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Meet the Team:

Steve Foster

Steve Foster

Managing Principal

Shipleys LLP
5 Godalming Business Centre
Woolsack Way
Godalming, Surrey
GU7 1XW

Work and clients

Steve advises a diverse portfolio of clients ranging from ambitious start ups to public companies. His wide ranging experience includes sectors such as property, automotive, information technology and media. As well as attending to statutory compliance matters, Steve has considerable experience in business planning and strategy to help businesses achieve their objectives, whether to purchase a business, expand, enter new markets or formulate an effective exit strategy (including a sale). As Managing Principal of Shipleys, Steve leads the firm’s strategic direction and overall management. He also oversees the development of the firm's people and ensures our top-quality client service is maintained.

The route to Shipleys

Trained and qualified with Baker Tilly and then spent six years as director of finance of a London based media business. Returning to practice, he was appointed a partner of Pridie Brewster which subsequently merged with PKF in January 2007. Steve joined Shipleys LLP as a principal based in Godalming in January 2008. In November 2021 he became Managing Principal.

Memberships

Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants

Aim

"To help clients make and implement their plans."

Most entertaining deal or case

"Being introduced by a banker contact to a logistics business and having a feeling that I had met the proprietor somewhere before. He turned out to have lodged with my family at my house some years previously."

Proudest professional moments

"I am especially proud of my work on the private placement of a property development group which focuses on emerging markets. I led the project and saw it through to completion."

What I like about my job

"Helping create a good plan and staying involved to see it successfully implemented."

Interests outside work

Married with children, Steve lives in Guildford. He plays bass guitar in an indie rock band and is a keen runner who has successfully completed a number of marathons. He plays golf but claims his handicap is not playing often enough!

"Steve was instrumental in the two private placements which launched the original property business in 2005 and has been working with the Directors in a proactive manner since. His ability to work along side the auditors of the foreign subsidiaries and his no-nonsense approach to advice has proved valuable in ensuring the business has taken appropriate action in this difficult economic climate."

Chris Notham
Managing Director of Balkan Holdings, about Steve Foster

“Steve Foster has been very supportive over the years and offered invaluable advice and guidance with planning and strategy.”

David Greentree
Managing Director, Geobond UK
read case study

"Steve got involved in the business during a transitional period where the business was moving from manufacturing white label specialist electric goods to where it is today developing and selling internationally a range of cutting edge unique technology products. Apart from Statutory Compliance Steve has continued to regularly meet to help the business to grow with pro-active business and tax strategy advice."

Sonia Ranger
Financial Director of Powertraveller Limited