Reeves accounting firm is set for a board reshuffle next year after managing partner Clive Stevens announced he is stepping down after 18 years in the role.

Mr Stevens will continue as a full time partner at the business, which has offices in Canterbury and Chatham, as well as London and Gatwick.

The company has quadrupled in size since Mr Stevens took over as managing partner in 1995, employing 250 people and bringing in a fee income of more than £20 million.

He will take on the role of executive chairman from January 1 as David Ashman steps down from that role.

Mr Stevens will continue to represent the firm internationally as a board director at Kreston International, the firm’s global accounting network. He will also represent the profession as a council member for the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.

Under Mr Stevens’ tenure, Reeves has won multiple awards for client service, including KEiBA Large Business of the Year in 2011 and M&A Accountancy Firm of the Year for 2013 last month.

Nigel Fright will become managing partner of Reeves from January 1, while Andrew Griggs will become a senior partner focussing on client services.

Mr Stevens said: “I am particularly proud that we were shortlisted in the Sunday Times Employer of the Year in 2013 as ‘One to Watch’ – our people are at the heart of all we do.

“I am delighted to have Nigel and Andrew succeed to my current role and for them to be able to take the firm forward at a time of considerable change for the profession as a whole.

“They are both extremely talented individuals and I know they will be able to head the firm and lead it to even greater success over the next few years.

“On behalf of the partners I would like to thank David for all his work for the partnership as chairman and for his wise counsel over many years – his contribution to the firm has been significant”.

Mr Fright said: “Reeves has achieved so much over the last few years. The team of myself and Andrew, with the continuing benefit of Clive’s counsel, will be able to take the firm forward to even greater successes in the future.”