IT IS the end of an accountancy era in Teesdale next month when a familiar figure who has offered sage advice for more than four decades retires.
Michael Hanby, who has run his accountancy firm CM Hanby Accountants, in Galgate, Barnard Castle, for 41 years is to retire on September 1. Mr Hanby, who set up his practice in Barnard Castle in 1977, has selected another locally run firm to take on his client list, Butler and Gee based in Newgate.
He said: “They [Butler and Gee] have the same core principles as myself and a similar set of clients. I believe their business is a perfect fit for my clientele.”
Mr Hanby did his articles in accountancy in Bradford where he worked for five years before moving to Northallerton to work alongside his father, also an accountant. He then set up his practice in Barnard Castle and has been providing accountancy services to a large list of clients ever since.
A keen Rotarian, Mr Hanby is looking forward to spending more of his free time working on the issues and causes important to that organisation but also spending more time with his family.
He says he also intends to travel more and is hoping to return to New Zealand on holiday after spending some time there earlier this year. He added he may join the University of the Third Age (U3A).
Chris Butler, joint owner of Butler and Gee Accountants, said: “We are delighted Michael has selected Butler and Gee to take on his clients. We believe we have the same values and principles as Michael.
“All clients are facing challenges with complex and taxing accounting. Legislation is always changing and we know what we are doing. We work hard for our clients and we will look after Michael’s clients the same as our own. We wish him a very happy retirement.”
