Meet the Team

Anthony Porter BA (Hons), FCA Principal

Anthony started training in 1985, passed his final exams in 1988 and became a Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants. He became a Fellow of the Institute in 1998 and is a Registered Auditor.
He joined Amherst & Shapland in 1998, and launched Amherst & Shapland (Taunton and Wiveliscombe) in 2011.

Away from the office, Anthony’s interests include bell ringing, classic cars and team quizzes. He is also an International Official for Modern Pentathlon.

Paul Gardner MAAT Client Manager

Paul has been with Amherst & Shapland since 1982. His leisure interests include cricket and rugby. He is captain of Stoke St. Mary Cricket Club and is a member of Taunton Rugby Club.

Paul is based in our Taunton office.

Simon Harris MACCA Client Manager

Simon has been with Amherst & Shapland since 2003. Away from the office, Simon’s interests include travelling abroad, sports and walking.

Simon is based in our Taunton office.

Rob Hookway Client Manager

Rob is based in our Taunton office. His 3 sons provide most of the entertainment outside of office hours. He follows cricket and local football including helping out with his son’s youth team. He also enjoys letting others beat him at snooker and golf!

Roger Willcox Client Manager

Roger is a long serving member of our team, having joined Amherst & Shapland in 1973. Roger’s interests and activities include taking part in local skittles and quiz teams and, somewhat further afield, skiing.

Roger is based at our Wiveliscombe office.

Robert Bailey Consultant

Robert has been employed since 1959 and now works on a consultancy basis reporting to our Wiveliscombe office. His interests away from work include golf, quiz league and gardening.

Julia Porter BA (Hons), MAAT Credit Controller

Julia joined Amherst & Shapland in 2007. Her activities and interests outside the office include showing pedigree Field Spaniels and has gained success at Crufts in recent years. She also enjoys coaching swimming and is a National Technical Officer for Modern Pentathlon.

Julia is based in our Taunton office.

Sarah Williams Office Manager

Sarah has been with Amherst & Shapland since 1980. Out of the office, Sarah’s interests include photography and travel.

Sarah is based in our Wiveliscombe office.

Joanne Castle Accounts Clerk

Joanne joined us in October 2018 and is studying for her AAT level 3. She loves taking her 2 pugs for long walks.