Adviser to professional services – Meet our expert Sarah Ediss

Sarah Ediss is a highly respected Partner, working closely with owner-managed businesses across the South East.

With decades of experience and a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities business owners face, Sarah is a trusted advisor to clients navigating both their commercial ventures and personal wealth journeys. 

Her work spans a wide range of sectors, and she is particularly known for helping shareholders protect and preserve the wealth they’ve worked hard to build—ensuring it remains within the family for generations to come.

A trusted advisor across business and life stages

Sarah’s role goes far beyond traditional accounting. While she provides expert tax and accounting services, she is also a sounding board and strategic partner for her clients. Whether they’re planning a business exit, navigating legislative changes, or preparing for retirement, Sarah is there to guide them with clarity and care.

She leads the Professional Services sector, drawing on her own experience as a long-standing partner to advise similarly structured firms. She also works extensively with residential property portfolio holders and developers, a sector that continues to evolve amid ongoing tax and regulatory changes.

Sarah in her own words

“My days are always full—especially as we approach the end of the tax year. I’ve been helping clients make the most of their allowances and coordinating with colleagues across departments to ensure they receive the specialist advice they need.

Recently, I supported a client through the sale of their business ahead of a key deadline. We worked hard to meet the timeline, and the buyer was so impressed with our support that they’ve now become a client too. That’s the kind of outcome that makes this work so rewarding.

I love the advisory side of my role. Whether it’s helping someone exit a business successfully or plan for retirement, it’s about understanding their goals and giving them the confidence to move forward. We always put our clients’ needs first and tailor our advice to help them achieve their ambitions.”

Navigating Change with Confidence

Sarah is currently helping clients prepare for several significant changes, including: 

• Rising staffing costs following the October Budget, effective from April 6. 
• Business property relief reforms, particularly the new £1 million cap that cannot be transferred between spouses. 
• Inheritance tax planning, including Will updates and mitigation strategies.

“There’s a lot of uncertainty right now, and that can be frustrating for business owners. But once they understand the issues, they can make a plan—and we’re here to help them do just that.”

A personal journey rooted in family and passion

Sarah’s path into accountancy was inspired by her father, who was also an accountant. She was approached by one of the Big Four firms while still at university and quickly discovered she had the skills and mindset to thrive in the profession.

Outside of work, Sarah and her husband are embracing their love of travel now that their children are grown. They recently explored India’s Golden Triangle—Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra—and she has her sights set on trekking to Everest Base Camp. A keen walker and craft enthusiast, Sarah is also known for her fondness for inspirational quotes (even if she gets teased for it!).

Giving back and going the distance

Sarah is a Trustee of the Kreston Reeves Foundation and plays an active role in the firm’s charitable initiatives. She’s led and participated in numerous fundraising challenges, including the 24-hour South Downs Walk  and the Three Peaks Challenge, combining her love of the outdoors with a commitment to giving back.

If you would like to see how Sarah or a member of her team could help you, please do get in touch.