One of Dorset’s best-known accountants is to step down and take retirement after 38 years’ loyal service with the same firm.

Nick Fernyhough, a Partner with Saffery Champness, trained with the firm, initially in London, before moving to Bournemouth in 1993.

He took up a partnership a year later.

Nick, 59, said: “It has been a huge honour to be a part of the success story that is the Bournemouth Office of Safferys.

“I am hugely grateful to my clients and the team at Safferys that have made my career possible.

“When I came to Dorset in 1993 we employed about 20 people.

“As I now retire we have more than 80.

“It is one of the great joys of the job to have helped the careers of so many exceptional people – Safferys has always put people first – focusing on recruitment and training.

“As the practice has grown I have been able to assist a great number of owner managed businesses, some of which have expanded massively themselves.

“I have also enjoyed the opportunity to work with so many of our major local charities – it is great to see first-hand the work they do in the community.

“Over the years many firms have come and gone from Bournemouth but we at Safferys have remained committed to the conurbation.

“There is so much opportunity here in so many sectors,  beyond the obvious area of  tourism (which is of course very important).

“We have always felt we can make a difference, assisting local businesses and charities to develop and grow, and acting as their trusted advisors.

“I step away leaving the office in very safe hands.

“Roger Wareham, our Head of Office, trained with us and will make sure the firm stays true to its principle of providing excellent client service to our many clients.

“I am sure he will take the opportunity to continue to grow the office and help to ensure that Dorset has a vibrant and successful business community, whatever current and future challenges may bring.”

A keen traveller – he has visited 119 countries – Nick is also an avid collector of Biggles books with 96 in his collection.

They feature the fictional pilot and adventurer James Bigglesworth, nicknamed ‘Biggles’, written for younger readers by W. E. Johns.

Nick said: “I am looking forward to my retirement after 38 years with the firm.

“I think it is time for my first-ever real long break.

“I hope to do a bit more travel and will happily spend my time walking the dogs in the New Forest.”

Paying tribute, Roger said: “Nick has played a significant part in the history of the office, holding a senior management role for over 25 years.

“We would like to thank Nick for his contribution with partners and the team looking forward to building on the legacy he has left us.”

Founded in 1855 by Joseph John Saffery, Saffery Champness was one of the UK’s first accounting firms.

It now has nine offices across the country, including Bournemouth.

The firm advises individuals and families, not-for-profit organisations and businesses across a range of sectors.

As a member of Nexia International, it is part of a worldwide network of independent accounting and consulting firms.

• saffery.com