Reading: Chartered accountants celebrate 125 years of business

Vale & West is celebrating its foundation in 1894 as a chartered accountants’ practice – 125 years ago this month.

Always Reading-based, Vale & West is today a thriving independent accountancy partnership, spanning three centuries, two world wars, and one long proud heritage of proven professional service for its clients.

During Vale & West’s 125 years, among other activities of note, individuals within the firm have:

• been a Battle of Britain RAF night-pilot who flew with 'The Few' to save the nation;
• helped fend off a merger bid in 1983 that would have ended Reading FC;
• helped save Reading’s St Joseph’s Convent from closure in 1977, by re-establishing it as St Joseph’s College.

And the firm itself has: 

• grown and moved from the Victorian Era into the Digital Age
• changed from using multi-coloured inks in leather-bound ledgers, to working with digital technology for multinational clients. 
• established strong Thames Valley community, charity and professional links through its local staff.  

So what attributes have kept Vale & West successfully in business for 125 years?

“Our talented and long-serving staff, our strong associations within the local professional services community, plus our focus on high quality accountancy performance and customer service satisfaction,” stated managing partner Jason Pyke.

“We understand what today’s business and individual clients expect and deserve from members of their professional ‘support team.’  We tell it the way it is, provide solutions, and then get on with the work,”

“And we have been privileged to work in Reading at the heart of a major dynamic economic region – and alongside many innovative, vibrant and successful Thames Valley companies.

“We believe our diligent work and knowledgeable advice helps underpin the achievements of our clients – from embryonic start-up to the sale of a mature business, and beyond. 

“We are also proud of our own success as a growing owner-managed business, now digitally-equipped to resolve the 21st century challenges of our clients, while providing traditional service values based on our proven heritage.” 

And the firm’s future?

“Right away on joining Vale & West as a trainee in 1989 my ambition was to qualify as a Chartered Accountant and become a partner in the firm. Having achieved these goals, my ambition and drive continues – to help develop the business with my colleagues to its full potential as a leading independent firm,” explained Pyke.

“We are looking to grow the practice but will retain our core values of close, knowledgeable and committed client support – the keys to our continuing success,” he added.

Vale & West staff gather for their special anniversary evening reception attended by invited clients and guests at the Cellar Rooms of The Three Guineas in central Reading.