Meet Our Team

All the partners are qualified accountants and general practitioners with a vast experience of looking after the affairs of many different types of businesses and the problems that they face on a day-to-day basis from start ups to long established businesses.

The partners are supported by a team of experienced and qualified professional, managerial and other staff. Continuing dialogue ensures that the firm’s collective skills are available to all clients.

Members of staff possess a high level of awareness of the financial problems of individuals and their businesses and all members of the firm undertake continuing professional education to ensure that their skills and knowledge are maintained.

Richard Hemblys at Spenser Wilson Chartered Accountants Halifax
Richard Hemblys FCA

Born and brought up in Halifax and educated at Highlands Grammar School, Richard joined the firm straight from school in January 1971. He qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1981 and has been a partner in Spenser Wilson since 1983. Having completed over 50 years at Spenser Wilson, Richard has stepped back from managing the Practice and handed over the reins to his fellow partner, Andrea Kennedy. He is semi-retired working three days a week for the foreseeable future.


He continues to undertake a significant amount of voluntary work as the Treasurer/Director of the following organisations:

 


Halifax BID Limited
Halifax Opportunities Trust and its subsidiary
Elsie Whiteley Innovation Centre


Richard is a lifelong Leeds United supporter and season ticket holder and having watched them during the ‘glory days’ is enjoying their return to the top flight.
His other interests include photography, DIY, gardening and aviation.

Chris Yewdall
Chris Yewdall FCA

Born in Bradford and educated at Giggleswick School, Chris entered the profession straight from school with a family firm of accountants in Bradford, qualifying in 1980. He held managerial positions with accountancy practices in Keighley and Morley, becoming a partner with a large provincial practice in Leeds in 1991 and moving back to Bradford in 1994 as a partner in a new professional practice. Chris joined the firm as a partner in 1999.

Chris has all-round experience in all aspects of accountancy and taxation and specialises in new start-ups, business plans, cash flow projections and corporate reorganization and rescue.

Chris lives at Wilsden, Bradford with his wife. A great sports fan, he has recently retired after 39 years, many as captain, playing for his local cricket team. He enjoys the theatre and eating out.

Liz Short
Liz Short FCA

Born and brought up in Halifax, Liz was educated at Brighouse Girls Grammar School and gained an HND in Business Studies at Halifax College. She joined the firm in 1979 and qualified in 1984; she has been a partner since 2004.

Liz's responsibilities within the firm include training and professional development. She is involved in all aspects of general practice and specialises in charities' and solicitors' accounts.

Liz lives on a smallholding at Southowram, Halifax with her husband and two sons. She is treasurer of the local church council and her main interests include exhibiting poultry and other farming-related activities.

Andrea Kennedy
Andrea Kennedy BFP FCA FCCA ATT(Fellow)

Born in Plymouth and brought up in Bradford, Andrea was educated at Wyke Manor Upper School and entered the profession straight from school with a family practice in Bradford, qualifying in 1997 as a Chartered Certified Accountant. She joined the firm in 2005, going on to qualify as a Tax Technician in 2007 and a Chartered Accountant in 2010, Andrea was appointed a partner of the firm in 2012 and is now the firm's Managing Partner/Director.

Andrea has all-round general practice experience, including corporate and charity audits, accountancy and taxation work.

Andrea lives in Brighouse, with her husband and two sons. She was a competitive gymnast for a number of years, competing for Bradford and Yorkshire on numerous occasions. Andrea is an active member of a gym and also enjoys walking, cycling, the cinema, eating out and other socialising.

Sally Shacklock
Sally Shacklock BA FCA

Born and brought up in the Isle of Man, Sally was educated at St Ninian’s High School and graduated from the University of Sheffield with a degree in Accounting, Financial Management and Economics. Training with a medium sized firm in Leeds, she qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 2005 before moving to one of the larger accountancy firms to gain further experience in audit and assurance. She returned to general practice in 2010.

Sally joined Spenser Wilson in July 2014 as senior audit manager and was appointed a partner in 2016. She has range of experience in dealing with small and medium sizes entities, corporate and charity audits, accountancy and taxation work.

Sally lives in Baildon. She is a keen runner and a member of both Halifax Harriers and Baildon Runners. She also enjoys walking, the gym and eating out.