Meet The Team

Dionne Sherwood FCCA, FMAAT - Principal

Dionne joined the profession in 1983 and having worked for a number of practices in Oxfordshire, set up Samwood & Co in 2003.  Dionne has extensive experience of dealing with and advising small and medium sized businesses.  As a small business owner herself, she understands the pitfalls and the problems that the business owner can encounter.  She is therefore well placed to assist the business owner in helping him or her to get the most out of their business, without compromising quality.  

Dionne is also heavily involved as an executive member of the Bicester and District Chamber of Commerce, responsible for the finance and also the membership.

Outside of work Dionne is an active member of Bicester Methodist Church and is an accredited Methodist Local Preacher.  She also has singing lessons, for fun and she is often seen in the music fellowship helping to lead the music in Church.  Dionne is also a member of Bicester Achievers - a local group of the Toastmasters International Organisation - which helps people of all abilities develop their public speaking skills. Dionne is a board member of OYAP Trust, a charity dedicated to developing youth arts in Oxfordshire.

Dionne's Q&A session

What is your favourite book? The Bible.  It's got sex, violence, love, lust, earthquake, floods, famine, miracles and a great message.  Something for everyone in their - even if you are not a believer in Christ.

What car do you drive? A red mini cooper clubman.  It's a great car.  This is the 2nd BMW mini that I have owned and they are perfect.  My two springer spaniels fit beautifully into the boot area if I take them for a walk and it's got a great little 5th door which makes getting into the rear seats a doddle.

What makes you angry?  Laziness - ask my sons!

What do you do to relax? sleep and watch telly!  If I can get out for a walk with the other half and the dogs then that is great.

What are you really bad at? Art - I can't paint or draw.  I am not very creative.  

If you weren't an accountant what would you be? I would love to have been good enough to sing for a living.  I can sing in tune, but not well enough to earn any money from it.  I satisfy myself with singing in church - Methodists are well known for their singing.

What is your ideal holiday? I love mountains and countryside scenery.  My favourite places to visit are the colorado Rocky Mountains.   I've been there twice and both times had a great holiday.  We like to take short breaks in our caravan and love to go to quiet campsites with plenty of walks.  

What is your motto in life?  Forgive other people for the wrong they do you.  No matter how big or small it is.  We all make mistakes.  If we harbour a grudge the only person we affect is ourselves.

Andrew Thomas FCCA - Senior Accountant

Andrew joined Samwood & Co in 2008.  Having joined the profession in 1996, he qualified in 2002 and has a great deal of experience dealing with small and medium sized businesses.  

Outside of work Andrew spends his time acting like a big kid with his son.

Andrew's Q&A session

What is yoru favourite colour?  Green 

What car do you drive? I don't very often.  I walk and the wife drives our Ford Fusion.  I bought the car to work one day and then walked home!

What makes you angry?  Keep losing my pen on my desk.

What do you do to relax? Watch a film

What are you really bad at?  Keeping my safe

If you weren't an accountant what would you be? I wanted to be a pilot but it was too difficult.

What is your ideal holiday? One that I don't have to plan

What is your motto in life?  Keep it simple