Stalwart takes well-deserved retirement

A Shropshire chartered accountant has retired after more than four decades of service with a county firm.

Helen Bruce worked at Dyke Yaxley Chartered Accountants, in Old Potts Way, in Shrewsbury, for 42 years, and the team held a special party to mark her dedicated service.

“I’ve been overwhelmed with the number of kind messages from both current and past clients on the news about my retirement,” she said.

“Over the years, I have worked with businesses of all sizes all around the county and beyond, and it’s been a pleasure to be able to help so many people in so many different ways. I’m also extremely grateful to my Dyke Yaxley colleagues for all their support and for sharing so many years working together – it’s certainly been an experience to remember.” 

Helen joined the company in 1983 when it was based at Abbey House in the county town, working alongside Chris Yaxley and Ian Davies.

She qualified as a chartered accountant in 1987 and was appointed as Human Resources Director in 1991.
Her role included advising a portfolio of SME clients, incorporating limited companies, partnerships and individuals, providing them with business and taxation advice, specialising in restaurants and public houses, and the property and service sectors.

Away from work, Helen is a keen follower of rugby and cricket, and when time allows, she enjoys getting out into the countryside to improve on her fly-fishing skills.

“I’m now really looking forward to taking some time out, and will do some travelling around the UK with my husband, Geoff, starting with a visit to Scotland,” she said.

Dyke Yaxley managing director Marie Bramwell said: “We are so grateful to Helen for all her years of service and her dedication and commitment to all our clients. It will be so strange to not see her in the office every day, but we wish her all the very best for her retirement, and hope that she takes some very well-earned time to relax.

“It’s very rare these days for someone to have stayed with one company for so long, and we’re indebted to Helen for all the hard work she has put in to help us make Dyke Yaxley the family that it is today.”

Pictured: Dyke Yaxley managing director Marie Bramwell (left) and Helen Bruce