A business consultancy and accounting specialist in Newbury has been promoted to partner – while on maternity leave.

Lyndsey Camilleri has been awarded the new role by Azets, the UK’s specialist business advisor to SMEs. The 34-year-old, who has been with Azets for more than three years, has 16 years’ financial industry experience after opting to begin her career as an apprentice in 2008 rather than take the university route.

Lyndsey, who is returning to the office in December following the birth of her son Acer, will be responsible for client relationships and services, generating new business and for leading the next generation of accountants. She said:

“I am looking forward to the challenge of being an Azets partner. These are exciting times to be part of our industry with the likes of cloud-based software and Artificial Intelligence (AI), in particular, changing how we operate on almost a daily basis."

“Therefore, our client relationships are also evolving, and to stay ahead of the curve we must innovate, adapt and, fundamentally, we must engage with our clients on a personal level to understand their business needs and requirements. I fully intend to embrace the changes."

“One of the things I love about Azets is the diversity of clients we support. I’ve worked with businesses in agriculture, transport, engineering, logistics, retail, manufacturing, construction, catering and more. It has been inspiring to learn about these industries and discover the best ways to support them.”

Azets supported Lyndsey in preparing to be a partner over 18 months. She is a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants and member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants England and Wales, with Business and Finance Professional designation.

She added: “Businesses are operating in a time of great uncertainty. They have had to contend with vast changes in inter-EU trade and staff availability, interest rate pressures, a lack of affordable credit and global price increases due to conflicts. As a business advisor, part of my role is to work with our clients to navigate through these uncertain times."

“No two days are the same in my role, with each one bringing new challenges and opportunities. As someone who enjoys problem solving, being able to fix issues for our clients or signpost them to solutions is really rewarding.”

Neil Elsden, newly appointed office managing partner for Azets in Newbury, said:

“Lyndsey is a hard-working, dedicated and thoroughly professional member of our team and this promotion is hugely deserved."

“Her promotion to partner reflects her immense expertise and demonstrates how Azets continues to promote from within and develop talent.

“This in turn enables us to continue to offer our valued clients a second-to-none service across all sectors, knowing that our Newbury team is prepared to go that extra mile to support businesses and individuals."

“Lyndsey likes to get out to see clients where they are operating their businesses and really get an understanding of their requirements. Her main passion is in building relationships with businesses beyond simply looking over the numbers.”

Neil, who provides strategic advisory services to the SME market, has almost 25 years’ sector experience.

Azets is based in the centre of Newbury at Elizabeth House on London Road, conveniently placed just off the A4 and a 15 minute walk from Newbury train station. The office operates from a modern, open plan office with plenty of parking and provides a range of services tailored to businesses of all scales, encompassing sole traders to limited companies.