50 years’ service at regional chartered accountants – an epic achievement.

A familiar face in the business community, Ros Hatton began her career at Forrester Boyd in 1972 as the office junior and has seen the practice grow into one of the region’s largest independent firms of chartered accountants.

“I have literally grown up with the firm,” she said. “I’ve worked with great people over the years and learnt so much.”

Her relationship with the South Saint Mary’s Gate office began as a young child when her mum, who owned electricians EA Hall Ltd on Wellowgate, took her to see her accountant.

Many years later when Forrester Boyd partner Trevor Bootyman popped into the shop and asked after Ros, her mum said she was looking for a job after finishing a secretarial course at Grimsby College of Technology.

She was interviewed the following week and accepted the £10 per week office junior role.

Subsequently, she was promoted and later became administration secretary and private secretary to the partners, a role she still performs. She took on a marketing role in the 1990s and is involved today in organising internal and external events.

“The role has evolved but has always had variety. I’ve never really thought about the number of years that I have been here. They have flown by,” said Ros.

“I would like to thank the partners for supporting and encouraging me over the years. I wouldn’t have changed anything.

“I’ve seen huge growth of the firm in terms of numbers of staff, services, acquisitions, and the building.

“The firm has always moved forward. The partners have been very progressive – and continue to be – but maintain those traditional values.”

The firm has had 62 partners since the partnership was created in 1935 and Ros has worked with all but five.

Outside of work, Ros is chair of the Grimsby Concert Society, which promotes a series of classical concerts at Grimsby Town Hall. She enjoys travelling, baking, photography and gardening.

Chairman of Forrester Boyd Mike Beckett thanked Ros for her loyalty and continued service.

“Ros has enjoyed an unparalleled career. It is a remarkable achievement to work for the same firm for 50 years,” he said.

“On behalf of the partners and staff, past and present, I’d like to say a huge thank you to Ros and pay tribute to her.

“She remains a loyal, committed and much valued member of our team and Forrester Boyd would have been much the poorer had she not accepted the office junior role when she was 17.”