A GROWING Cumbrian accountancy firm has followed its move into larger premises with a key appointment.

Chris Dixon has joined MoynanSmith as its Accounts Department Manager to help the business look after its growing roster of clients.

Chris is re-joining familiar faces after previously working with business partners Darren Moynan and Jamie Smith in another accountancy firm.

Chris, who has more than 20 years’ experience in accountancy, said he has not been looking for a move, but he jumped at the exciting challenge of a new management role.

He said: “I know Jamie and Darren and the kind of ethos they have and that fits well with me. I’ve always taken great pride in my work and I’m really looking forward to helping the team and the business move forward.”

It’s another significant step for the chartered accountants and tax advisers. After outgrowing their previous base, they moved into new offices in Clifford Court on Carlisle’s Parkhouse estate earlier this year.

Darren and Jamie started out five years ago working from Darren’s kitchen and now employ nine staff offering business and personal financial services in accountancy, tax advice and payroll.

Jamie said: “We knew with Chris’ level of experience he would be perfect for this role and we’re delighted to have him on board. It will allow Darren and I the space to drive the business on.

Darren said: “It’s a natural progression. We never want to be in a situation where we win new work and we’re not able to service it to the same high levels our clients rightly expect.”

MoynanSmith has been busy throughout the pandemic with a rise in people turning to self-employment needing advice on business start-ups. Changes to the furlough scheme, a cut in VAT for the hospitality industry and Government loan and grant schemes have also meant more businesses seeking guidance as the landscape changes.

Jamie said: “We’re proactive as a business but with all the fast-moving changes this year you have to be reactive as well to understand how those changes may impact your clients or present new opportunities.

“As well as all the help we can give we can also signpost people to other services they may need to grow or consolidate.”