Two ‘rugby chums’ who grew their will writing and financial services business into a multidisciplinary adviser support network are handing over the reins after over 20 years.
Countrywide Tax and Trust Corporation was set up in 2003 by Clive Ponder and Bob Massey having spotted a gap in the market for an estate planning solution that married financial planning and will writing – their respective areas of expertise. They have grown the business into a full service professional services firm, covering accountancy, tax, trusts, private wealth and an SRA regulated law firm. The firm’s proprietary Legacy software remains at the core of its operations. Countrywide Tax and Trust Corporation rebranded to CTT Group in March 2022.
The two founders have appointed Andrew Houston as Managing Director of CTT Group, effective from 1st May 2024. Houston joined the business in 2019 with extensive experience in the wealth management sector most recently as Head of Barclays Wealth Management and is a fellow of the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI) and former professional rugby player and coach.
“I am deeply honoured to step into this role and continue the incredible work that Bob and Clive have started,” says Andrew. “I feel immense pride in our dedicated CTT staff and am excited to lead us into a future of innovation and growth, all while maintaining the high standards that make our team exceptional”
As I step into the role of Managing Director, I am excited to lead CTT Group into its next chapter. My plans include maintaining CTT’s reputation for bringing both technological innovation as well as technical estate planning innovations to the sector. I am committed to working closely with our talented teams to enhance the services we provide to the professional adviser community, and set the standard for excellence in the industry.”
says Houston on his appointment. Co-founder Clive Ponder added
“We are thrilled to announce this significant development in the leadership of CTT. After careful consideration and extensive evaluation, we are pleased to be handing over the reins to Andrew, who’s demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities and a deep understanding of the private client industry throughout his career. Andrew’s strategic vision, combined with his proven track record of driving growth and fostering innovation, make him the ideal candidate to lead CTT into its next phase of development,”
Concluding
“As founding directors, we have full confidence in Andrew’s ability to steer CTT towards continued success and our clients towards sustained future growth. His dedication to excellence, commitment to our core values, and passion for serving our clients and partners make him a natural fit for this position.With his guidance, we are confident that CTT will continue to deliver outstanding results and exceed expectations.”
CTT Group appointed Jonathan Maskew as Director of Partnerships in November 2023. Maskew joined with extensive experience across legal services at well known regional and national firms including Simpson Millar and Taylor Rose MW.
Clive Ponder joined host David Opie on the Today’s Wills and Probate podcast in June 2023 to celebrate 20 years of innovation. Listen in to the discussion which covers Ponder’s journey from miner to running one of the largest estate planning businesses in the country.
