A partner at UK top 10 accountancy firm Azets has been appointed to look after the finances of the organisation that runs Kent County Agricultural Society.

Ashford-based Hayley Kingsnorth is the new voluntary honorary finance director of Kent County Agricultural Society (KCAS). Hayley, who joined Azets in May 2019 and has more than 20 years’ experience working with owner managed businesses, specialises in rural businesses and the agricultural sector.

Her new role was confirmed at the KCAS annual meeting in February. She steps into the shoes of the much-missed Hugh Summerfield, who served as a board member and honorary finance director for eight years before his death last September. Hayley said:

“I hope to honour Hugh’s memory by continuing his important work in ensuring KCAS’s financial strength, supporting our charity objectives and securing the future of our organisation."

“KCAS is a hugely important organisation in our rural county, and I will do my utmost on behalf of all members and supporters as we look to protect the agriculture sector.”

Hayley’s portfolio at the Ashford office of Azets, the UK’s specialist business advisor to SMEs, includes a number of growing small businesses across many sectors, including rural and property, supporting entrepreneurs and family-owned businesses looking to grow.

She is particularly passionate about helping rural businesses, offering tailored advice to help them navigate unique challenges such as diversification, succession planning, and adapting to regulatory changes.

KCAS Chairman, fifth-generation East Kent farmer Matthew Cullen, welcomed Hayley to her new role. He said:

“Hayley’s vast experience in supporting family-owned businesses in Kent’s agricultural sector is the perfect background for this post. She is entrusted with ensuring that not only do our finances remain on an even keel, but that income from our brands and events helps us to deliver our vital charitable objectives.”

The team at Azets’ Ashford office, at Dover Place in the town’s Commercial Quarter, has extensive experience in all areas of business and personal accounting and tax advice.

Working with a diverse range of businesses and specialising in working with rural, education, academies and property and construction businesses, the team’s key priority is providing excellent client service and assisting clients with business growth.

The agricultural sector is a key part of the town and is a large contributor to its economy. Kent County Agricultural Society (KCAS) is a registered charity which has been supporting the county’s farming community since 1923.

Its aims include the improvement of agriculture, forestry, horticulture, allied industries, rural crafts and the breeding of livestock and the encouragement of agricultural and horticultural education, research, and experimental work.

KCAS: stages a number of events, including its popular annual exhibition of food, farming and rural life, the Kent County Show at the Detling Showground, which this year runs from July 3-5.

Photo: New role - Ashford-based accountant Hayley Kingsnorth, centre, is welcomed to her new role as honorary finance director of Kent County Agricultural Society by KCAS President Roz Day and Chairman Matthew Cullen