7th July, 2021, Melanie Harriss
Well-known local painter and decorator, David King is putting down his brushes and retiring from his business after 53 years.
Throughout that time David has been a client of Stephenson Smart’s, who have supported him with his accounts and tax returns. Having such a long relationship with the firm has meant that David has been looked after by many, now retired partners including Morris Harcourt, Douglas Shinn and Keith Turner. Most recently he has been supported by manager, Neil Gayton alongside current partner, Claire Melton.
As well as Stephenson Smart helping David, David also undertook some decorating at their King’s Lynn site and can even remember passing by the office of one of the firm’s founders, Robert Stanley Smart on one of his very first jobs in 1968.
One of David’s other jobs in his early days was at Park House in Sandringham, which was then still the residence of a young Lady Diana Spencer.
The relationship between decorator and accountant also led to David’s son doing work experience with another retired partner, Peter Lofting. His son went on to train as an accountant and became a finance director of a large firm.
Neil said: “It has been a pleasure to work with David over the last few years. I wanted to mark his retirement, and the end of our working relationship, by presenting him with a hamper, as a token of appreciation for his custom all these years.”
David said: “I have always been looked after very, very well by the whole team. I got to know everyone in my time as a client and they have always been very helpful.
We thank Stephenson Smart for all their help and guidance over the last 53 years - always ready to answer any query with promptness, expertise and patience."
David is a keen supporter of Narborough Cricket Club and looks forward to spending his retirement with his wife, Hazel visiting their children in Essex and Gloucestershire, gardening, and getting away to Tenerife, when they can.
