David Thursfield, a partner at Birmingham chartered accountancy firm JW Hinks, has retired from his position and taken up a new role as a part-time consultant.

Mr Thursfield has stepped down from his position as partner at the Edgbaston-based firm after almost three decades working for the practice.

He joined JW Hinks in 1988 as an audit manager, having previously worked at two other Birmingham practices.

Soon after joining he became a salaried partner before eventually moving on to become the practice assurance partner and audit compliance partner, making him responsible for the management of the firm’s practice assurance and audit quality.

Reflecting on his time at the firm he said: “I have had some wonderful experiences at JW Hinks and met some wonderful people during my time here.

“The firm has changed significantly in recent years and technology has had a massive impact on JW Hinks.

“As a firm we have continually remained at the forefront of innovation in the industry. This has been a tremendous advantage to the firm, which has allowed it to grow significantly during my time here.”

Mr Thursfield will continue to work as a part-time consultant, but hopes the new role will allow him to indulge his passion for surfing and tennis and enable him to fulfil his ambition of ‘finally learning to play the guitar properly’.

Neal Aston, managing partner at JW Hinks, said: “David has been instrumental in the success of JW Hinks during his time at the firm and while he is not leaving us altogether, his daily inputs to the practice will be sorely missed.

“We look forward to continuing to work with him as a consultant and we hope he is able to enjoy his additional free time.”