Penally’s Ian Badham, one of Ashmole & Co’s Partners in Tenby, Haverfordwest and Cardigan is celebrating a significant work anniversary this month having been employed by the accountancy firm for 30 years.

Ian started as an ACCA Trainee Accountant in Ashmole & Co’s Haverfordwest office in 1995 after graduating with an Accountancy & Finance Degree from Bristol University. He became a Partner, based in the Cardigan office, 10 years later in 2005.

A lot of changes have taken place during Ian’s time with Ashmole & Co. When he started there was only one computer with internet access in the whole office. It was a huge change to go from everything being paper-based to where we are now working in a digital office environment.

Ian, who lives in Penally near Tenby, said: “As a firm in west Wales employing over 100 staff it is very rewarding as a Partner with Ashmole & Co to be able to provide quality, professional jobs in the area for local people, in the same way as when I joined the firm all those years ago. Seeing staff progress in their career means a lot to me.

“Being a first point of contact as a trusted professional adviser to clients and their businesses is a key element of my role. We are here to help them during good times and also difficult times. The Covid pandemic was probably the most challenging time over the past 30 years, as we were still working full time to help businesses claim support and to give advice. I certainly felt the pressure to find solutions to help local businesses survive, but equally it was very rewarding.”

As well as being one of the Partners in the Tenby and Cardigan offices, Ian also manages a team in Haverfordwest. He is married to Claire and they have two sons. Most of Ian’s spare time is taken up with family as his youngest son plays rugby for the Scarlets and Carmarthen Quins, so he travels all around Wales to support him. His eldest son has recently had a child so Ian is enjoying his grandad duties. He also makes the most of the great outdoors in Pembrokeshire as he enjoys playing golf and sea rowing and kayaking.

Ashmole & Co, Chartered, Certified Accountants, has been established for over 125 years this year. It is one of the largest accountancy and auditing practices in south Wales, operating from 13 offices including Swansea, Ammanford and Llandeilo.