Celebrating a 30 year Partnership

Our Senior Partner, Chris Ketley, is marking his 30^th year as a Partner with Knill James this August having worked with firm since 1980.

Chris joined Knill James as an Articled Clerk and rapidly progressed to become fully qualified in 1984. He then took an opportunity to work abroad within Coopers & Lybrand (now PWC), tasked with National business development in Papua New Guinea from 1985 for 3 years. Chris was based here during an exciting period of “industrial revolution” for the country, as it experienced a boom in both business and industrial development. Chris returned to the UK in 1987 on an offer of Partner Designate with Knill James; succeeding to full partnership in 1988, the 1^st new equity Partner for the firm in 15 years.

At his time of return the firm was evolving rapidly to reflect the advances in technologies, with Chris leading the charge on the increase in computers available to staff. Since this time Chris has been part of the many changes at the firm including its exponential growth, and its evolution from a traditional practice to a modern, progressive business. Chris, as part of the KJ team, has helped to grow not only our client base, but also our connections within the community and many ongoing partnerships with prominent charities, sports clubs and social groups throughout Sussex. On reflecting on his career at Knill James and visions for the future, Chris says;

‘I’m really proud to have played an instrumental part in the success and development of Knill James and being able to position ourselves as a leading medium sized firm within the South East. We have always strived to be ‘big enough to cope but small enough to care’; and I think through ensuring we always exceed the client expectations we have, and will continue to achieve that. We have developed a wealth of experience and knowledge in the KJ team that is both relevant and proactively applied to our client’s needs.

For the future I see us further enhancing our business advisory, strategic tax planning and corporate finance services; for which we have an excellent team in place and I would consider one of our strongest USP’s and potential for continued, sustainable growth.’

Currently Chris specialises in business coaching and mentoring, strategic development and Board Advisory (non-exec services) for the firm. He is passionate about delivering these to clients who are equally as passionate about their businesses and future plans. He is an expert ‘Business Engineer’ in the provision of agile business improvement advice; through his extensive experience within audit, assurance, ATOL and FCA reporting, management accounting and proactive taxation advice (including International).

Chris is also member of the global Mindshop Business Strategy, Development & Facilitation network of advisors.

Get in touch

chris@knilljames.co.uk

01273 480 480