This year marks a significant milestone for accountancy practice Hamilton Taggart Business Advisors, with the celebration of their 70th anniversary and the retirement of Managing Director, Ross Taggart.
Ross has been at the helm of the business for 43 years and has worked as the Managing Director since 1990 after taking over from his father.
“I’ve had the privilege to work and learn alongside a talented team and many great business clients,” Ross said.
“It’s always been important to me that my team share the same values, goals and passion for helping our clients to thrive, and I couldn’t have asked for a better group than those who work at Hamilton Taggart.”
Ross leaves the business in the hands of his fellow Managing Director, Melanie Hamilton who has worked with Hamilton Taggart for the past 20 years.
“I have mentored Melanie throughout each stage of her career development and together we have grown the business to where it is today,” Ross said.
“Melanie is a Fellow of CPA Australia and is an inspirational leader that has made a remarkable impact on our community.
“I took this business over from my father and it’s a privilege to be able to pass it on to someone who has been here for so long and has such a deep knowledge of our systems, processes, and clients – someone who feels like family and can carry on these traditions,” Ross continued.
While Melanie is sad to see her colleague, mentor and friend go, she’s excited to usher in a new stage of the business.
“Ross has been an integral part of our business’s growth, and it seems only fitting for him to retire as we celebrate a huge milestone – our 70th anniversary,” Melanie said.
“Having been with the business for over two decades I’ve seen our team grow and become a group of amazing accountants and support staff who are focused on assisting our clients to create successful business ventures.
“We’re excited to see this continued growth trajectory and to work with the legacy Ross will leave behind,” Melanie said.
Ross leaves behind a remarkable foundation of values that are at the heart of Hamilton Taggart, which is shown further through the work he has done in the community.
He has been heavily involved with the Merewether Surf Club, holding the role of President for three years as of 2010, and was the Director of Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service for 12 years, as well as President of the Hunter Business Chamber (now Business Hunter) for two years and a Board Director for ten years.
Seven decades is a long time and a well earnt success for any business. During this time there’s been quite the evolution. Beginning as Alan Taggart Gibbs & Co in 1952 by Ross’ father Alan, and business partner David Gibbs, it was then changed to Alan Taggart & Co in 1988, followed by Taggart Partners in 2000.
As part of the succession plan, in April 2018 the business rebranded from Taggart Partners to Hamilton Taggart.
Despite looking forward to his retirement from the business, Ross looks back on his time fondly at Hamilton Taggart.
“I feel incredibly lucky to have found my ‘forever role’ at the start of my career and to have been able to stay with the one organisation, whilst still growing and learning about the industry I love.
“Farewells are always difficult, but my retirement has been made easier knowing our team of amazing accountants, bookkeepers and support staff are focused on assisting our clients to meet compliance requirements and to create, manage and grow successful business ventures,” Ross concluded.
