A business advisory manager at a Kent firm has been named as the new president of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in the south east.

Samantha Mason, who works for business and financial advisers Kreston Reeves, was elected to the role. She operates from the firm's office at Sandwich's Discovery park.

She will lead the institute's engagement with the accountancy and business community across the south east, orchestrating and promoting a busy events programme of continued professional development, social events and business networking; providing the opportunity for members to contribute to central and local government policies.

In her day job, she has worked with Kreston Reeves since 2012, advising owner managed retail, hospitality, manufacturing and technology businesses. She is also involved in providing specialist support to new businesses.

She said: "This is a real privilege and honour to take this role. The Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales South East District Society represents over 180,000 accountants and students around the world and the south east membership is, outside of London, the largest in the UK.

"I am looking forward to working with my colleagues and the wider business community to make sure our voices have the opportunity to be heard whilst continuing to ensure the high standards of the profession are upheld and maintained."

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