WIDNES accountancy firm Mitchell Charlesworth has appointed a new chairman.

Partner Rob Hall will take on the role covering offices in Widnes, Liverpool, Manchester, Chester and Warrington.

He succeeds long-serving colleague, Clive Plummer who held the post for more than two decades.

Mitchell Charlesworth managing partner Paul Wainwright said Mr Hall will be tasked with ensuring the firm retains its democratic approach and strong reputation.

Mr Charlesworth said: “We have selected one of our most respected partners Rob Hall as our new chairman.

“Rob is a real asset to Mitchell Charlesworth with a strong track record of delivering excellent results.

“He is a popular figure with all of the required qualities for the position. His drive and dynamism will help to steer Mitchell Charlesworth forward with purpose.

“Together we will ensure the continued delivery of quality services to our clients and will strive to achieve a long-term, sustainable business strategy.

“Rob replaces our hugely influential outgoing chairman Clive Plummer, who has made a massive impact at Mitchell Charlesworth.

“Clive has devoted a great amount of time and energy to ensuring that whilst growing, we retained our core values of quality service to our clients, and career development for our people. We have enjoyed significant success during Clive’s tenure. His passion and his experience will remain vital to the firm. We would like to thank him for his efforts.”

Mr Hall joined Mitchell Charlesworth as partner in 2006.

He has more than 20 years' experience in dealing with a varied client portfolio of owner managed businesses. Mr Hall is also a specialist in professional practices and acts for a number of firms of solicitors, barristers and barristers’ chambers.

Mr Hall said: “This is a very proud moment in my career. I am particularly honoured to be following in the footsteps of Clive who has been a loyal, dedicated and well respected chairman for many years.

“With this role comes great responsibility to ensure the distinctive character and ethos of our practice is maintained. Mitchell Charlesworth benefits from a very experienced and talented group of partners.

“I will be working closely with my colleagues across the region to ensure we maximise the practice’s reputation in the market for client service and also drive forward as a progressive and proactive business.

“I will also continue to serve my loyal client base from the Chester office where my day to day role will remain unchanged.”

Outgoing chairman Mr Plummer joined Mitchell Charlesworth in 1972 before being promoted to partner in 1983. He was appointed as the partnership's chairman in 1992.

Mr Plummer said: “I am delighted to be passing on this role to Rob. It has been a thoroughly rewarding experience acting as chairman for Mitchell Charlesworth and I believe the future is extremely bright for the firm.

“I have every confidence that Rob will be a strong and successful chairman. I wish him every success in the future.”