A BUSINESS adviser has retired after helping clients for more than 36 years in Berkshire.

Dean Hawkey, one of the managing directors for the accountancy firm Haines Watts, was also one of its longest serving members of staff.

The Farnham Road based business in Slough said he would be ‘sorely missed by both staff and the many clients he has advised’.

Mr Hawkey, from South Bucks, joined Haines Watts in 1981 supporting partners with company secretarial requirements. He went through the ranks to become a managing director in charge of this side of the business. From the introduction of computers to paperless systems and cloud solutions, Mr Hawkey witnessed huge changes to the profession. Not only had he embraced them - the company said - but he had always supported his clients through the constantly changing environment of regulation.

Mr Hawkey, who is in his sixties, will now be embarking on the next episode of his life - starting with a cruise on his own canal boat.

Paul Simmons, senior partner at Haines Watts, said: “Dean’s ideas and work made an important contribution to the success of the firm.

“His expertise and dedication have been of great value to clients and he has served as an excellent role model.

“We wish Dean all the best for the future and thank him for his contribution.”

Mr Hawkey said: “I have many fond memories of my time at Haines Watts.

“Over the years I’ve worked on behalf of a wide variety of interesting characters – many of whom have gone on to build very successful businesses.

“I will miss the banter with my clients but know that they will continue to be well looked after by the team.”

The company has since welcomed on board Mr Hawkey’s successor, Gentjan Krasniqi.

Mr Simmons added: “We’ve done a lot of planning and hard work to ensure that clients continue to receive an uninterrupted and high level of service going forward.”