The year was 1986, and Neil Donaldson and Gary Leech decided to quit their jobs and start an accounting firm. It was a small firm in Ashburton; they could count the entire team on one hand. And from the start, it felt like a family. They’d make decisions over morning tea and enjoyed beers together on Fridays. They focused on building strong relationships with their dozens of clients. Now Leech & Partners has two offices, over 500 clients, and over 50 staff.
Becoming a Partner in 1988, Neil has long played a key leadership role in the firm. Neil spearheaded the purchase of Perpetual Trust’s book of accounts in Christchurch and later Ashburton, which significantly lifted the client base and enabled the firm to expand from three partners to five and entrenched the establishment of the Christchurch office in 2001.
Neil wanted to ensure that the dedication to client relationships remained as the firm grew. Part of this was taking the management team on an “Accountants Boot Camp”, where the team delved deep into understanding clients, their needs, and how to establish quality relationships. “We were committed to building great relationships, even down to the little things like how we answer the phone. We created 10 commandments as a team that detailed what we wanted to achieve and what we value as a firm.”
While feeling proud of his accomplishments, Neil highlighted the team’s role in the firm’s success. “None of this would have happened without our loyal, talented team. It’s a family here at Leech & Partners, and we all work together towards that central goal of looking after our clients,” Neil explains.
With over 40 years in the industry, there’s no doubt Neil is an expert in business development, personal finance advisory, taxation, GST, and management accounting. He has been a trusted advisor, leader, and friend to his clients and coworkers. Now, Neil is stepping away from his role as a Director, though he continues as a Partner of the firm. He is now working four days a week and aims to reduce to three days next year. Neil is working closely with Andrew Puklowski, Jonathan Hyde, and a number of others in the firm. He is handing over his knowledge on his clients and is confident his clients will be in great hands moving forward.
What will Neil do with his extra time? Pursue his lifelong passion for being outdoors through mountain biking, water skiing, snow skiing, and spending quality time with his family.
Whilst Neil is not departing the office yet, the Leech & Partners team would like to sincerely thank Neil for his years of dedicated service and hard work, which have been critical in making the firm the success it is today.
