Claire was born in the town and educated at Queen Elizabeth High School – leaving at 16 to train as an accountant and gaining her chartered qualification at age 22.
Previously working in private practice, she is now a partner in Clarand Accountants – a firm she set up in 2013 with business partner Claire Priestley and which has offices in Corbridge and Stocksfield.
Earlier this year, Clarand sponsored the Community Foundation Women’s Fund annual lunch in Newcastle and the firm supports a number of local good causes.
A self-confessed “huge foodie” Claire particularly enjoys working with restaurant, deli, café and pub clients. Although based in the North-East, Clarand has clients in a variety of sectors across the UK and overseas.
Chairman of the community partnership, David Ratcliff, said: “When our previous treasurer Ian Lauriston retired, we knew he would be a hard act to follow.
“But I’m delighted that we have managed to attract a new treasurer of Claire’s standing – who has both a love of the town and the professional skills we needed.
“These are exciting times for the partnership with a lot of work being done around governance, and new revenue streams from both grant applications and potential commercial activities.
“Claire’s experience will be vital in taking the organisation to the next stage.”
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