Career progress is rarely defined by a single achievement. More often, it is shaped by the accumulation of many moments over the years – from education and training, to consistent effort, professional growth, and the determination to embrace new challenges.
International Women’s Day provides an opportunity to recognise these achievements more intentionally. This year, we are celebrating the career milestones and personal accomplishments of three women from our Attleborough office, each at a different stage of their professional journey.
While their experiences differ, they share a commitment to growth, resilience, and maintaining high standards in their work – all while pursuing their personal interests and family life. Their stories highlight not only individual success, but also the collective progress and achievements of the women across our wider team.
Mary-Anne Sargeant, Partner
My academic journey began with a degree in History at the University of East Anglia, before I moved into accountancy training and qualified as an ACA. I later completed the CTA qualification, achieving first place nationally in my CTA examinations.
I joined M+A Partners in 2003 as a member of the Tax team, beginning what has become a 22-year (and counting) career with the firm. From the outset, I was determined to do the very best I could – both for myself and for the clients I have had the privilege of advising over the years. Although tax was a very different path from my original studies in history, hard work, commitment and a genuine enjoyment of the profession enabled me to embrace the opportunities for progression.
In 2006, I became the firm’s first female Partner – a significant milestone personally and professionally. In 2010, I took on responsibility for our Attleborough office, expanding our client base and building the dedicated team we have today. Over the years, we have established a strong regional presence, providing accounting and tax advice to businesses across south Norfolk and beyond. I am particularly proud of the personal service we offer – taking the time to work through the detail and more complex aspects of tax planning with our clients. Being approachable and accessible remains important to me, and I value the many diverse conversations I have each day.
Work, however, is only one part of what shapes me. Like many women, my life is a balance of professional responsibility, family and personal interests. I enjoy that balance, even if it can sometimes be demanding. In my forties, despite a longstanding fear of water, I learned to kayak and now compete in marathon kayak racing, representing Norwich Canoe Club. I also enjoy time with my British Bulldogs – a wonderfully stubborn and headstrong breed.
Whether overcoming professional challenges, personal fears or determined dogs, I am proud of the different elements that make up both who I am and my career.
Catherine Crisp, Accounts and Tax Senior Manager
My career in accountancy began to take shape early in my education. With guidance from a supportive careers department and some helpful software that aligned my strengths and interests with potential professions, accountancy quickly stood out as a natural choice. More than that, it simply felt like the right fit from the outset.
I went on to complete two weeks’ work experience at a local firm, something I thoroughly enjoyed and one that confirmed my ambition to enter the profession as soon as I was practically able.
I was offered the opportunity to join the firm straight after my GCSEs. However, with encouragement from my family and the view that A-levels would provide a stronger educational foundation – and useful flexibility should I ever change direction – I chose to remain in full-time education until I was 18. University did not feel like the right route for me, and once I completed my studies, I returned to the same firm to begin my professional journey.
From there, I began studying for my AAT qualification before progressing to ACA, qualifying in 2008. A year later, I was entrusted with my own portfolio of clients, a significant milestone. At that stage in my career, one of the challenges was working within what was still a predominantly male-led profession. There was only one female Partner in the firm and few female Managers. I had always aspired to reach management level, but I understood that it would require resilience and determination.
I joined M+A Partners in September 2016 as an Accounts and Tax Assistant Manager and was promoted to Manager less than two years later. With continued guidance and support, I set my sights on Senior Manager and was proud to be promoted to that role in May 2024.
After almost 22 years in the profession, I can honestly say I would not change a thing. While there were hurdles to overcome in the early years, I am proud of the progress I have made and grateful for the support and mentorship I have received along the way. It is encouraging to see how the profession continues to evolve, with more talented women progressing confidently and visibly into senior roles.
If I could give my younger self any advice, it would be to keep believing. Believe in yourself and there is no limit to what you can achieve!
Chelsea Secker, Accounts and Tax Assistant
I joined the firm 10 years ago in our Norwich office and moved to the Attleborough office six months later to take up the role of Accounts and Tax Assistant. Over the past decade, it has been a significant journey for me – both professionally and personally.
When I first started, the focus was, understandably, on getting to grips with the fundamentals: what accounts preparation involves and how we support clients with their tax returns. As my experience grew, so did my perspective. I began to see that the role is not simply about preparing figures, but about understanding what those figures mean for a client’s business and how we can provide meaningful, practical support.
I was drawn to accountancy because I enjoy problem-solving and working through logical processes. The profession provides structure, yet the range of clients and scenarios ensures that no two days are the same. That diversity has challenged me, expanded my knowledge, and made the work genuinely rewarding. Challenges play an important role in shaping your values, and periods of heavy workload naturally contribute to some of the more testing times in a career. Yet they have also positively impacted me, helping to build stronger organisation, prioritisation, and resilience.
Progress may not always feel dramatic from one year to the next, but looking back, I can see that the development has been substantial. Achieving my AAT qualification was a particular highlight, but the most significant growth has been in my confidence.
At the beginning of my career, I often second-guessed myself – something many people experience when starting out. Over time, experience has brought reassurance. It is also encouraging to see more women growing in confidence within the profession, supported by strong networks and positive role models.
My confidence has also been shaped by what I do outside of work. I volunteer at motocross events across the country and am a member of the ACU Motocross Commission, officiating in roles such as Clerk of the Course, Steward and Timekeeper. Volunteering has helped me develop skills that complement my professional role – teamwork, adaptability and the ability to remain calm in fast-paced environments. It has also given me the opportunity to contribute to a wider community and be involved in something I genuinely enjoy.
If I could offer my younger self one piece of advice, it would be not to doubt my abilities in those early stages. Confidence develops through experience, and it is entirely normal not to have all the answers at the beginning.