Aberdeen accountant named Practitioner of the Year at 2016 British Accountancy Awards

An Aberdeen accountant has won a prestigious national industry award.

Simon Cowie, managing director of Infinity Partnership, saw off five rivals to be named Practitioner of the Year at the 2016 British Accountancy Awards held at The Brewery in London.

Mr Cowie has advised more than 70 start-ups in the past 18 months, supported companies with research and development (R&D) tax claims and helped clients with financial advice in light of the low oil price. Formed in 2011 and based in the city’s West End, Infinity has a staff of 13.

Award judges stated that “Simon showed that he is leading innovation in what is a very troubled oil industry”.

Mr Cowie said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to have won this award. Many people have helped me along the way over the years and I’m also supported by a wonderful team at Infinity.

“The award is a tremendous achievement for Infinity considering the size of the companies taking part in these prestigious awards.”

Infinity was shortlisted in two other categories at the British awards. Greg Houston was highly commended in the New Practitioner of the Year category for the second year in a row, while Infinity was also an Independent Firm of the Year (Scotland) finalist – an award the business won in 2015.

Infinity was a finalist in three categories at this year’s Scottish Accountancy and Finance Awards. Simon was named Scottish Dealmaker of the Year in 2009 and 2014.

The firm offers accountancy services, research and development tax solutions, business advisory services, start-up advice and tax planning among its services.

Infinity, which has a client retention rate of 99.5 per cent, has experienced significant growth as a result of realigning its business to focus on research and development tax credits, and investing in its accountancy software and cloud-based technology solutions. It increased turnover from £1.61 million in 2015 to £2 million for its 2016 year-end in May.

The business added 300 clients to its portfolio as a result of a merger with Aberdeen-based Accord Tax & Accountancy in mid-2015. It now has more than 1,000 clients from Shetland to Southampton and has completed projects in the United States, Australia and the Middle East.

Impressionist and comedian Jon Culshaw was guest speaker at this year’s awards, which are regarded as the industry’s most prestigious accolades.