WORCESTERSHIRE accountancy practice Ormerod Rutter has appointed an experienced tax professional to bolster its private client offering.

David Gillies has taken on the role of private client director with responsibility for ten tax department staff at the firm’s head office in Droitwich Spa.

Mr Gillies has operated in the sector for more than 25 years. His career began in 1987 with HMRC – then known as the Inland Revenue – before he made the move into private practice with accountancy giants Ernst and Young and PricewaterhouseCoopers.

“During that time, I focused on private client tax, including inheritance tax, estate planning, trusts and capital gains tax,” he said. “I also developed a specialism in residence and domicile tax planning and helping clients with property portfolios.”

Gibraltar-born Mr Gillies, who for the past seven years has been based at small private practices in Buckinghamshire, admits: “After working for ‘big four’ firms, I now enjoy building close relationships with clients, who regard us as friends and as someone on their side.”

Ormerod Rutter senior partner Garry Rutter said: “We’re delighted to welcome David to our team as his vast knowledge of tax planning will greatly benefit our clients.”