Chartered Accountants Celebrate Their National Award Success In Style In Aid Of Local Charity

Haines Watts North Devon LLP based in Bideford, held a glittering event with fast cars and diamonds in aid of Children’s Hospice SW (CHSW).  It was hosted at the new state-of-the-art Roger Young Jaguar Land Rover showroom in Saltash the only of this design in the World with the two other dealerships based in Dubai and Los Angeles.  Spectacular staging and lighting was supplied by independent Warwick Corporate Events who kindly waived their fee and all costs asking that the monies be donated direct to the charity. 

Photograph by Alex Law of Roger Young Jaguar Land Rover, lighting courtesy of Warwick Corporate Events

More than 130 guest enjoyed canapés and a Cornish champagne reception, toasting Haines Watts winning the ‘Accountancy Firm of the Year – Small, Medium Size Entities (SMEs’)’ Award for 2014.  The Haines Watts Group was voted as the top firm nationally at the recent annual Financial Directors (FDs) Excellence Awards.  This award follows on the back of the Haines Watts group winning ‘Auditor of the Year’ in the SME category for two consecutive years.  

East-Devon based businessman Nick Agg-Manning of OAC Limited, acted as auctioneer at the high-profile event and auction prizes included a hot air balloon from Virgin and a helicopter ride for three people kindly donated by Richard Puchase of Yarnscombe.  This together with a charity raffle raised over £4,600 for CHSW.

Haines Watts North Devon and Roger Young Jaguar Land Rover were joined by independent South West jewellers, Michael Spiers showcasing their precious collection of fine diamond and gem jewellery and prestigious timepieces from major Swiss brands. 

John Edwards, Managing Partner Haines Watts North Devon LLP says: “I am absolutely delighted with how well attended this event was and raising so much money for a very worthy local cause.  I would like to take this opportunity of thanking local businesses who kindly donated charity prizes and Roger Young Jaguar Land Rover for acting as hosts.  The precious gems and new range of Tudor Rolex watches showcased by Michael Spiers all added to the glitter of the evening.  I was particularly impressed with the staging and lighting by David Warwick of Warwick Corporate Events who very kindly waived his fee and all costs asking that this be donated direct to the charity.”

Children’s Hospice South West have three hospices including ‘Little Harbour’ which opened its doors to its first families in December 2011 and is most conveniently situated for families who live in Cornwall, Plymouth and parts of South Devon.

The Cornish hospice is set in a spectacular coastal location overlooking St. Austell Bay with beautiful views out to sea. Designed and built with a view to celebrating Cornish building traditions and its close proximity to the sea, Little Harbour has the feel of a ‘holiday home’ in a relaxed seaside setting. 

 Alana Marie Smith, Director of Fundraising, CHSW adds:  “We were absolutely delighted to be the chosen charity of Haines Watts North Devon for this fantastic celebratory event, as we  rely almost entirely on voluntary donations to run our three hospices. It’s the generous support given by local communities and corporations that allows us to give the respite, emergency and bereavement care that is so appreciated by each and every family we support.  Haines Watts kindly also raised monies for us at this year’s Holsworthy & Stratton Showa and we can’t thank John Edwards and his wonderful team enough for all they do in supporting the charity, which helps us to make the time that the children have with their families so treasured.”

Anthony Ainslie (Director of Sales, Roger Young) /Adam Spiers (Director at Michael Spiers / John Edwards (Managing Partner of Haines Watts North Devon LLP) /  Alana Marie smith (Director of Fundraising at Children's Hospice South West) / Nick Agg-Manning ( Director of Outside Adventure Consultants Ltd.) / Naomi Dymond(Corporate Partnerships Fundraiser Children's Hospice South West) / Roger Young (Dealer Principal, Roger Young) / Darren Hardy (Service Manager, Roger Young)

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Haines Watts Announce Merger With Crediton Practice

Award-winning Chartered Accountants, Haines Watts Crediton office announces a merger with long established and reputable local accountancy firm, C.C. Theedom & Co.  Specialising in assisting small and medium sized businesses across the South West region, Theedoms is a highly respected Crediton-based firm providing a comprehensive range of accountancy solutions.

Ben de Cruz, Managing Partner - Haines Watts Exeter / Chris Theedom – Consultant Haines Watts Crediton Office / David Park, Partner – Haines Watts Crediton Office & Patrick Tigwell, Partner – Haines Watts Exeter

 Haines Watts was recently announced as ‘Accountancy Firm of the Year – SMEs’, (Small and medium sized entities at the annual FDs (Financial Directors) Excellence Awards.  This award follows on the back of the Haines Watts group winning ‘Auditor of the Year’ in the SME category for two consecutive years.   The group beat off stiff competition from UK firms such as KPMG, Grant Thornton, BDO, Baker Tilly and Deloittes.

A national network with over 50 offices, each Haines Watts office operates independently offering a wide range of services tailored to the local market.  The Crediton office primarily focuses on accountancy and taxation services to owner managed businesses and dealing with individual’s tax affairs.

David Park founder Director of Crediton-based Ocean Consultancy Limited merged with the Haines Watts Exeter office in May 2013.  David Park, Partner Resident at Haines Watts Crediton says: ““Chris Theedom is a well-respected local practitioner with many years’ experience and I am confident his clients will benefit from adding our expertise to his.  Like Chris, I operated my own independent practice for a number of years in Crediton before becoming a partner at Haines Watts, so fully understand how his business works and the needs of his clients.  We are very happy to be joining forces with Theedoms as we share the same ethos and values.  They have a well-earned reputation for giving excellent personal customer service and we welcome Chris and his team to our Crediton office.”

C.C. Theedom, a long-established and well-known firm, offers practical solutions and advice helping clients to make the most appropriate decisions to minimise their taxation.  Chris Theedom says: “I am delighted with this merger.  The Haines Watts group has won National awards for the services they provide to small and medium sized entities and this level of service is evident in the way in which the Crediton team operate on a local level. Together with my staff, Caroline Cocker and Jackie Foan, I will work at the Haines Watts offices in Crediton and, therefore, our loyal clients will see a continuity of our long-term service with the benefit of an award-winning brand and all that offers.  Merging with Haines Watts will provide our long-standing clients access to a broader range of services, whilst still retaining a local presence and knowledge with a hands-on approach.”

David Park adds:  “This is a huge business opportunity that means we can provide our award-winning professional services to smaller sized businesses in the region. Generally practices based in rural areas are serviced by smaller firms of accountants with a sound local knowledge and hands-on experience. By joining forces with the well-respected Theedoms, we can now offer this same personal service backed up by the support of a national firm with all the expertise that offers, yet charging local fees.   The Haines Watts Group has a network of specialists who we can call upon on behalf of individual clients as and when they need it, which they couldn’t otherwise source locally.”

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CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS CELEBRATE ‘ACCOUNTANCY FIRM OF THE YEAR’

The partners of Haines Watts, Exeter celebrate national success as ‘Accountancy Firm of the Year – Small, Medium Size Entities (SMEs’), at the annual Financial Directors (FDs) Excellence Awards.  This award follows on the back of the Haines Watts group winning ‘Auditor of the Year’ in the SME category for two consecutive years beating off stiff competition from other leading local firms.   

Exeter Partners, Patrick Tigwell, Ben de Cruz and David Park toast the Haines Watts group award success

Ben de Cruz, Managing Partner Haines Watts Exeter says: “It’s great to see Haines Watts win such a prestigious award particularly as it is voted for by business people, and not by an academic panel of experts, who recognise that we offer our clients an award-winning accountancy service. It’s also fantastic that Haines Watts is the first firm ever to have won an award in three consecutive years and I’m delighted that the group has been crowned Accountancy Firm of the Year for SME’s.”

The FDs' Excellence Awards are the most prestigious programme recognising the UK's top finance directors and their service providers that support Britain's finance community using the results of an annual survey, in which FDs and financial decision-makers recorded their opinion.  

The glittering awards ceremony held in Grosvenor Square, London was hosted by Real Business in association with the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) and supported by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI). 

Ben de Cruz adds: “Our core client base is owner-managed businesses, so to get this endorsement from SME businesses means a great deal to us.  We are proud of all of our staff in both the Exeter and Crediton offices who do an outstanding job for our clients on a daily basis.  It is because of their contribution and commitment to giving outstanding service that has helped us to win an award for the third year running which is an amazing achievement.”

http://www.hwca.com/accountants-exeter/

Local firms get into the Christmas spirit for charity

Two local professional firms joined forces to organise two seminars which raised monies for ‘Stop Abuse For Everyone’ (SAFE).  Haines Watts Forensic, a national chartered accountancy firm and professional chartered financial planners and wealth advisers Towry, held the joint seminars in central Exeter.  The events, aimed at family law barristers and solicitors, focused on financial volatility during the divorce process and offered solutions to the impact on clients’ financial settlements.

Chris Thorpe, Tax Director - Haines Watts Chartered Accountants/ Lisa Crockford, Associate Partner ­ Haines Watts Forensic / Chris Collier, Chair of Trustees ­ SAFE and  Eliana Sydes, Wealth Adviser ­ Towry

The two events helped to raise money for Exeter-based SAFE with donations from delegates individually match-funded by both Haines Watts and Towry to a total of £400.00.

Lisa Crockford, Associate Partner – Haines Watts Forensic says: “Haines Watts Forensic and Towry offer complementary services during the divorce process and we quickly identified common issues we face and the benefit of offering a joint seminar to local family lawyers.  The seminars were well received and as a result we are looking to roll out more events across the South West region in the New Year.  As a business we always look to give something back to the local community and we are delighted to have raised much needed funds and awareness for this worthy cause.”

The majority of the monies raised will be utilised to buy Christmas presents for the women and children accommodated in the Exeter Refuge which offers refuge to victims fleeing domestic abuse.  And part of the proceeds will fund a special Christmas party for the dedicated charity volunteers who missed out on a festive celebration last year because of lack of funds.

Mark Wilkins, wealth advice manager, Towry says: “Given Towry’s work in the area of financial planning for families, it is a natural fit to join up with Haines Watts Forensic in providing these seminars, which  proved successful with local professionals. It is fantastic that the funds raised at the seminars for SAFE will help abused mothers and children in Exeter and the surrounding region.”

Stop Abuse for Everyone (SAFE) works with all affected by, and experiencing all forms of domestic violence and abuse in Exeter, East and Mid-Devon.  The work of the charity is part of a multi-agency strategy and is both effective and independent. 24% of the total recorded violent crime reported to Devon and Cornwall police is domestic abuse.  It is estimated that every £1 spent on SAFE services, represents a minimum saving of £3.20 to the public purse. SAFE’s Crisis/Helpline offers free and confidential support and every year receives about 2,000 calls which increase significantly over Christmas.

Chris Collier, Chair of Trustees SAFE says:  “The charity was established in Exeter 35 years ago and now has several services. Our Outreach team work in Exeter, East and Mid Devon offering a range of specialist services while a smaller team work alongside specialist police with high-risk victims. Our large and welcoming Refuge has 11 rooms and is available 24/7, 365 days a year.  This year, 71 women, 62 children and young people escaping domestic violence were accommodated there. Christmas is a very difficult time for these victims and I am so grateful to Haines Watts and Towry for providing much needed funds and raising awareness of our services.  We can now buy the children and the mothers, who normally put themselves last, Christmas presents and inject some fun and laughter into their lives.”

“Taxation – a ‘moral’ issue, or a legal one?”

“Taxation – a ‘moral’ issue, or a legal one?”

 Chris Thorpe - Tax Director Haines Watts Chartered Accountants Exeter

As one of the two certainties in life, taxation is thus important – albeit one that is thoroughly disliked. Nonetheless it is accepted by society generally that taxation is a necessary part of life in order to defend our country and maintain law and order in order to provide an environment within which to live our lives. In the last 100 years an additional call upon our pockets is the provision and maintenance of public services. Income tax is the tax of which we are all aware (it was only supposed to be temporary, introduced in 1799 to pay for the war against France – hence its annual renewal by our Chancellors). In line with this legal requirement to pay income tax, the taxpayers of this country have been entitled to expect some certainty and proportionality on the part of H M Treasury. We have the right to be judged and held accountable to universally-applied laws passed by our elected representatives; those laws tell us how much tax to pay year after year, they tell us what actions are acceptable and which are not and the repercussions of straying over the boundaries of the law. Adam Smith, the founder of the theories of modern economics laid down the fundamental principles behind taxation in his “Canons of Taxation”. As well as “Equality” (payment being proportional to income) and “Convenience of payment” (collection at a time and manner convenient to the taxpayer), there is also “Certainty” (tax liabilities should be clear and certain) and “Economy of Collection” (taxes should not be expensive to collect and should not discourage business). Certainty is a very relevant point; but more significantly it has been coming under attack a great deal of late.

Looking again at those “canons”, how in tact are they in the UK today? Equality? Our tax system is progressive i.e. the more you earn the more you pay – but that’s not equal, 40% is a greater proportion than 20%, whereas 20% of £300,000 is much more in taxes raised than 20% of £30,000. However, out of political necessary, the UK, like most other countries adopt this seemingly fair system. What about Convenience of Payment? Most people pay income tax through PAYE, and the other through Self Assessment Tax Returns – so that one is probably a tick in the box. Economy of Collection – taxes should not be expensive to collect, but H M Revenue & Customs do sometimes seem to make it an overly-arduous task; as for not discouraging business our tax system is wonting there – but that’s for another day. Certainty – until recently it could probably be said that our tax system was certain (if not necessarily clear!); but there is a new trend afoot amongst certain sections of our society which is undermining this fundamental principle.

Our tax statutes (the growing number of them), duly interpreted by the courts, tell us how much tax we should pay. Fellow members of my profession are often called upon to clarify the law, but essentially our tax regime is still governed by laws which are available and equally applicable to all. But to some people the outcome of this is unsatisfactory. Well-advised companies and individuals will follow the letter of the law and do what they are allowed to do to minimise their tax liability. In the House of Lords, Lord Clyde famously stated (in the 1929 case Ayrshire Pullman Motor Services v. Inland Revenue) that:

“No man in the country is under the smallest obligation, moral or other, so to arrange his legal relations to his business or property as to enable the Inland Revenue to put the largest possible shovel into his stores”

i.e. as long as you are obeying the law you can do as you please to lower your tax bill – or carry out “tax avoidance”. That is in stark contrast to “tax evasion” – which is a crime e.g. lying about your income, committing fraud etc.  However, we now have the likes of Margaret Hodge MP, Chair of the Public Accounts Committee and our tax conscience, condemning individuals for engaging in tax avoidance. It is apparently immoral. If it is immoral and so offensive to the common man, then it should not have been made law. What is so offensive is to have laws in place legalising an action but then being told that what you are doing is “immoral”, “egregious”, “not adhering to the spirit of the law”, “not paying your fair share” etc. Instead of obeying the law, we are being expected to obey the opinions of certain self-righteous individuals, many of whom are ignorant of our tax system and some of whom may well dabble in some egregious and immoral tax avoidance themselves. If we are to follow their call and pay our fair share and stop avoiding tax – then what is “our fair share”? How do we quantify it? What types of “tax avoidance” are acceptable? Is getting tax-free interest from an ISA acceptable in their view? Or getting tax relief on pension contributions? Do we have to consult Margaret Hodge on each of these matters and others to get the answers? We shouldn’t have to – we have the laws of the land that tell us what we can do and we should not be forced to follow these subjective and uncertain parallel rules laid down by the opinions of a few individuals.

We have a new development now - the General Anti-Abuse Rule (or GAAR). The word “Abuse” used to read “Avoidance” at the consultation stage of this new piece of legislation which came into effect as part of the Finance Act 2013. The GAAR is now an over-riding arbiter as to what is acceptable tax planning under the law. The change from an anti-“Avoidance” rule, to one of anti-“Abuse” is seemingly an acknowledgement of the fact that tax avoidance is legal and that the purpose of this new law was to combat abuses of the system. The change in words gives this law a more-acceptable face – abuse is never a good thing. Abuse is far worse than anything deemed as being Avoidance, but there is perhaps a fine line between the two as something that is abusive is more often than not still within the boundaries of the law.

Whilst it’s a shame it’s come to this, the GAAR would seem a sensible solution to the problem of abuse. The great thing about it is that at the very least it is a law. It is on the statute books. Some uncertainty with still linger for a while before its judgments over individual actions are passed and digested and passed on as guidance, but instead of the hysterical cat calls from a few individuals, we now have a law telling us how to obey the law. 


www.hwca.com/accountants-exeter/

Award success for accountants

Local Chartered Accountants Celebrate Further Exam Success

Southernhay-based Chartered Accountants Haines Watts specialising in the owner managed business sector, announce that Fern Stephens, a member of the audit and accounts department is now a fully qualified Chartered Accountant having passed her exams.  This success follows the triple celebration in 2012 when three other members of the firm, Andy Chant, Emma Banfield and Ryan Lewis passed their individual accountancy exams in various areas of the business.

27 year-old Fern joined Haines Watts Exeter in 2005 when she began studying for the AAT qualification. Fern continued her studies with the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) advanced stage and is now fully-qualified as a Chartered Accountant.   In addition Fern has been promoted to the role of Accounts and Audit assistant manager looking after a portfolio of a variety of clients and her main area of responsibility is preparing the annual accounts and tax returns for small to medium sized owner managed businesses, partnerships and sole traders.   Fern also oversees a number of audits including small and medium sized companies, pension schemes and solicitors, since gaining her ICAEW qualification.

“I am happy that the studies are now over so I can put everything I have learnt to practical use. It’s proving an interesting role working with very different types of business. I particularly enjoy the extensive variety of clients that we have at Haines Watts and looking forward to building new relationships,” Says Fern.

Ben de Cruz, Managing Partner Haines Watts says: “I am delighted that Fern is now fully-qualified as a Chartered Accountant.  She has fully applied herself to gain her qualification and we are very proud of her and indeed all our staff; in particular the younger team members who are all working hard at their studies.  We are investing heavily in supporting the next generation of accountants and means that we can extend the range of services we provide and ensure that our client-base get the very best service and advice.” 

www.hwca.com/accountants-exeter

Triple Exam Success for Local Chartered Accountants

It’s a triple celebration for three team members of Exeter based chartered accountants; Haines Watts who have each passed their professional exams.  

Andy Chant (32) has completed his final exams enabling him to become a member of the Association of Taxation Technicians (ATT).  Emma Banfield (22) joined the firm in October 2010 and is looking forward to developing her career with Haines Watts after passing the first two Associate Chartered Accountant (ACA) exams.  Finally, Ryan Lewis (24) who has been with the local office for four years has recently completed the professional stage of his ACA qualification,  bringing him a step closer to gaining his Chartered Accountancy qualification. 

Ben de Cruz, Senior Partner Haines Watts Exeter says: “We believe it is fundamental to invest in our staff training and we are very proud of the hard work they have put in to achieve such great results.  By having an experienced and qualified  team and being able to offer a range of services means we can ensure our clients are receiving the best service.”  

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New name - old faces at Holsworthy Show

‘Main ring sponsor’ Haines Watts North Devon LLP were proud to host a pavilion to help celebrate their 1^st anniversary in aid of Devon Air Ambulance Trust (DAAT) at this year’s Holsworthy and Stratton Agricultural show...

John Edwards, Mike Feneley, Sarah Bowden, Jonathan Gifford, Caroline Creer (DAAT) Nick Rimmer, Patrick Tigwell, Lisa Crockford & Vince Edwards

A national network with over 50 offices, each Haines Watts office operates independently offering a wide range of services tailored to the local market.  The Bideford office primarily focuses on agricultural, consulting, accounting and tax planning services to owner managed businesses and in particular farmers and dealing with individual’s tax affairs.

Sully & Co (Bideford) joined award-winning Haines Watts Group in August 2011; a merger that has enabled the firm to offer a broader range of services. 

Managing Partner John Edwards having served the local farming and business community with passion and enthusiasm since 1985 continues to keep a hands-on approach whilst maintaining close client relationships. 

“In an ever growing and changing marketplace I recognised the need to offer my clients a more specialist range of services, expertise and knowledge whilst keeping the all important close and personal relationship. Haines Watts has the advantage of local knowledge coupled with the backup resources of a nationwide network which means that we can now cost effectively offer more sophisticated solutions to client’s issues and problems backed up with a brand they can trust.”

Each of the senior partners comes from good farming stock and with over 350 agricultural clients on their portfolio, Haines Watts North Devon LLP fully understands the modern-day challenges faced by the agricultural sector and how essential specialist advice is. Partners John Edwards, Mike Feneley, Vince Edwards and Jonathan Gifford have over 100 years’ combined experience in advising and supporting South West farmers, landowners, agricultural suppliers and their customers. The team analyses challenges and opportunities, offering practical solutions in accounting, tax planning, retirement and succession.

Haines Watts were delighted to be joined by Devon Air Ambulance, who organised a charity raffle for the chance to win some fabulous prizes, with £214.63 raised. Heart Radio were also on hand to interview some of Haines Watts clients on current issues surrounding the farming industry.  

Triple Exam success for local Chartered Accountants

It’s a triple celebration for three team members of Exeter based chartered accountants; Haines Watts who have each passed their professional exams.

Ryan Lewis, Emma Banfield & Andy Chant

Andy Chant (32) has completed his final exams enabling him to become a member of the Association of Taxation Technicians (ATT). Emma Banfield (22) joined the firm in October 2010 and is looking forward to developing her career with Haines Watts after passing the first two Associate Chartered Accountant (ACA) exams. Finally, Ryan Lewis (24) who has been with the local office for four years has recently completed the professional stage of his ACA qualification, bringing him a step closer to gaining his Chartered Accountancy qualification.

Ben de Cruz, Senior Partner Haines Watts Exeter says: “We believe it is fundamental to invest in our staff training and we are very proud of the hard work they have put in to achieve such great results. By having an experienced and qualified team and being able to offer a range of services means we can ensure our clients are receiving the best service.”

http://www.hwca.com/accountants-exeter/  

Devon Accountants Toast National Award Success!

Champagne corks popped across the County when the individual teams at Haines Watts Exeter and Bideford offices celebrated winning ‘Auditor of the Year 2012’ in the SME’s category at the national FD’s Excellence Awards.

Haines Watts Exeter  - Senior Partner Ben de Cruz toasts his team
Photographed courtesy of Mark Campbell of On The Mark Photography 

The prestigious awards ceremony held in Grosvenor Square, London and hosted by Real Business in association with the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), recognises excellent service within financial management. The awards commemorate the work of FD’s and those supporting business including banks, auditors, recruiters and financial software providers, who are perhaps less widely recognised but essential to business success.

Haines Watts is a Top 20 firm of Chartered Accountants that specialise in the owner managed business sector with a broad range of services and over 80 years experience in working with privately owned businesses. From audit, accountancy, tax, VAT, financial services, expense control, corporate finance and business advice.

Haines Watts North Devon LLP - Managing Partner John Edwards (centre) 
Photographed by Glen King

The group has a national network with over 50 offices and each office operates independently offering a wide range of services tailored to the local market and the Devon offices are made up of Exeter and Bideford based Haines Watts North Devon LLP. Each office provides accountancy and taxation services to SME’s across the UK with the primary area of focus in the South West dealing with owner managed businesses and individual’s tax affairs. Exeter Office also has a Forensic accountancy team which undertakes work throughout England and Wales.

Ben de Cruz, Senior Partner Haines Watts Exeter says: “This accolade is particularly important as it was voted for by more than 1,000 Finance Directors and decision makers in our target SME market. It’s an honour to be publicly recognised and I think it’s important to share the group’s success with the staff who work so hard at a local level. I want to take this opportunity to thank all our clients that voted for Haines Watts, for their confidence in us and we look to continue to support their businesses in the coming year.”

Haines Watts North Devon LLP, formerly known as Sully & Co (Bideford) was acquired by Haines Watts Exeter last year. The Bideford team looks after over 500 owner managed businesses including corporate and professionals, small businesses, sole traders and the farming community.

John Edwards Managing Partner Haines Watts North Devon LLP says: “Both Ben de Cruz of Exeter Office and I felt it was important to share this success with each of our teams in recognition of their individual contribution which has resulted in the group receiving this coveted award. The award exemplifies what Haines Watts is all about; affordable excellence and personalised service. It is an exciting time for Haines Watts and since we joined in August 2011 we are able to offer our clients a wider range of services and continue to go from strength to strength.”


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EXETER ACCOUNTANTS EXPAND WITH ACQUISITION OF NORTH DEVON ACCOUNTANCY PRACTICE

John Edwards of Sully & Co Bideford shakes on the deal with Ben de Cruz, Senior Partner of Haines Watts Exeter

Specialising in the owner managed business sector, Chartered Accountants Haines Watts based in Southernhay, Exeter announces the acquisition of long established North Devon practice, Sully & Co of Bideford.  This latest expansion development is part of a mid-long term strategy to grow the services and expertise they can offer to a larger client base throughout the South West region which included taking on new partner Patrick Tigwell in March.

A national network with over 60 offices, each Haines Watts office operates independently offering a wide range of services tailored to the local market.  The 5 partner strong Exeter office primarily focuses on accountancy and taxation services to owner managed businesses and dealing with individual’s tax affairs, with the specialist Forensic accountancy team undertaking work throughout England and Wales. 

Ben de Cruz Senior Partner Haines Watts says:  “We are delighted to be joining forces with Sully & Co and it’s an indication of how the local Haines Watts team is going from strength to strength.  It will open a host of opportunities for our loyal client base, prospects and professional associates. Sully & Co Bideford was a natural choice as the ethos and values of the two practices go hand in hand.  They have a well earned reputation for giving excellent personal customer service.  They also specialise in the agricultural market which will help to expand the business as a whole into a wider arena.”

John Edwards the Managing Partner of Sully & Co Bideford will continue to manage the North Devon office for a further 5 years.  Established in 1983, John took over the helm in 1985 initially operating the business with just himself and his PA.  Since that time he has grown the company to 25 staff and a turnover of over £1m looking after more than 500 owner managed businesses from Minehead to Penzance.  These include corporate and professionals, small businesses, sole traders and an extensive portfolio of farmers.

The accountancy practice will trade as Haines Watts North Devon LLP.  Vince Edwards will become a newly appointed partner in that firm.  The consultancy practice will trade as Haines Watts Rural Business LLP and include Mike Feneley as a Partner.

John Edwards Managing Partner of Sully & Co Bideford says:  “I am looking forward to working under the well respected brand of Haines Watts.   In an ever growing and changing marketplace I recognise the need to offer my clients a broader range of services, expertise and knowledge whilst keeping a hands-on approach and a close and personal relationship. Haines Watts has the advantage of local knowledge coupled with the backup resources of a nationwide network which means that we can now cost effectively offer more sophisticated solutions to client’s issues and problems backed up with a brand they can trust.  ”