Since our founding in 1875, we have grown from a small local practice into Cambridge’s largest independent firm of accountants, tax and business advisers.
As trusted advisers to individuals, businesses, and institutions, we are honoured to have played a part in Cambridge’s rich history and vibrant growth. Here’s to a century and a half of partnership, progress, and purpose, and to the future we continue to build together.
1875.
Robert Peters 1847 - 1924.
The Cambridgeshire Collection, Cambridge Central Library.
PEM is founded.
Peters Elworthy & Moore (today trading as PEM) was founded, five years before the ICAEW came into existence. The firm's founder was Robert Peters, who set up the practice in a house at 7 Downing Street with his brother, Ebenezer. Robert was an accountant, first admitted to the ICAEW in 1881. Ebenezer was a property agent and part-time collector of taxes.What else happened in 1875?
- First person to swim the English Channel
- The first trademark registration act in the UK was passed in 1875, with the Bass Brewery's red triangle logo being the first trademark registered under this act in 1876.
- The first building of Newnham College was built marking a significant step in women's education
- The Leys School was founded
- Most scholars of the Victorian theatre date the birth of Gilbert & Sullivan opera with the first performance of Trial by Jury
- Corn Exchange formally opens - where PEM sponsored Innovation Alley at Cambridge Tech Week 2025.
1897.
Ebenezer elected rate collector.
Ebenezer elected as rate collector in the parish in St Mary-the-Less in Cambridge.1903.
William Elworthy OBE joins.
William Elworthy OBE joins the Peters brothers. The firm becomes Peters, Peters and Elworthy1908.
Frank Moore joins the partnership.
The firm becomes Peters Elworthy & Moore.1917.
Cattle food licensing.
When Robert Peters was responsible for licensing the distribution of cattle feed.1936.
PEM located on Downing Street.
The firm moved from the house in Downing Street to the Norwich Union Building opposite. PEM occupied the ground floor and top floor, which is now the new John Lewis. The collector of taxes occupied the first floor.
Another office is opened in Saffron Walden, mainly serving the agricultural community in that area.
1939.
'Smart Office Boy Wanted.'
The firm advertised a 'Smart Office Boy' position in the Cambridge Daily News.1971.
PEM moves to Station Road.
PEM moves to our current location in Station Road, Cambridge. This was originally a temporary move whilst the Norwich Union site was being redeveloped, and the plan had been to move back to a central location once the redevelopment was completed.1983.
50 years of service.
Reginald Wilson retires after completing 50 year's service after joining the firm at 15 years old. He received a portable television as a leaving present.1989.
First female Partner.
The appointment of two new Partners, Paul Chapman and Alison Counsell, PEM's first female Partner, are announced.1991.
PEM grows.
PEM occupies a third building at Station Road, known to staff as 'House 2' to accommodate growing headcount.
1992.
1995.
PEM launches Insolvency service.
PEM launches our Insolvency service and recruitment of Shay Lettice to lead it.1998.
The end of PEM?
Due to a typographical error, the Cambridge Town Crier printed that Peters Elworthy & Moore was named in a notice advertising a meeting of creditors under the Insolvency Act. However, it was PEM who had placed the notice in the newspaper on behalf of a client.2002.
First Managing Partner.
Paul Chapman was elected as the first Managing Partner, and spent 40 years at PEM before retiring, working 30 of those years as Partner.2002.
PEM Corporate Finance is launched.
2006.
Office closure.
2007.
PEM strengthens international network.
As part of Kreston Global, our clients gain access to 27,500+ people across 150 independent accounting firms in over 100 countries, benefiting from localised insights, support, and consistent service standards worldwide, allowing us to provide a better service to our clients with overseas interests and empowering them to grow confidently in global markets.
2011.
The first official PEM Sporting Challenge.
2014.
Rebranding as PEM.
2016.
A new Managing Partner.
Warren Tilbury is named as the new Managing Partner of PEM, taking over from Paul Chapman. Warren joined PEM as a Trainee in 1993, before becoming a Partner in 2008.
2022.
PEM Charitable Trust issue first grants.
2023.
Sanchia Norris appointed PEM's first female Chair.
PEM reached a significant milestone in October 2023, when we appointed our first female Chair, Sanchia Norris, Partner Private Clients. This role is vital in improving communication across our leadership, and supports the Managing Partner and a channel of support for the wider Partner group.2024.
PEM Corporate Finance turns 20.
PEM Corporate Finance hosted clients and contacts at the Graduate Hotel in Cambridge to celebrate their 20-year anniversary.2025 - February.
PEM hosts the Kreston UK & Ireland Conference.
PEM hosts the Kreston UK & Ireland Conference at the Graduate Hotel in Cambridge. A fantastic event filled with insightful discussions, networking, and collaboration amongst our industry leaders.
2025 - July.
PEM celebrates 150 years with clients and contacts.
2025 - September.
