Founding partner of Manchester based accountancy firm retires after 53 years at the helm

Robert Frankl, a founding partner of Freedman Frankl Taylor (FFT) Chartered Accountants, is set to retire after 53 years at the firm.

After qualifying as an accountant in 1977, Robert helped to set up FFT in 1980, alongside two other partners.

Throughout his remarkable tenure, Robert has worked as an accountant, auditor and advisor to owner managed businesses of varying sizes and industries.

Ian Sluckis, Partner at FFT, said: “Robert has had an illustrious career in accounting and has shown a real dedication to his clients throughout his time at FFT.

“He is committed to the financial health of businesses and he delivers each insight with a practical communication style that is rare with corporate giants.”

However, Robert’s impact hasn’t been limited to the financial sector.

In a unique double career, at age 50, Robert completed a 19-week training program to become a Special Constable with the Metropolitan Police in London.

In 2004, he joined an elite economic crime unit, which leveraged the mathematical and investigative expertise of chartered accountants to combat financial crime.

Robert was able to balance his forensic and economic crime work with looking after 300 businesses – a feat that was as demanding as it was impressive.

During his time as a ‘financial bobby,’ Robert diligently woke up at 5.30 am on Sundays to ride his motorbike from Manchester to London and back in the same day.

Sam Bacall, director at FFT, joked: “Robert has certainly earned his retirement! He has spared no effort in challenging himself and going above and beyond to deliver extra value to not only clients, but also the British public.

“While we’re delighted he is taking some deserved time for himself, his civic minded attitude and extraordinary devotion to his work will certainly be missed around the office.”

Robert’s beloved motorbike has become integral to his personal brand. Clients wouldn’t be surprised to see him arrive at meetings in biking leathers rather than a traditional corporate uniform.

His gritty, no-nonsense work ethic is what has given FFT its signature northern charm, building accountancy services around human connection and down to earth communication.

Despite being an instrumental player at the firm, with a large reaching influence on his clients across Manchester, Robert’s ethos has passed down to current leadership.

Adam Caplan, Partner at FFT, said: “Robert has passed on his vast expertise and experience onto the current leadership team, so FFT’s quality services and affability remain intact.

“We are sad to see him leave after such a remarkable career, but the strong foundations set by his leadership have positioned FFT for ongoing success.”

Looking to the future, FFT remains steadfast in its commitment to providing personalised, sector focused expertise to its clients across Manchester.