The Colchester office of national accountancy and business advisory firm MHA, the UK member firm of Baker Tilly International, extend their growth strategy within the East Anglia region following a key promotion.

Steve Locke, having originally joined the firm as a school leaver in 2011 has been promoted to director within the office’s audit team.

Within his role he will support clients across a variety of sectors including, motor, manufacturing, professional services, not for profit and logistics, working closely with them to provide audit and assurance services.

Steve said: “Since joining MHA I have received incredible support, training and mentoring. I’ve been involved in a variety of firm wide initiatives and worked with some fascinating clients, including many household names. I have learnt so much and it has all helped my professional development.

“There are exciting plans for the firm’s growth within the East Anglia region and I’m delighted that my promotion to director is a part of that. I look forward to what the future holds.”

Steve’s journey has seen him progress from apprentice within the audit team, joining the East Anglia office when it had little more than 20 members of staff, to today being a director in an office of more than 50.  

Cara Miller, senior partner within MHA’s Colchester office, said: “Steve is a hugely valued member of the team who provides an incredible amount of support to his colleagues and a fantastic service to our clients. It is a real pleasure to work with him and to see his career thrive, as it deserves to. 

“Steve is the person you go to for pretty much anything and everything – every office needs a Steve! He is an inspiration and mentor to today’s apprentices as they embark on their careers with us.” 

The firm’s growth in this region has been astronomical since moving the East Anglia office from Chelmsford to Colchester in early 2022. Steve was heavily involved in the office relocation, which together with managing a team through the Covid pandemic, he describes as being significant growth experiences within his career.