The end of an era: Partners Andy Hancock and Nick Bairstow celebrate their retirement
23 April 2026
After decades of dedication, leadership and no small amount of good humour, Moore East Midlands is saying a fond (and slightly emotional) goodbye to two long-standing partners as Andy Hancock and Nick Bairstow retire from the firm at the end of April.
Between them, Nick and Andy have played a huge part in shaping the firm we know today – significantly growing the business while never losing sight of what really matters: delivering a first‑class client experience, developing a brilliant team of people, and making the firm a genuinely lovely and fun place to work.
From trainees to trusted leaders
Andy joined Peterborough-based accountants, CFW (which later merged with Moore) back in September 1988 as a trainee, becoming a partner in 2003. Over his almost 40-year career, he’s looked after a large portfolio of clients, building trusted relationships that span generations of businesses and families.
Nick joined the firm in July 1991 as a graduate trainee and, like Andy, has also spent his whole career with Moore, becoming a partner in 1999. He too has supported a wide range of clients, guiding businesses at every stage of their journey from inception to sale.
Leading the firm together
Andy served as the firm’s Joint Managing Partner from 2015 to 2022, with Nick serving alongside him as Joint Managing Partner from 2018 to 2022. Together, Nick and Andy led the firm through a period of significant growth – including one of the most challenging times in recent history.
Reflecting on his career, Andy said: “Being able to help people, both clients and the incredible staff we’ve had at the firm, has been the most rewarding part of my career, without a doubt.”
Nick agreed: “We’ve both been very privileged to be able to work with businesses from their inception and to see them grow over the years and become incredibly successful. It’s been fantastic to see clients I’ve worked with since they started out get to the point where they sell their business, and to see the difference that’s made to their lives.”
Navigating the challenges
Their time as Managing Partners included navigating the firm through Covid, something both reflect on with honesty.
Andy reflected: “It’s not all been plain sailing, there have been challenging times too. We were the firm’s Managing Partners during Covid and that was a very difficult time. You suddenly become aware of your responsibilities of employing so many people.”
Nick continued: “It was a very interesting, rewarding time eventually, but certainly, when it started out it was very, very scary. It made me appreciate the brilliant team we’ve got around us, and so I just know the firm is going to continue to flourish without us!”
A lasting legacy
Current Joint Managing Partners, April Foster and Mohamed Mavani said:
“Nick and Andy have both had an incredible impact on the firm and have been a pivotal part of its success. It really won’t be the same without them – it truly feels like the end of an era. That said, they’ve built a great business and laid the foundations for an even more successful future. We wish them both all the very best in their retirements – they will be hugely missed.
We’d like to thank them for everything they’ve given to the firm, our clients and our people over so many years. We wish them a long, happy and well‑earned retirement. We’ll keep in touch – and we look forward to still hearing their wisdom and stories for years to come.”