Rowan Sumner

‘Hands on’ sums up my approach perfectly. I take my clients’ interests very seriously and I am always on the lookout for things that will help them or their business. By developing a deep understanding of my clients, I become part of their management team and I am able to provide them with solid business advice and important moral support. I like coming into the office, not knowing what’s going to happen each day. I relish the opportunity of responding to my clients’ needs, as and when they arise, and I love the challenge and variety that this brings.

I like to think that I go the extra mile for my clients. I get involved in all issues associated with running a business – not just the numbers. I enjoy being a part of their success and I appreciate the opportunity that I have to be a part of their story. I always do what I can to help them get to the next level.

Throughout my career, I have always taken pleasure from working with ambitious, growing businesses. I now specialise in providing strategic advice on a wide range of issues including: raising finance, shareholder disputes, company valuations, MBOs, business disposals and acquisitions.

A bit about my background
I started my career with Grant Thornton, where I qualified in 1976. I went on to become a Partner in an Independent firm before joining SB&P in 2002 to pursue specialist accounting work. I have been at SB&P for over 15 years, and in that time I have developed a particular interest in, and experience of, the property development and construction sectors.

What’s the most daring thing you’ve ever done?
A few years ago, I invested in a private company, which floated on the stock market. It was an experience that changed my life.

What’s the most exciting thing on your bucket list?
To see the Boxing Day Ashes test in Melbourne. I’ve been to the UK Ashes before and I am a big cricket fan, so to see a test match in Australia surrounded by 90,000 devoted fans would be incredible.

If you could have dinner with anyone, who would it be?
The former cricketer, and now commentator, David Lloyd aka ‘Bumble’. I used to watch and admire him when he played for Lancashire and England. I have heard him speak a few times and he is hilarious and down to earth so I know an evening with him would be very entertaining.