AFTER more than 50 years at Cheffins, former chairman Paul Gooderham has retired from professional work.

Paul initially retired in 2004 to become a consultant to the firm having played a major part in its rapid expansion.

He joined the two partner firm in 1960 and became a junior partner in 1963. After various mergers he expanded the business potential of the enlarged firm’s wealth of auctioneering talent and experience starting with the first Bygones and Vintage Tractor Auction in Saffron Walden Cattle Market in 1975 which laid the foundations of Cheffins’ current position as the UK’s leading auctioneers of steam engines and vintage tractors. This was followed by the launch of a purpose-designed saleroom in Cambridge with a dedicated team of valuers and experts to create the Fine Arts department, opening for its first auction in April 1982.

Paul’s appointment in 1981 as chairman coincided with a decline of the livestock markets which played a key role in creating the firm’s current diversity, driven both by a need to replace lost income from the livestock markets and the changes in farming activities.

In 1996 he led a major expansion of the Cambridge machinery sale to the purpose-built saleground at Sutton, near Ely, which is now the premier tractor and farm machinery auction in Europe, attracting several thousand overseas buyers every month.

PKF’s Richard Wild has been named among the top 40 tax practitioners under the age of 40 by the Tax Journal.

The East Anglia-based director of VAT went into accountancy straight from school and joined PKF Accountants & business advisers three years ago. His CV includes a spell with HMRC working as an anti-avoidance adviser.

Compiled by the Tax Journal, the inaugural 40 under 40 is a guide to the leading tax professionals who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in their careers to date.

Michael Muskett, senior partner for PKF in East Anglia, said: We are delighted that Richard has been recognised as among the best, young professionals working in tax today. He is highly respected and appreciated across the Norwich, Great Yarmouth and Ipswich areas which he covers and has also established a specialist role in helping charities with their VAT affairs.

“This is an impressive achievement in a very crowded field and reflects the high regard in which Richard is held by clients and the respect that he has earned from colleagues”.

FRIDAY Street Farm at Farnham, near Aldeburgh, has appointed George Bradley as its new head of retail development. He will be in charge of delivering an ambitious plan of growth and development at the restaurant, tea rooms and farm shop. He will also be responsible for delivering new and exciting events at the farm and developing the site into an even more popular tourist destination.

A Retail professional with over 10 years experience gained in both food and non-food businesses, George will bring a unique level of understanding gained from his background at both Waitrose and John Lewis. His Multichannel and e-Commerce experience will enable the business to explore new revenue streams and his passion for the local area will ensure it keeps in touch with what our local community wants from it, said Friday Street Farm partner, James Blyth.

George said: “I am absolutely delighted to be joining Friday Street at such an exciting time for the business. All members of our team will be working closely to deliver a continuously improving experience for both our local customers and our tourist trade.

“Well run, proactive farm shops have the ability to beat the economic downturn if they listen to what their customers want. We intend to be a leading light in the area and see 2012 being an extremely positive time for the local economy.”

THREE students from the Ipswich office of Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors, Larking Gowen, are celebrating passing their exams.

Katie Meadows, Chris Smith and Nathan Speed achieved the AAT qualification (Association of Accounting Technicians). To celebrate their achievement they were invited to lunch by Larking Gowen Managing Partner, Bob Rose, and Human Resources Executive, Julie Best.

“It is brilliant that so many of our students are passing these challenging exams,” said Bob Rose.

“I am pleased to be able to have this opportunity to congratulate them personally and we look forward to seeing them progress their careers.”

SUSIE Wood is the latest member to join the Zoe Napier Country & Equestrian team.

The recent double award winning agents are continuing their growth strategy, which includes maintaining high levels of experience and knowledge. Susie will be based at the Maldon head office, which specialises in the sale of country and equestrian property throughout Essex and South Suffolk.

Zoe Napier, managing director said: “Susie Wood (nee Maclennan) is considered to be a great asset to the Company, having over 20 years experience of the Essex property market under her belt.

“She has already successfully managed agency office teams to a high professional level and brings with her an excellent reputation for her great work ethic, offering polished levels of customer care.

“Susie always takes the time to listen, empathise and work out solutions for both clients and buyers alike, so we are naturally delighted that she has chosen to join us.”