Staff & Community News
Staff News
Welcome –
As our practice continues to expand, we are delighted to welcome several new colleagues to our team. Each brings a wealth of knowledge, fresh expertise, and genuine enthusiasm to our offices.
David Johnstone joined us as Chief Technology Officer in March with John Lindsay and Rory Harrison joining our Wealth Team as Trainee IFAs in April.
In July Nicola Shirreff returned to our Account’s Team and we welcomed Andy Blyth as Group Financial Controller.
Au Revior –
Dominic Alkin retired from our Tax Team in April; we wish him a long and happy retirement.
Well Done –
Congratulations to Denise Gillespie, James Patterson and Graeme Hyland who have all celebrated 20 years of service recently.
Community News
At GWA, we are proud to play an active role in the communities that make Berwick upon-Tweed, North Northumberland and the Scottish Borders such special places to live and work. Supporting local events, organisations and initiatives is an important part of who we are, and the past few months have been particularly busy.
One of our recent community commitments has been the renewal of our support for two of the public benches on Berwick’s historic Elizabethan Walls. Through a new 10-year agreement with Berwick Town Council, we are helping to ensure these much-loved benches remain maintained and available for residents and visitors to enjoy for years to come.
Throughout the spring and summer, our team has also been delighted to support a variety of local events that celebrate the region’s rich agricultural, sporting and cultural heritage. In April, we were proud sponsors of the Berwick RFC Rugby 7s tournament, a fantastic event that brings together players and supporters from across the area.
June saw our continued support for Northumberland Young Farmers, including both the Northumberland Young Farmers County Rally 2026 and the Northern Area Field Day. These events showcase the enthusiasm, talent and dedication of young people involved in the farming community and reflect the strong agricultural roots of our region.
We were also pleased to support several long-standing local traditions and competitions, including the Berwick Riding of the Bounds and the Border Crop and Grassland Competition, both of which celebrate the area’s history, farming excellence and community spirit.
In July, we supported the Horncliffe Beer and Music Festival, a popular community event bringing people together to enjoy local hospitality, live entertainment and a vibrant village atmosphere.
Adding to the calendar of local celebrations, GWA proudly supported the 80th Tweed Salmon Queen Festival, marking an important milestone for one of Berwick’s most cherished annual events.
As a business rooted in the region, we value every opportunity to support the organisations, volunteers and community groups that help our area thrive. We look forward to continuing these partnerships and contributing to the success of local events and initiatives in the months ahead.
Staff Community Outreach Initiative –
Through this we have supported:
• C4G, Berwick – Kerry Fairley
• Berwick Town Football Club – Mitchell Tait
• Lanark Lodge – Cara Hogg
• Tillside Cricket Club – Sarah Mulvey & Gayle Skelly
• Glendale Curling Club – Andrew Dixon
• Duns Football Club – Steven Burns
