership in the accounting sector, with a proven record of driving innovation, operational excellence, and exceptional client service.
Konrad Bukowski-Kruszyna, Audit Data Analytics Director, RSM UK
Paul Hyde, Associate Director, Wilson Partners
Paul is a highly experienced and qualified accountant who excels in both client relations and team management. Known for his expressive and outgoing nature, Paul’s strengths lie in people management. He has been actively involved in running internal sales training for a cohort at Wilson Partners, where he has excelled in developing skills and encouraging others to identify and service client needs, even those clients may not be aware of.
With a keen interest in sales, Paul has taken ownership of collating and delivering sales reports for the board on a monthly basis. This reporting allows the team to focus on lead sources, assess future pipelines, identify potential resource constraints, and understand areas for improvement—such as analysing why some prospects do not proceed with the firm. These insights have been instrumental in making incremental improvements to internal processes, evidenced by improved client conversion rates during Paul’s tenure managing this process.
Paul is also an avid networker, pushing his business development skills further by co-hosting seminars with local professionals and colleagues. These sessions provide a platform for clients and contacts to enhance their knowledge within a supportive forum.
Max Morris, Associate Director, One Advisory
Max Morris’s career trajectory at ONE Advisory has been impressive and continues to ascend. Since joining the firm as a manager in 2021, he has become an indispensable member of the team, particularly in the Financial Reporting and Transaction Support department. Max has been instrumental in expanding this department, leading its ICAEW training program, and overseeing recruitment.
As a member of the senior leadership team, Max has significantly contributed to the department’s growth. His ability to build strong client relationships allows him to provide valuable advice, fostering long-term client loyalty, which has been a major factor in the department’s success.
Max’s influence extends beyond his professional responsibilities. As head of the firm’s social committee, he has been crucial in organizing events that celebrate the diverse cultures and backgrounds of ONE Advisory’s team members, helping to create a more inclusive and cohesive workplace environment.
In recognition of his leadership, ambition, and vision, Max was promoted to Senior Manager in 2022 and then to Associate Director in 2023, making him one of the youngest members of the firm’s senior leadership team. His colleagues are confident in his ability to continue growing the firm and nurturing talent, ensuring a bright future for both Max and ONE Advisory.
James Dillard, Audit and Accounts Senior Manager, Wilson Wright
James, Audit and Accounts Senior Manager at Wilson Wright, part of BKL, is a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Accountants. Although James was a late developer, he has shown remarkable progress since he began his accounting career. Despite not excelling at school, he was a Prefect and Vice Captain and enjoyed playing sports. His career began in sales, which he loved, but his true upward trajectory started when he began training to be an accountant.
James qualified as an accountant in 2017 at LB Group and later became a Client Manager at Haines Watts during the pandemic. He joined Wilson Wright in autumn 2022 and quickly received the Employee of the Quarter award for his dedication to clients and his team. Earlier this year, James secured a coveted spot on the DFK Emerging Leaders programme and was elected by his colleagues as the DFK Emerging Leader of the Year 2024. Recently, he was promoted to Senior Manager.
Adam Cramer, Managing Director of Wilson Wright, remarked, “The award was an affirmation of all that James stands for and all that he delivers on a daily basis for the benefit of clients and colleagues alike.”
James is known for fostering close relationships with his clients, taking the time to understand their businesses and goals to help them achieve their commercial ambitions. One client noted, “I have worked with many accountants, James is by far my accountant of choice. He manages to explain complex information in the most simple and straightforward way that allows me to make the best decisions regarding my finances. I trust his judgment and that he will always get things done in the most efficient and effective manner. He is a pleasure to work with, and I count myself very lucky to have him on my team.”
James’ clients appreciate his problem-solving skills and excellent client service. His ability to explain even the most technical aspects in layman’s terms is particularly valued. Since joining Wilson Wright, James has become the go-to expert for clients in the Web3 and Cryptocurrency space. He enjoys tackling the unique challenges that come with accounting for the numerous transactions in this evolving sector.