A new head of manufacturing has been appointed by regional accountancy firm Bishop Fleming as it reinforces its commitment to supporting the sector.
Ally Allington, pictured, has been a partner in the corporate and business services team at the firm, which has an office in Bath, since joining three years ago. She will now head its specialist manufacturing group.
With more than two decades’ experience in the sector, Ally and her team already work in partnership with 325-plus clients in the sector – from entrepreneurial inventors to publicly-funded projects, and manufacturers with international interests and multi-national distribution centres.
Ally, who is based in the firm’s Truro Office, said: “I have been passionate about the sector for a very long time; being a trusted advisor to our clients and now leading the firm’s strategy in the manufacturing sector is a very welcome opportunity.
“It’s exciting to be taking on this role at such a crucial time for the sector as business face some of the most challenging times yet in trying to achieve reduced emissions, manage their supply chains and attract and retain key talent and skills.
“There are some things that are obvious to me. With net zero being the goal, the sector needs to collaborate to make it happen.”
She said adoption of new technology was a must, while sharing resources and adopting smarter procurement were all going to be key.
“Manufacturers will need to be radical and adopt change rather than tweaking or adjusting how things are done,” she added.
“It will be hard but exciting and I am looking forward to supporting our clients and manufacturing communities along the way.”
Bishop Fleming is planning to stage discussion groups and events with the aim of helping its manufacturing clients attune their growth and finance strategies to align with their green goals and values.
The firm, which has seven offices across the South West and West Midlands, employs more than 420 people offering services spanning personal tax, corporate finance, business recovery and insolvency to payroll services, VAT, audit assurance and accounting.
In 2021 it was recognised as one of the Best Companies’ Top Five Accounting Firms to Work For.