Meet the team

Simon Hedges FCCA

Accounts Manager

I joined Devonports in November 2011 and am ACCA qualified and a Fellow of ACCA. I graduated from the University of East Anglia, where I studied Business Management. Hard working and enthusiastic, I am always keen to be involved and to find solutions to clients’ problems. My responsibilities include the production of accounts for Sole Traders, Partnerships and Limited Companies, together with VAT Returns, CIS Returns and acting as the auto-enrolment specialist in the office.

Outside of the office, I am a keen sportsman and regularly take part in running races and organising the annual fantasy football league, leading to friendly competition within the office. Who will be the victor?

Contact: simon.hedges@devonports.co.uk

Colin Freeman

Accounts Senior

I joined Devonports in April 2016 and have over 30 years’ experience in Accountancy, having worked in both practice and industry. My main responsibilities include the production of Accounts for Limited Companies, Sole Traders and Partnerships, together with both personal and business tax and some bookkeeping and VAT.

I am married and in my spare time enjoy spending time with my family and watching sport, especially cricket and football.

Contact: colin@devonports.co.uk

Ben Taylor MAAT (ACCA part-qualified)

Accounts Senior

Since starting my accountancy career in 2011 I have gained over 5 years’ experience in practice.

I specialise mainly in the preparation of year end accounts for small to medium size entities regulated under IFRS and UK GAAP.

Other roles include the preparation of VAT returns, corporate tax and personal tax.

Currently, I am training towards my ACCA qualification.

I was delighted to join Devonports earlier this year and I am looking forward to working in a customer-focused office with such a dedicated staff base and high work ethic.

In my spare time away from the world of accountancy I enjoy spending time with my son and completing various DIY jobs around the house.

Darren Taylor

Client Portfolio Manager

I joined Devonports in November 2019 bringing 15 years of experience in accountancy practice including 2 years of working as part of a tax advisory team at a top 30 firm. I am a fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, a member of the Association of Accounting Technicians and I have passed my Chartered Tax Advisor examinations. I enjoy meeting clients and sharing my thorough knowledge of business.

In my spare time I like to follow English football in particular Southend United. I love holidays in warmer countries during the summer relaxing by a pool after working hard during the year.

Contact: darren@devonports.co.uk

Pat Brinklow

Payroll Administrator

I started at Devonports Accountants in June 2015. I assist with weekly, fortnightly, 4 weekly and monthly payrolls, along with monthly CIS returns as well as VAT. My skills and experience have been gained from working for 20 years in Accounts offices. I have had a gap to have two children who are now grown up, and have now returned to full time work.

Contact: pat@devonports.co.uk

Jo Ambrose

Bookkeeping and VAT

I joined Devonports in 2008 as a bookkeeper and have over 20 years’ experience in both practice and industry. Within Devonports my main responsibilities are Bookkeeping and VAT, and I enjoy talking to clients and assisting them.

I am married and have a son, who keeps me busy out of work hours. A keen reader, I have just joined a book club.

Contact: jo@devonports.co.uk

Sarah Wheal

Apprentice

I joined Devonports in September 2018 as an Accounts Assistant and am currently working towards my Level 3 AAT Qualification.

My responsibilities within Devonports include preparing accounts, VAT returns and bookkeeping. I enjoy listening to music, food and socialising with friends.

Rachel Jones

Practice Manager

I joined Devonports in 2010, working on the reception desk and assisting in various areas of work, including the Property Management portfolio, the setting up of the Fee Protection Scheme and general administration duties. I have recently moved over into the role of Practice Manager, responsible for the day to day affairs of the company, and assisting Ian and Giuseppe.

Most of my weekends are spent standing either on the touchline watching my son's football matches or from behind the fence at my daughter's hockey games, but that's the joy of being a mum. In my spare time I like to bake – my colleagues seem to enjoy trying my cakes, especially my lemon drizzle. They have all survived so far!

Contact: rachel@devonports.co.uk

Diana Carradus

PA/Head of reception

I have been with Devonports since 2005, having previously spent 20 years in the banking industry. I am responsible for the secretarial side of things and reception.

I am a keen tennis player and a lifelong Southend United supporter. I live with my partner and our Fox Terrier Stanley and tortoises Sidney & Sparkle.

Contact: diana@devonports.co.uk

Anisa Llangozi

Accounts Semi-senior

I joined Devonports in June 2018. I graduated from the University of Modena "Marco Biagi Departments of Economics”, where I studied Business Management and worked in Italy from 2009 to February 2018. After getting married I moved to England to build my life with my husband.

My role at Devonports includes bookkeeping, Vat returns, accounts preliminary preparation and payroll.

Currently I am studying in association with the IFA to improve my knowledge in English tax law.

I enjoy keeping busy and in my spare time I like being with my nephews. My hobbies are reading books, travelling and shopping.

Jack Bush

Apprentice Business Administrator

I joined Devonports in October 2018 and am currently undergoing a Business Admin Apprenticeship.

My main role involves monitoring compliance with strict AML (Anti Money Laundering) regulations.

This means inputting, checking, uploading and retrieving information, ID and proof of addresses from our clients and maintaining our AML database.

Other duties include submitting confirmation statements to Companies House and answering the telephone and directing calls as appropriate.

My hobbies and interests are Sport, TV, Films and going out with my friends.

I’m a massive Spurs fan and often go and watch games with friends and family whilst enjoying a beer, or two!

Malcolm Day

Business Development

I began working nearly 40 years ago in the bank, advancing to Area Manager, looking after small to medium sized businesses within the Saffron Walden area. It was during this time that I was introduced to Ian Hornsey and so began my association with Devonports. My role at Devonports is acting as customer liaison, business development and providing support to the many clients in and around the Saffron Walden area. I work from home and from Devonports’ Saffron Walden office when required. I am also involved in running the Management Agencies within Saffron Walden and the local area.

In my spare time I enjoy the odd game of squash and watching Tottenham Hotspur.

Contact: malcolm@devonports.co.uk

Michael Nicholls

Devonports Financial Services

Michael has spent his entire working life in the financial services industry. He began his career in retail banking before joining a private bank in the City where he spent 18 happy years in a variety of senior roles.

Throughout his career Michael has been committed to continuous professional development and as well as completing a number of professional qualifications, recently attained the Diploma in Advanced Mortgage Advice.

Contact: michael@devonports.co.uk

Jeanette Nicholls

Devonports Financial Services

Jeanette has also spent the majority of her working life in the financial services industry. She has been a mortgage and protection administrator for over 11 years and is the back office ‘engine’ behind the company.

Jeanette ensures clients’ mortgage applications progress smoothly through to completion. Over the years, Jeanette has built up close relationships with many lenders’ mortgage underwriting staff. This experience is often the key to helping push a mortgage case forward when things get complicated.

Contact: jeanette@devonports.co.uk

David Murdoch

Credit & Operations Manager

Previously 35 years'​ banking experience with Lloyds Banking Group, most recently working as Relationship Manager in the Commercial SME & Mid Markets segment.

A restructure in 2014 gave me the opportunity to ‘spread my wings’.

I was delighted to join Devonports initially on a part-time consultancy basis to provide a credit control function in July 2016 and am now employed here 4 days per week. My role includes providing bespoke credit control services to Devonports clients and a broad spectrum of services to the Directors (ask them about my bacon sandwiches and DIY skills!).

I have been happily married for 26 years and have just become a grandad, my hobbies include motorcycling and shooting (not at the same time!).

Contact: dave@devonports.co.uk