Abbie Fairhurst  - Trainee Accountant

Abbie started as a bookkeeper within a local construction company then swiftly moved on to Ashdown Hurrey as a trainee accountant.  She recently started her AAT Level 3 and hopes to continue to complete all her exams.

Abbie enjoys walking with her family and wants to start going back to swimming at the local swimming club.

Alisa Winters - Secretary

Alisa joined Ashdown Hurrey in July 2020 as a full-time secretary in the Bexhill office.  She provides all round administerial support.  Alisa is keen to provide all visitors with a warm welcome.

Outside the office Alisa loves to cook, listening to music, reading and enjoys walking.

Amy Ramsay - Trainee Accountant

Having worked in a busy doctor's surgery, dealing with reception, administration and practice finances, Amy took the decision to apply to Ashdown Hurrey to undertake professional training towards ACA.  Having undertaken study towards an Open Degree with the Open University studying business and finance modules, Amy is familiar with the work involved and sees the benefit of formal qualifications.

Amy likes to spend plenty of time out socialising with her friends with a bit of cooking and baking, which should make her very popular. 

Becky Reeve ACA - Senior

Becky first came to Ashdown Hurrey whilst undertaking her accounting degree at Canterbury Christ Church University with a year's placement during her course. The placement helps students to gain experience of working within a commercial environment, giving them the opportunity to see first-hand the work they would be completing if they were to pursue a career within accountancy. Becky achieved a first class honours degree as well as two prizes for high achievement in exams, before qualifying as a Chartered Accountant with Ashdown Hurrey in July 2022.

Becky is not the first of the current crop of Ashdown Hurrey employees to join the firm via this route, which speaks volumes for the training provided by the practice. We must be doing something right!

Outside work, Becky loves to bake! Initially a hobby, Becky’s baking is gradually making a name for itself. Becky has developed her own brand name and regularly attends local fairs and boot sales selling cakes. Becky also enjoys socialising with her friends and is partial to the odd European day trip. Paris is one of her favourite places to visit.

Ben Messetter - Trainee Accountant

Ben started at Ashdown Hurrey in 2021, working one day a week for work experience before joining full time after a year. He has almost finished his AAT Level 4 and hopes he can start his next exams soon after.

As a big Brighton supporter, Ben enjoys going to watch games as well as playing football with his mates. He also likes watching F1, however only when Max Verstappen isn’t winning.

Ben Sallows FCA - Associate

Ben first came to Ashdown Hurrey on work experience during his school days and must have found something he liked, as he returned as a trainee and achieved his ACA qualification in 1998.  His importance to the practice was formally recognised when he became an associate in 2007.  Ben has recently moved back to the Hastings office where he is managing the payroll section, and is also the Practice Manager ensuring that the internal Ashdown Hurrey systems are running as smoothly as possible.

Outside work, Ben participates in various sports.  This is now mainly limited to running and fitness training, but he also plays stoolball during the summer.  As a regular participant in the Hastings Half Marathon, Ben is one of those who has taken the opportunity of using this as a way of raising funds for St Michael's Hospice.  He is also the treasurer and trustee of a local charity.

Carl Addy ACA - Manager

Carl applied for a graduate trainee position as he came towards the end of his degree course and having been successful in both his application and his degree joined Ashdown Hurrey in August 2014.  

In December 2018, Carl became an ICAEW member after successfully completing all his exams and is now a Chartered Accountant.

Carl is a keen skier and likes to hit the slopes for his annual adrenaline fix.  To the bewilderment of his football-following work colleagues, he follows the fortunes of Chelsea FC, seeing them at Stamford Bridge when possible - clearly keen to avoid the misery of supporting one of the many less successful teams!

Carol Lobley - Accounts Assistant

Carol moved to Bexhill from Hastings after living and working in Croydon until January 2019.  She made sure to bring her two Chihuahuas with her and now enjoys walking them along the beach and prom everyday regardless of the weather. She visits her adult children as often as she can along with her granddaughter who is a very special little girl.

Charlotte Ham - Trainee Accountant

Charlotte joined the firm in 2021 after completing her 5 A-level equivalents in English, Maths, Chemistry, Human Biology and Biology while living in Western Australia. She is now studying to complete her AAT level 4 qualification before continuing onto her professional chartered examinations. Outside of work Charlotte loves to travel, socialise with friends and family and confesses to being a big book worm, so can often be found stuck into a good book.

Chris Barraclough - Trainee Accountant

Like a number of his colleagues, Chris first got to know Ashdown Hurrey whilst undertaking a work experience placement - in his case while he was at Bexhill Sixth Form College.  Having completed his A levels at college, he obtained a Business Economics and Finance degree from Loughborough University which included a year’s placement with a national charity in London.

Following university, Chris got experience in the FMCG industry (Fast Moving Consumer Goods) which will give a useful insight into business generally when working with clients and conducting audits.

Chris likes to go to the gym and attend music festivals.  He has an interest in cooking, although he admits with varying degrees of success.

Cindy Messetter - Accounts Assistant

Outside of the office, Cindy enjoys music and walking her dogs along Bexhill seafront when the sun is shining.

Daniel Oliver FCCA - Manager

Dan successfully completed his degree in 2012 and then joined the practice in the same year.  He completed his ACCA training and qualified as a Certified Accountant in 2018.  He now heads up his own section but is also an important member of the audit team.

Dan is sports enthusiast, particularly F1.  However, he is also prepared to get out of the armchair to do a bit of running and he has also recently taken up playing the occasional round of golf.

David Greenslade ACA - Manager

David joined the practice in May 2015 and later qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 2019 with first time exam passes.

David assists Mark Weeks-Pearson and Gemma Newstead with their portfolio of clients and particularly enjoys working closely with SME owner managed businesses.

With a university degree in Marketing, David also provides support to the Sales & Marketing committee.

Outside the office, David enjoys time with his small family and is an active participant in numerous sports. More recently he has challenged himself with the Hastings Half Marathon and “Tough Mudder” style events.

Ellie McDonald - Trainee Accountant

Ellie joined Ashdown Hurrey in May 2022 after completing her A Levels in Maths, Economics and Philosophy. She is now studying towards gaining her AAT Level 3 qualification and looks forward to continuing her studies.

Being a social butterfly, Ellie enjoys spending time with friends and family, attending festivals and booking city-breaks around her studies with any spare time being spent in the gym.

Eliott Matthews - Trainee Accountant

Eliott joined the practice in December 2020 having graduated from the University of Portsmouth with a first-class honours degree in Accounting and Finance.  Eliott currently assists Carl Read with his portfolio of clients. His duties include preparatory work across a range of taxes, mentoring more junior staff and providing general advice to clients. Eliott is now midway through his ICAEW studies and hopes to become a Chartered accountant in the near future.

Eliott’s sporting activities include football and golf and he also follows Chelsea FC.

Gemma Dilworth - Accounts Assistant

Gemma has been known to the firm for some time through her work as a client bookkeeper, using accounting software packages.  With more time available to her the practice was pleased to be able to recruit Gemma to the team in a part time role in this important area.

Gemma lives in Rye with her husband and daughter and she enjoys trips to the cinema and country walks with the family.  Gemma describes herself as a cat lover and is working on being a mad cat lady!  For exercise Gemma likes to get out for a weekly run and when time permits she loves knitting and needlework.

Helen joined the practice as part of the 2016 intake of trainees, having completed her degree at the University of Gloucestershire in Cheltenham.  Helen first got to know Ashdown Hurrey during a work experience placement when she was still at school locally, so the firm was pleased to welcome her back when she completed her educational studies.  Helen achieved a first class honours degree in Accountancy & Financial Management, before qualifying as a Chartered Accountant in January 2022.

Outside work, Helen has a keen interest in sport, playing both cricket and netball to a good standard.  Having played age group cricket for Sussex Women, she now mainly plays in the men's leagues and was the first female cricketer to appear on the team's honours board as a result of her bowling prowess.

Holly Crosby ACCA - Senior

Holly began her career as an accountant straight from college in 2015 before joining Ashdown Hurrey at the end of 2019 when she was already well underway with her ACCA studies.  Holly successfully completed her exams in March 2022 and become a member of ACCA.

Having worked away from the area, she is happy to do without the commute and sees the benefit of working with a larger practice with a bigger range of clients.

Holly is keen to get involved in most forms of exercise, including plenty of walking and boxing and uses her outgoing nature to organise events with colleagues as part of her role on the firm's social committee.

Jake Cuff - Trainee Accountant

Jake first came to the firm for work experience whilst attending college. And after successfully completing A-Levels in Maths, Physics & Philosophy he decided to join the firm full-time as a trainee in September 2022. He is about to begin his studies in AAT Level 3 and aims to one day become Chartered.

Outside of work Jake spends his time at the gym, travelling and with family and friends. He also enjoys playing football and somewhat enjoys watching his favourite team Tottenham Hotspur.

James Jury ACA - Senior

James was recruited as a trainee in 2011, having previously completed his international baccalaureate.

James trained initially as an Accounting Technician (AAT) before qualifying as a Chartered Accountant in 2018.

Outside work, James plays cricket for Rye & Winchelsea and competes at rifle target shooting.

Jane Hilder - Senior Accounts Assistant

Jane has acted as a personal accounting assistant for more than twenty years when she worked at Williams and Co before the two firms merged. Jane tackles accounts production as well as running various payroll for clients. 

When away from the office, Jane plays netball in the Eastbourne and Hastings league, weekends are dominated by her granddaughter with any spare time available used for keeping fit by  walking or cycling.

Joanna Gore - Accounts Assistant

Jo originally joined Ashdown Hurrey in 2016 and spent her time within the payroll division.  Jo is now helping in other areas of the practice to expand her knowledge.

Outside of work, Jo has two children that are leaving behind their younger years and heading into teenage years, so is sure they will keep her occupied with their antics along the way, but she is also hoping it may free up time to rediscover older hobbies!

Josh Batkin MAAT - Trainee Accountant

Josh joined the practice in August 2021 after having worked in the industry for a few years.  He has recently completed his AAT qualification and has made a swift start onto his ACA.  Josh is working in Carl Read’s section building his knowledge and understanding.

Josh is a self confessed gym fanatic, who enjoys five meals before lunch!  He also enjoys playing football and golf and supports Arsenal FC.

Julie Peters - Accounts Assistant

Julie first joined the practice many years ago to fill in a few hours weekly whilst her family was young, having previously worked in a bank.  As her family has grown older, her hours have increased and she is now a full time member of staff.

Julie is a cricket enthusiast, which is just as well because her three, now grown up, sons play for Crowhurst Park Cricket Club, who she enjoys to watch most weekends during the summer.  During the odd moments of personal private time, Julie enjoys cross-stitch, knitting and crochet.

Kate Brett - Trainee Accountant

Kate studied maths at university and obtained a Diploma in Higher Education. Having spent nearly a year working as a bookkeeper and as a general administrator, Kate saw the benefit of studying for professional qualifications and joined Ashdown Hurrey as an ACA trainee.

Outside of work, Kate is an avid gardener but when the weather is less than favourable she loves to sew, knit and craft to her hearts content.

Kathryn Carter FCCA - Associate

Kathryn joined Ashdown Hurrey when she moved to Hastings and she completed her ACCA professional qualification with us.  Kathryn looks after her portfolio of clients and works in a team alongside Stuart.  Her role as an associate includes being involved with the firm's Professional Standards Committee.

Outside work, Kathryn is a keen horse rider and having grown up living on a farm in Kent, this gives her a chance to continue to enjoy the countryside and outdoor lifestyle.

Katie Bennett BFP ACA - Manager

Katie first got to know Ashdown Hurrey when she undertook a school work experience placement in the Bexhill office.  Having completed her degree, she applied for a trainee position and was pleased to be accepted as a graduate trainee.

In October 2020, Katie qualified as a Chartered Accountant and became a member of ICAEW having successfully completed her exams. 

Outside of the office Katie likes to socialise with friends and keep fit - enjoying long walks and home workouts.

Liz Furnell ACA - Senior

Liz was another trainee who first came to Ashdown Hurrey as part of an internship opportunity whilst she was at college before going on to university to undertake an accounting degree course.  Liz achieved a first class honours degree as well as two prizes for high achievement in exams.

Outside work, Liz enjoys keeping fit, particularly through walking and swimming, and enjoys cooking for friends and family.

Lorna Piper ACA - Senior

Lorna got to know Ashdown Hurrey and the work that the practice does both through her year ten work experience whilst she was at school and with a one year placement as part of her university degree.  Lorna achieved a first class honours degree in mathematical sciences at the University of Bath and won multiple awards whilst studying towards her Chartered status, qualifying in 2022.

Away from the office Lorna attends various fitness classes and enjoys reading and going to see live music in her spare time.

Louise Hutton FCCA - Associate

Louise joined the practice in 2010 shortly after completing her degree at Manchester Metropolitan University and went on to qualify as a Certified Accountant in March 2014.

Having worked with Paul and Tamsyn for many years, Louise is now growing her own client base whilst providing support for Tamsyn with her more substantial clients.  Louise's friendly and approachable manner has led her to heading up the Ashdown Hurrey Women in Business Lunch Club.

In her spare time, Louise is kept busy looking after her young son and spending time with her family and friends.

Louise Skilton MAAT - Manager

Louise was well known to the firm through her work as a client bookkeeper for a mutual client. Her responsibilities now include bookkeeping support across a range of software packages, assisting in the preparation of VAT returns, and providing general advice to clients.

In her spare time Louise likes to go on walks (usually near the sea) with her family and socialising with friends and family.  Louise is loving the Ashdown Hurrey Strava group which is encouraging her to walk more.

Mick Murduck TEP - Manager

Mick joined Hamilton & Wilton after leaving school and as one of the longest serving members of staff, saw the amalgamation of that practice with Ashdown Hurrey and has seen the profession go from hand-written ledgers to complex computer programs.  Mick has taken all the changes in his stride and his extensive knowledge and experience, particularly with regard to tax and trusts, makes him the first point of call with colleagues and clients looking for an explanation of many tricky problems.

Mick lives in Battle, where he maintains a keen interest in his garden. He continues to provide help and advice with his grown-up family’s DIY activities and, as a grandparent, his family takes centre stage.

Natalie Wordsworth FCCA - Associate

Natalie joined Ashdown Hurrey in 2003 and trained initially as an Accounting Technician (AAT) before qualifying as a Certified Accountant in 2010.

Natalie's main role within the practice is providing support to Carl Read on his portfolio of clients.  She also oversees the HR requirements and training matters for the Bexhill and Battle offices.

Away from work, Natalie's time is taken up mainly with her two children. She enjoys running and a spot of retail therapy.

Natasha Chambers FCCA - Manager

Tasha studied accountancy at A' level and having got a taste for the world of finance, joined Ashdown Hurrey in 2007 and progressed to qualify as a Certified Accountant in 2011. 

Tasha was promoted to manager in October 2023 and now supports directors Sam and Martin whilst also forming an integral part of the audit team.

Now married with two young children, Tasha enjoys the social side of life with her family and friends.

Nathan Adamson ACA - Senior Accountant

Having completed his A’ levels in Business Studies, Maths and Economics at Bexhill College, Nathan moved straight to Ashdown Hurrey with a view to following a training path to accountancy qualification.

Nathan enjoys playing football with local team and spending time with friends, family and his pet Springer Spaniel.

Oliver Leonard

Oliver joined the team having been introduced to us from Little Gate Farm. Oliver supports the digital record keeping team within the practice and is almost AAT qualified.  He is sociable and enjoys the company of others and works well in a team environment.

Oliver enjoys playing football for the 1066 Specials football team and also has a full UK driving licence. He is interested in music and loves to volunteer on the Conquest Hospital radio.

Rachel Gatcum - Trainee Accountant

Having completed her A levels, Rachel attended the University of Brighton where she completed a Business with Finance degree. 

Rachel works in the client section headed up by Carl Read and is building up her knowledge and experience within the accounting profession.

Rachel is a keen golfer when work and studying gives her a bit of free time.

Rhys Daniels - Trainee Accountant

Rhys’ interest in accountancy started in college where he completed his level 2 and level 3 AAT qualification as well as A-levels in Maths, Economics & Criminology.  He decided that going into a trainee role after college was where he would be able to gain the most valuable experience in the accountancy sector, this led to him joining Ashdown Hurrey in August of 2021.  Rhys is now studying towards AAT level 4 before continuing on to the professional ACA studies to become Chartered.

Outside of work Rhys enjoys socialising and playing football with his friends.  He also enjoys going to the gym in the week but quietly admits he prefers the sauna and steam room more.  He is also a proud Crystal Palace fan.

Sarah Playford FCCA - Associate

Sarah joined the firm in 2009, having become interested in accountancy when she started AAT training whilst working with another local business.  She completed her AAT qualification in 2010 and continued her studies to qualify as a Certified Accountant in 2014.

Having worked with Carl Read for many years, Sarah is now growing her own client base whilst supporting Rachel with her training and development.

Now a Mum of two, Sarah spends her time outside of work enjoying getting out and about with her family as well as helping her husband run the family business and renovating her home.

Simon Lawrence FCCA - Associate

Simon began training as a Certified Accountant during the 1990s and qualified in 2000.  Simon looks after a section of clients in addition to his role as a director of Ashdown Hurrey Auditors Ltd.

Simon lives in Battle and loves to get fully involved with the town’s activities, working on committees for the Christmas lights and Medieval Fayre.  Simon enjoys the challenge of a long distance walk and has raised money for charities in this respect, even completing the Pevensey to Battle 1066 walk in full Saxon chainmail.  Simon is a keen cyclist, bell ringer and real ale enthusiast, with an interest in history, including that relating to his own family.

Stephen Greenfield ACCA - Associate

After finishing his degree at university, Stephen went straight into industry accounting and spent over five years gaining some valuable experience in the sector. He joined the practice in 2015 and progressed to qualify as a Certified Accountant in January 2019.

Stephen works closely with both Carl Read and Roy Jones.  Stephen is continuing to develop his own client base and enjoys the client contact this involves.

Stephen has three young daughters who keep him and his wife thoroughly entertained. In his spare time, he plays for a local football club and when not playing the beautiful game he tries to watch Brighton & Hove Albion as much as possible.  He is also the Secretary at a local football club.  His other interests include listening to music, walking and when time allows a fair bit of home cooking!

Steve Sampson BFP FCA FCIE DChA - Associate

In addition to overseeing his own portfolio of general clients, Steve is heavily involved in the practice’s charity and not-for-profit division, being both a Fellowship Member of the Association of Charitable Independent Examiners and holding the Diploma in Charity Accounting from ICAEW.  Steve originally trained as a Chartered Accountant with Hamilton & Wilton, who amalgamated with Ashdown Hurrey in 1991, so has many years of experience within the profession locally.

As well as working with charities in a professional capacity, Steve is, in a personal capacity, a trustee of a local charity and enjoys the hands-on experience this appointment gives him.  Steve has been a fan and season ticket holder with Brighton & Hove Albion for nearly fifty years, so is well used to dealing with sporting disappointments as well as occasional success!  Steve enjoys walking, particularly on the South Downs or Ashdown Forest, with any benefit this might have provided being offset by his enthusiasm for real ale.

Sue Crouch ATT (Fellow) TEP - Senior Manager

Sue runs the firm's Personal Tax Division and she has done so for many years.  Her clients value the friendly personal service she provides, where her genuine interest in the wellbeing of those concerned extends far beyond purely their financial needs.

Sue and her husband Chris are both animal lovers and enjoy spending time together and walking their dog.  They take great pleasure in their home and gardening.  Sue is a keen reader and supporter of the arts, she loves live music and is a frequent visitor to the De La Warr Pavilion.

Tom Curteis - Senior Accounts Assistant

Tom spent two years working for local business support group Let’s Do Business where he undertook a finance role.  Seeing the benefit of formal qualification, he began studying for AAT and was keen to develop his potential working in a professional office environment.  Since joining Ashdown Hurrey he has completed his AAT studies and works closely in Carl Read’s section with Steve Greenfield as part of the finance back-up provided to a major national client.

Tom is a keen sports follower, particularly Formula 1 and football, and following the fortunes of Chelsea FC at Stamford Bridge when he gets the opportunity.

Tony Bough FCA - Consultant

Tony was senior partner in the local practice, Hamilton & Wilton, which merged with Ashdown Hurrey more than twenty years ago.  Having served his time as a partner, his many years of experience are now tapped into through his current role as a consultant, with the firm benefitting from his great knowledge on taxation of individuals and trusts.

A Chartered Accountant, Tony has been awarded Honorary Life Membership of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales.

Tony remains a keen golfer and his other interests include DIY, walking, gardening and photography.

Tracey Ridley - Secretary

Tracey originally joined the practice as a full-time secretary/receptionist and her role evolved over the years and she now once again provides secretarial support and reception duties alongside Jools at the Hastings office.

Outside work, Tracey remains family focused and enjoys spending time with family and friends.