Rural accountant Old Mill is expanding its senior leadership team, with the promotion of Philip Kirkpatrick to Partner, cementing its commitment to top-quality service. The promotion marks Philip's celebration of a career that began with the firm almost 17 years ago, during which time he has grown into a leading voice within the specialist rural team.

Born and raised in Somerset and from a farming family with a beef background, Philip's connection to the countryside has always shaped his career. After graduating from the University of Exeter with a degree in mathematics, he joined Old Mill's Yeovil office in 2008 as a graduate trainee before moving to Exeter. Since then, he has qualified as both a Chartered Accountant and Chartered Tax Adviser and has built an outstanding reputation for working closely with farming clients across the region.

Philip has dedicated his career to supporting rural businesses, specialising in farm accounts, tax planning, succession, inheritance tax, and capital gains tax. His in-depth sector knowledge, strong client relationships and passion for agriculture have made him a key figure within the firm.

Reflecting on his promotion, Philip said: "I've been incredibly fortunate to have spent my whole career at Old Mill. The support and encouragement I've received here has been second to none, and I've had the opportunity to work alongside some truly inspirational people. Becoming a Partner is a proud moment, and I'm excited about what comes next."

Philip's promotion is not just a personal milestone - it also reflects his commitment to developing others. He is now mentoring several graduates within the rural team, helping them to follow in his footsteps and shaping the next generation of talent.

"Old Mill has always backed me, and I want to do the same for others," he said. "It's incredibly rewarding to help team members grow and thrive. Hopefully, some of them will be the firm's future Partners, too."