Meet the team

I have been in private practice for many years acting for a very wide range of businesses from limited companies, partnerships and sole traders.

Client retention has always been extremely important to me and this can only be achieved by giving a sound professional service.

I have been a sole practitioner for much of my career but in the last decade or, so I teamed up with my colleagues Colin Pocknell and John Holliday. Working alongside Pocknells as an associate has been invaluable to all concerned.

In this ever quickly changing legislative world, to be connected with a larger practice is essential.

Outside of work I enjoy playing tennis and squash.

steve.albery@pocknells.co.uk

Having been at my previous firm for 16 years, it was time for a new challenge and discovered the Pocknells team. 

I have experience with clients of varying sizes in numerous sectors, from construction, manufacturing and FCA regulated financial services. I have planned and managed audits on multimillion pound turnover clients and trained junior team members whilst working at clients’ premises, teaching them audit concepts and principles.

I have experience with numerous accounting packages including cloud based and have previously been Xero Certified and Free Agent accredited.

In my spare time I enjoy long walks whilst listening to podcasts and travelling the world. My favourite holiday to date has been a three week tour of New Zealand in a campervan with friends – especially the 16,500 foot sky dive over Abel Tasman National Park and hiking up the Franz Josef Glacier.

stuart.arthur@pocknells.co.uk Book a meeting

After spending 13 years in my pervious role as a senior management accountant, during which I achieved my AAT qualification and became certified in both Syft and Xero, I made the transition to Pocknells in June 2023. Pocknells is a great company to work for, with a fun and dynamic team and a modern environment.

In my current role is team leader of the bookkeeping department where my responsibilities extend to the production of management accounts for a wide array of our clients.

Having lived in Maldon for most of my life, I’ve had the opportunity to witness the transformation of Pocknells new office in The Old Police Station. Additionally, I’m a proud parent of two children who I love spending weekends with, exploring various activities and experiences. I am a very social person, I have great group of friends, we are always going to different places and going on holidays together!

I joined Pocknells in 1997, and during my more than 20 years with the company, I’ve witnessed its growth and adaptation through ever-changing economic climates. It’s been a rewarding journey, especially working with clients whose loyalty spans generations. 

My role at Pocknells is diverse, as I collaborate with clients in the construction, professional services, and media sectors. Additionally, I serve as the training manager for the firm’s apprentices, maintaining communication with local colleges and training providers to monitor their progress and offer support.

When I’m not spending time with my children, I have a passion for cooking and take pride in preparing a delicious spicy curry. I’m also a music enthusiast with an extensive record collection.

daniel.baxter@pocknells.co.uk

I am fully AAT qualified and currently working towards my ACCA qualification.

In my current role, I handle various financial tasks, including bookkeeping, VAT returns, tax returns, and limited company accounts for a diverse client base. I also assist with CIS returns, and I’ve had the opportunity to gain experience in preparing financial statements for both sole traders and limited companies. The support and guidance from my colleagues have been invaluable in my professional development, and there are ample opportunities for further advancement.

In my free time, I’m an avid Arsenal fan, and I enjoy watching football whenever I can, I’m also have a strong passion for exploring a wide variety of music in my leisure time.

michael.bedier@pocknells.co.uk

My role at Pocknells is accounts and finance assistant, and I joined the team in September 2023 after doing work experience throughout 2022. I’ve just kicked off my Level 2 AAT course, and I really enjoy my role here, helping with whatever tasks come my way.

In my free time, I’m a big music enthusiast, constantly exploring new releases and going to concerts with friends. I also have a passion for fashion and styling, always on the lookout for stylish options without breaking the bank!

I am currently pursuing my Level 4 AAT qualification and have future plans to study for ACCA. In my current role, I am involved in bookkeeping, VAT returns, and assisting in the preparation of accounts for both Limited Companies and Sole Traders. I’ve found the team to be incredibly supportive, providing ample opportunities for my professional development.

Outside of work, I’m a dedicated gym-goer, and on weekends, I often travel to Manchester as a proud season ticket holder for Manchester United. I enjoy travelling, as I’ve explored destinations around the world, from Singapore to the USA. I hope to continue this passion and further explore the globe in the future.

jake.boylan@pocknells.co.uk

I’ve been working at Pocknells since August 2024 and have found the working environment so refreshing. The team are very welcoming and put me at ease straight away. Pocknells is a company who care about their staff and their development as well as striving to be the best in its industry and this is a big reason why I enjoy working here.

I am the Practice Manager of Pocknells and no two days are the same! I work closely with the business owner and Operations Manager to ensure the business runs smoothly and staff and clients are looked after.

I have two young children who I love to spend quality time with going to parks, playing games or just dancing around the kitchen. When I occasionally get some time to myself I enjoy catching up with friends and having a hot cup of coffee!

I joined Pocknells in September 2024 and straight away I felt very comfortable. Everyone is so welcoming and friendly and I feel like I have worked here years.

I’m looking forward to furthering my knowledge and skill in my new payroll administrator role, which will then help me grow more confident in every area of Payroll.

A lot of my spare time is taken up by my two boys. Entertaining them with woodland adventures and running away from every T-Rex we find. When I do find a moment, I love catching up with close friends over dinner and drinks.

I joined Hern & Company in April 2011, transferring to Hern Pocknells as part of the merger in June 2022. As a double ACCA prize winner with international experience, I enjoy the challenge of delivering a service to the exacting standards demanded of the profession, and working in the wider Pocknells network gives me an opportunity to share my own expertise and make use of that of my colleagues.

My role is in general practice, preparing financial statements, planning and performing audits, and maintaining records for clients, including full accounting ledgers and VAT returns.

Outside of work, I am a goalkeeper for Old Southendian Hockey Club and perform a voluntary role with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (as an auditor!). I am also a member of the Benfleet Boardgames Club, which is great for maintaining my mental faculties (if you rate Monopoly at 2 out of ten for complexity, most of our games are between 8 and 10!)

roderic.buttimore@pocknells.co.uk

I have an Accounting and Finance degree and joined Pocknells straight out of university. I joined the team as an accounts apprentice, and I am working towards becoming ACCA qualified.

I joined the team here during the coronavirus lockdown, and despite this, the people here at Pocknells all made me feel welcome and part of the team straight away. It is simply a great place to work.

I have been exposed to many different aspects of accounting including bookkeeping, accounts preparation, tax returns, and audit. I continue to learn different things every day, which will allow me to build a strong career in accounting.

I enjoy reading in my spare time (anything fiction, really) and aim to read around a book a week. Sometimes I get to attend book tour events, which allows me to learn even more about my favourite books (and receive signed copies!). I also like to bake, especially during Christmas.

melissa.caitlan@pocknells.co.uk

IAs the Practice Manager at Pocknells, I bring extensive experience in office management. My commitment lies in fostering a positive and productive work environment.

In my role, I oversee the day-to-day office operations, manage budgets, and am dedicated to creating opportunities for growth and development within our team and the business, among other responsibilities.

Outside of work, I find joy in spending time with my dogs, taking them for frequent walks, and relishing moments in the countryside.

I come with a background in administrative work, having previously held roles in this field. At Pocknells, I’m excited about the future and eager to embrace more opportunities for personal and professional growth.

In my current role at Pocknells, I assist in various administrative tasks and am always ready to support clients with their questions and concerns.

Outside of work, my life is quite busy, as I have four children ranging in age from 2 to 16. Needless to say, I stay occupied ensuring they are entertained! When I do find some time for myself, I enjoy indulging in a bit of retail therapy.

I joined Pocknells in 2022, and from day one, I felt like an integral part of the team. I love that the company encourages growth through numerous opportunities to learn and tackle new challenges.

As a Marketing Assistant, I am responsible for creating great customer experiences. My duties include creating, engaging social media content, planning brand promotion strategies for events, and overall promoting Pocknells’ visibility to reach a broader audience and strengthen our presence.

In my spare time, I enjoy exploring new destinations, when I’m not on the go, I sell second-hand designer items. It is a passion of mine that I hope to turn into a successful business one day which will allow me to travel to even more places.

I joined Pocknells in 2015 and since then I have completed both AAT and ACCA qualifications. 

My work includes a range of different roles from VAT returns, monthly management reporting to finalisation of sole traders and limited company accounts for my clients.

I am a Certified Xero User and help other staff members and clients in using this software.

Pocknells is very client focused and we always go the extra mile for our clients and make sure they receive a great service. Client satisfaction is very rewarding.

We have a strong team and it makes working at Pocknells very enjoyable. We have enjoyed several team outings including visiting one of our client’s wake boarding parks. We all had a go at wake boarding on a 12 person stand up paddle board!

I enjoy travelling, exploring different places and taking my dog, Rocco, for walks.

maisie.emans@pocknells.co.uk Book a meeting

I joined Pocknells with a background in legal secretarial work and bookkeeping. While working as a bookkeeper for a farming company, I discovered my passion for the field and decided to further my expertise by studying for my AAT qualifications.

At Pocknells, I’m part of the bookkeeping team, helping clients manage their financial records with accuracy and efficiency. I enjoy the variety of the role and the opportunity to support businesses with their finances.

Outside of work, life keeps me busy with my two teenagers and my Labrador. I also enjoy weight training, long walks, and spending time with friends.

I’m currently in the process of completing my Level 4 AAT qualification and looking forward to furthering my learning journey. During my time at Sixth Form, I successfully obtained my Level 3 ATT qualification and completed most my work experience here at Pocknells. Before joining Pocknells, I trained as an Early Years Educator, honing my skills in communication, organization, and teamwork.

In my current role, I’ve had the privilege to work with clients from diverse industries, allowing me to expand my knowledge of bookkeeping and enhance my client communication skills.

Beyond the office, my interests lie in all things creative, from painting and sewing to a recent foray into clay sculpting.

I joined Pocknells in September 2024, and from day one, I’ve felt incredibly welcomed by the entire team. Everyone has been really supportive, always offering help when needed, which has made settling in easy. The variety of work I’ve been given keeps things interesting and has allowed me to grow and develop my skills from the get-go.

My role as an apprentice accounts assistant is to support the team with tasks like bookkeeping, preparing VAT returns, and assisting with client accounts. I’m gaining hands-on experience in various areas, helping to ensure I build my knowledge and skills in the industry.

In my spare time I like to listen to music and support the best club in London, Tottenham Hotspur. I like to go to the games and enjoy a day out with mates when there and hopefully always see us win.

I have always worked in a financial environment; my first job being at the Bank of England.

I then studied for my AAT qualification and have worked in in-house accounts departments for a number of local businesses. This has given me a greater understanding of how businesses work and the importance of the financial side of any successful business.

My role at Pocknells is to keep everything running smoothly. I work to ensure our systems are constantly maintained and up-to-date and that our clients (and staff) are happy. It’s a friendly team so I enjoy my work.

Outside of work I have two very energetic dogs who keep me busy! To stay fit I enjoy jogging and have completed the Great North Run as well as the Coniston Run – both big achievements for me.

gill.hollamby@pocknells.co.uk

I first came to Segrave & Pocknell at the tender age of 18.

Whilst at that time I still had dreams of becoming the next David Beckham, after having a quick reality check I decided that Accountancy was the career for me. I was fortunate enough to be trained by Colin Pocknell and qualified in 2009. I became a Partner of the firm in 2011.

I am now the client partner and enjoy meeting with all our clients, discussing their needs and understanding their businesses’ ambitions.

On a day to day basis I am engaged by a variety of clients, the majority of which are owner managed businesses in sectors including construction, haulage and freight, manufacturing, healthcare, professional services and business support services. A varied and challenging cross section of work with no two days ever the same, life is certainly never boring.

I am on the committee of the local Chartered Institute of Tax and an active member of many local networking groups. 

When I have some spare time, I like to head to my local golf club and work on lowering my handicap! I also thoroughly enjoy a holiday (I guess the clue is in the surname) I think it is important to have a change of scenery and explore the world.

john.holliday@pocknells.co.uk Book a meeting

As payroll supervisor I oversee all our clients’ payroll preparation, delegating some of the work to junior staff.

I enjoy my work and it’s a good company to work for, with a friendly environment.

When I’m not at work I love spending time with my granddaughter and, as a keen knitter, often knit things for her. 

I like being out in the countryside and sometimes go canoeing. On a recent trip to Venice we went kayaking along many of the canals. One day I’d love to visit Alaska.

lorraine.holliday@pocknells.co.uk

I have been with Pocknells for five months and I love working here because of the lovely, bubbly and supportive team environment. Speaking with clients is one of my favourite parts of the job and Pocknells has given me the opportunity to freely be the chatterbox that I am!

As an Admin Assistant, I provide essential support to our team, ensuring smooth operations and effective client communication.

In my spare time, I love spending time with my loved ones. I enjoy reading various genres, studying medieval history and of course, visiting castles!

I became a part of the Pocknells team in 2021, which has allowed me to enhance my skills in customer service and relations, particularly after completing my Level 3 business admin qualifications.

In my present position, I have a key role in maintaining the smooth and efficient functioning of our office admin. This entails overseeing a wide range of administrative responsibilities, form scheduling appointments to managing correspondence and ensuring our clients’ well-being of our clients.

Beyond the office, I have a distinctive hobby – I keep snakes! My passion for caring for these creatures has flourished over the years, encompassing a wide variety of breeds. I thoroughly enjoy tending to them, leaning about different snake species, and I’m always up for an engaging chat about them.

sara.keeler@pocknells.co.uk

I joined the Pocknells team in May 2024 and have greatly appreciated the friendly, supportive environment and the diverse range of work. My role as Accounts Manager involves building and managing a portfolio of clients across various industries. I am responsible for preparing tax returns, accounts, corporation tax and VAT, as well as reviewing work.

I find fulfilment in seeing each job through to completion, which helps foster close relationships with our clients and deepens my understanding of their businesses.

Outside of work, I enjoy exploring new places with family, from nearby forests and rivers to safaris and mountains in South Africa. I enjoy baking cakes and giving myself a different challenge in how to decorate each one, often resulting in the kitchen being covered in icing sugar.

allyson.knipe@pocknells.co.uk

I joined Pocknells in 2021 after dedicating 8 years to my previous role at an FCA-regulated lending firm. During my two maternity leaves, I pursued the AAT qualifications and subsequently brought my enhanced skills to Pocknells. I am currently studying for my ACCA qualification to become a chartered accountant.

In my current role at Pocknells, I handle a wide range of responsibilities, including bookkeeping, VAT returns, accounts preparation, accountancy software training, tax returns, and monthly management reporting.

Outside of work, I enjoy traveling with my family and children, and I maintain a healthy lifestyle through a mix of cardio and weight training.

danielle.moss@pocknells.co.uk

I recently joined Pocknells as their Tax Director having spent a several years at a 3 different Top 30 Accountancy firms as well as a number of years heading up a regional practice.

I specialise in Property Development & Investment, SDLT planning, Share Options, Business Disposals and HNWI Estate and Inheritance Tax Planning. I look after, successful entrepreneurs, family run businesses, property developers and property investors.

Soon to be approaching 30 years of experience, I take a pragmatic approach to helping individuals and companies navigate the tax landscape and the options available to them and work alongside them to enable them to flourish in their chosen field. Along with the rest of the team here at Pocknells, I take great satisfaction in collaborating with my colleagues to help and assist our clients.

Outside of the office, I am a father of 3, a qualified girl’s team football coach, a wannabe Jamie Oliver and a music geek, so spend most of my time next to a speaker, either in the kitchen, or standing in front of my BBQ.

jason.munro@pocknells.co.uk

Having worked in marketing across multiple industries since 2016, I joined Pocknells just before Christmas 2024.

Trying to promote Pocknells as Essex’s leading accountants, I love combining creativity and data to inform and shape campaigns that will both help our existing clients and attract new ones. It’s rewarding to know that I’m helping individuals by introducing them to a service that will make their lives that little bit easier, while saving them money.

Away from the office, I love spending time with my two young kids (despite them eternally leaving me exhausted!). Although time is a rare commodity, I’m also a huge football – and long-suffering West Ham – fan, as well as a keen golfer; two things that help me to relax and frustrate me in equal balance.

Having been a founding Partner of the Firm in 1989, I have watched it go from strength to strength.

Over the years I have acted for a wide variety of clients from multi-million-pound turnover construction clients to business start-ups. I enjoy getting to know our clients and understanding their business needs; working closely with them to ensure they achieve the best possible outcome for their business. 

Over the years it has been great to see so many referrals from our existing client base. It is the greatest compliment when someone introduces their friends or family and something that we do not take for granted.

I am the Responsible Individual for all audits undertaken by the firm and I am our ICAEW Compliance Officer.

In my spare time I enjoy gardening and I am also a keen fisherman. I enjoy sporting events, particularly football- supporting both Arsenal and Southend, however my most memorable event would have to be attending the 2012 London Olympics – an inspiring occasion.

colin.pocknell@pocknells.co.uk

Since I started at Pocknells, I’ve quickly become an integral part of the team. It’s an excellent place for learning, and I’ve had the opportunity to gain experience in various areas. I recently completed my Level 3 AAT qualification and am currently working towards my Level 4 qualification. 

In my current role at Pocknells, I handle bookkeeping and VAT returns for a diverse group of clients. The camaraderie and support from my colleagues have been key to my professional growth. It’s fulfilling to be part of a team that values mutual support and collaboration.

During my free time, I enjoy playing football and avidly supporting my favourite team, Aston Villa. Additionally, I make it a point to watch all the Formula 1 races during the season.

I joined Pocknells in 2007 and commenced my studies. In 2015, I successfully completed ACCA qualification, leading to my promotion to Partner at Pocknells in 2023.

I work with clients of varying sizes across diverse industries and trades. One of the most rewarding aspects of my role is building strong relationships with clients, witnessing their business growth, and providing them with valuable support for their accounting and taxation needs.

Another significant part of my role involves mentoring junior staff members, guiding them with their work and helping them with their studies as they pursue their professional exams.

During my free time, I relish the opportunity to watch football matches whenever I can and cherish moments spent with my family.

paul.shaylor@pocknells.co.uk Book a meeting

I’ve been a bookkeeper at Pocknells for over three years. In my role, I work closely with our clients to maintain their financial records and ensure compliance with accounting regulations. Before joining Pocknells, I had worked in various accounting roles across different industries for many years.

Outside of work, I’ve developed a new passion for gardening. When I’m not at the office, you’ll find me in my garden or greenhouse, tending to my green oasis. I also enjoy taking my sprocker, Dicksie, for long walks and exploring new places.

josie.vanner@pocknells.co.uk