Tag Archives: expansion

Accountancy & Accounts, Finance and Banking, News, Tax

HURST expands with new private client tax service

Independent accounting and business advisory firm HURST has launched a private client tax service to enhance its offering to business owners, entrepreneurs and high net worth individuals.

Karen Chadwick, who has 30 years’ experience in the field, has joined HURST as a partner to lead the new offering.

She has moved from Azets, where she was a tax partner. She previously worked at firms including Deloitte, KPMG and CLB Coopers.

During her career, Karen has gained a wealth of personal and trust tax compliance and advisory experience and technical knowledge, particularly in the areas of trusts and inheritance tax.

She said: “HURST is on an impressive and ambitious growth trajectory, as a strong, independent north west accountancy firm whose team delivers a first-class service to a varied client base as well as contacts and intermediaries, backed by a strong, cohesive and close-knit management team.

“The partners have recognised there is a need and demand within the firm’s tax service line for a dedicated private client tax offering, and I am thrilled to take up the opportunity to lead it.

“I’m excited to be part of the firm’s journey and to complement the existing partner group and HURST’s skilled and ambitious team to assist with the future development and growth of the practice.

“I look forward to applying my experience and technical knowledge to help clients achieve their personal and family wealth objectives now and in the future.”

HURST’s managing partner Tim Potter said: ““As the firm cements its position as the number one independent north west firm working with owner-managed businesses in the £5m-£100m turnover space, we have taken the decision to enhance our offering with a new service to support our high net worth clients with inheritance tax, trusts and complex personal tax matters.

“This is an exciting development for HURST and we are delighted to welcome Karen to the fold. We expect her vast experience and knowledge to be in high demand from our enviable client base of high net worth individuals.”

HURST focuses on advising entrepreneurial owner-managed businesses across all sectors. Clients include Kinaxia Logistics, M&I Materials, Beechfield Brands, Duerr’s, Oliver Valves, Lancashire County Cricket Club, Krones UK, Creamline Dairies, Scapa Group and Hyde Group.

The firm recently moved its head office to a new flagship development in Stockport to accommodate its growing team, taking 11,000sq ft at 3 Stockport Exchange, the latest phase of a £145m project by Muse Developments and Stockport Council.

HURST had been based since 1996 in Tiviot Dale in Stockport town centre, but outgrew the premises. The firm aims to grow from 120 staff to around 170 over the next three years.

Finance and Banking, News

Boost for UK SMEs as WeDo secures £50m in funding

WeDo Business Services has secured £50m in funding which will enable it to significantly expand its support of small and medium-sized companies across the UK.

The funding is provided by alternative investment manager Waterfall Asset Management and will be used to help WeDo bolster the growth of its SME customer base through a range of finance facilities.

The WeDo group has its headquarters in Greater Manchester and additional offices nationwide. It provides invoice and trade finance, asset finance, loans and start-up funding to a growing client base, as well as accountancy, HR, back-office and IT services.

WeDo was founded by Mark Lindsay and Chris Robinson in 2019 with just four staff and has grown rapidly through organic expansion and acquisition. It currently has over 70 staff across its Oldham headquarters and its network of offices.

Its overall lending now exceeds £50m, and chief executive Mark said Waterfall’s funding would enable it to achieve significant growth as it aims to reach £100m within the next three years.

WeDo’s nationwide client base spans a range of sectors, including recruitment, engineering, manufacturing, logistics and wholesale distribution.

Mark said: “This significant investment is a vote of confidence in our business and will help us to exponentially grow our ability to provide support to SMEs from across our finance divisions.

“We share a desire to establish a long-term relationship with the goal of helping more SMEs to succeed in building sustainable businesses for the future, by alleviating their cashflow constraints and enabling them to invest for future growth.

“WeDo has a strong track record of supporting the northern economy by offering finance to companies across the region and this will continue, as well as enabling us to significantly expand our geographical reach.

“There is increasing demand for the type of lending and support services we provide, reflected in a record month for new client wins in the first quarter of this year.

“We understand the challenges of growing a business from a new start, and we want to help others to do the same. It can be lonely as a business owner, and we provide a support network to ensure the wellbeing of themselves and their companies.”

James Cuby, managing director at Waterfall, said: “WeDo provides a comprehensive funding solution and support services to SMEs across the UK and has an experienced management team who are committed to supporting the growth of the businesses they fund.

“We are pleased to support WeDo’s expansion plans and look forward to a successful relationship.”

Business, Business Expansion, Cardiff, Cardiff News, Insurance, Investment

New Cardiff office for insurance group Howden

Howden, the global insurance intermediary group, has announced the opening of a new office in Cardiff, to support businesses with tailored insurance solutions.

Located at Regus House, Malthouse Avenue, in Cardiff Gate Business Park, the new office will build on the success of the recently inaugurated office in Swansea last month and Howden’s acquisition of Watkin Davies in 2020. The addition of a new Cardiff office underscores Howden’s dedication to becoming a prominent force in the commercial broking sector in South and West Wales. The expansion will be spearheaded by Gary Stevens, Regional Managing Director, who has outlined ambitious plans to position Howden as the foremost competitor in the region.

Gary expressed his enthusiasm for the expansion, stating: “I am very pleased to lead the opening of yet another office in Wales. An office in Cardiff was the natural choice for our expansion, and we are confident that by increasing our presence in South Wales by growing our team of advisors to 20+ enabling us to continuing to provide exceptional services to our clients.”

Under Gary’s leadership, the new Cardiff office is set to accommodate a team of six highly skilled brokers, who will work to uphold Howden’s commitment to excellence in risk advisory services, with more brokers set to join in the coming months. The team will play a pivotal role in driving the growth of Howden’s UK Corporate & Commercial pillar throughout 2024.

Gary added: “We’ve already made great headway in attracting a team of highly skilled brokers, and we anticipate significant growth throughout 2024. Our new Cardiff office, working closely with our Swansea operation, will play a key role in cementing our position as a leader in the South and West Wales commercial broking sector.

“We are very excited about our South Wales presence, and also becoming a Principal Partner of The British & Irish Lions for their forthcoming tour of Australia in 2025.”

Appointments, Finance and Banking, Finance News, News

Duo gain promotion in HURST’s tax team

Independent accounting and business advisory firm HURST has announced two promotions in its tax team.

Sam Ryan, who joined HURST in 2022, has been promoted to tax manager. He works with clients on a range of matters, including transactions, due diligence and restructuring.

Liza Whiley, who moved to HURST in 2021, has become an associate tax manager. She has a dual role, covering personal tax advisory and research and development.

HURST partner Liz Gallagher, head of the tax team, said: “Sam and Liza are integral to the success of our tax advisory department and have both contributed significantly to what will be our best-ever year.

“As a firm, it’s important that we recognise their hard work and dedication as they progress their tax careers with us.

“In addition to reflecting their individual contributions to the business, their promotions underline our commitment to helping colleagues actively develop their careers with us.

“On a personal level, I’m delighted that Sam and Liza have made these important career steps with HURST and I and look forward to working with them as we go forward to the next phase of our firm’s growth.”

HURST focuses on advising entrepreneurial owner-managed businesses with turnover of £10m and above across all sectors. Clients include Kinaxia Logistics, M&I Materials, Beechfield Brands, Duerr’s, Oliver Valves, Lancashire County Cricket Club, Krones UK, Creamline Dairies, Arighi Bianchi, Scapa Group and Hyde Group.

The tax team promotions follow a raft of recent promotions in HURST’s business services team. Four of those five individuals began their careers with the firm as trainees.

HURST is due to move its head office to a new flagship development in Stockport in the spring to accommodate its growing team.

The firm is taking 11,000sq ft at 3 Stockport Exchange, the latest phase of a £145m project by Muse Developments and Stockport Council.

HURST is taking a 10-year lease and will occupy the entire fifth floor at the building. It has been based since 1998 in Tiviot Dale in Stockport town centre, but has outgrown those premises.

The new HQ will give the firm scope to expand from 120 staff to around 170, which it aims to achieve over the next three years.

Food & Drink, News

Altrincham based Hip Pop expands functional drinks range in Booths

A Cheshire based drinks business has increased their product selection in renowned food and drinks grocers, Booths, less than two years after securing their first retail listing.

Originally stocking four products from Hip Pop’s range of functional kombucha, consumers can now browse up to 10 products, soon to be 12, including their recently launched Living Soda, infused with apple cider vinegar and living cultures.

Hip Pop products have also been moved from the back of the store to the front, now including multipacks consisting of four cans in each pack.

Hip Pop’s co-founders, Emma Thackray and Kenny Goodman, secured the brand’s first major retail listing with Booths in the summer of 2021, following an impressive period of online growth. Their second retail listing was secured in 2022, with London’s leading department store, Harrods.

On the expansion, Emma said: “We are always looking for new ways to grow our business and achieve more brand recognition. One of the best ways we’ve been able to do this is by working directly with leading retailers, such as Booths.

“Our product range has grown substantially over the last 12 months, and we are excited to see an increasing number of Hip Pop products on the shelves.

“With new products in the pipeline, as well as moving into a larger brewery later this year, we hope this will open doors to further discussions with other retailers as our production capacity increases, allowing us to build long lasting relationships.”

Originally founded in 1847, Booths is now a leading grocery chain with 27 stores located across Northern England. Having secured second place in the list of the World’s greatest Food Retailers, the firm prides itself on working closely with British suppliers.
Based in Altrincham, Hip Pop’s team has grown substantially, and they now employ a team of 16, including Juliet Barratt, co-founder, and previous chief marketing officer of Grenade.

In the latter half of 2022, Hip Pop permanently slashed their prices by up to 50% to support new and existing customers throughout the cost-of-living crisis, and cemented a partnership with Manchester homelessness charity, Lifeshare, with one meal donated for every 24 cans sold.

The brand has received several industry accolades, including two stars at the Great Taste Awards, and the title of ‘Independent Drinks Producer of the Year’ at the Manchester Food and Drink Festival in 2022.

For more information, visit: www.drinkhippopr.com

News

Fabulosa Launches New Value Range

Fragrance-led home and lifestyle brand Fabulosa has expanded its extensive product range and further developed its brand hierarchy with the introduction of a new value collection, Simply Fabulosa, in efforts to mitigate the impact of the increasing cost of living on consumers.

Supporting its customers to access affordable household cleaning products amidst the turbulence of the current economic environment, the new collection launched by Fabulosa consists of a suite of four ready to use cleaning sprays at a highly competitive price point of 59p per 350ml bottle.

Available now in Home Bargains, the Simply Fabulosa Bathroom Cleaner, Kitchen Cleaner, Multi Surface Cleaner and Vinegar Cleaner sprays have been released in the fragrance ‘Zesty Fruit’, a fresh, fruity strawberry scent enlivened by hints of raspberry, pomegranate, and guava with a refreshing blast of lime.

Adam Burnett, Group Marketing Director at Fabulosa, commented: “Affordability, together with fragrance and efficacy, is central to Fabulosa. As a consumer-centric brand, in the current economic climate we are endeavouring to ensure essential cleaning products are available and affordable to households across the UK.”

Adam continued, “The launch of Simply Fabulosa means we are now able to offer our customers greater value across their favourite products, providing an opportunity to save without sacrifice, whilst further broadening the appeal of our brand. From our luxury for less proposition with our existing and highly successful House of Fabulosa range, to the new Simply Fabulosa value collection, we can now more confidently than ever say Fabulosa has a product and fragrance for every nose, for every need, and for every budget.”

Following its entry into the FMCG market in 2019, through an expertly executed, fast-moving schedule of exciting category-leading new product development, together with highly effective marketing campaigns, Fabulosa changed the perception of cleaning, and has rapidly taken value and volume share from well-established iconic household brands.

Fabulosa has since leveraged its strategic positioning and focus to bring fragrance to alternative lifestyle sectors, widening reach and disrupting not only the cleaning sector but also other FMCG categories outside of this category including home fragrance (candles, wax melts and diffusers), shoe and trainer care, and personal (bath and body), whilst it continues to grow and innovate with prolific NPD ongoing in Surface Care, Air Care, Laundry Care and Task Specific ranges including car care and garden care.

The brand is also making significant inroads into the export market. With its sights set firmly on international expansion, the brand has a presence in leading European retail chains representing 3,000 locations across the continent and Fabulosa collections are now available throughout Europe including France, Belgium, The Netherlands, Germany, Poland, The Czech Republic, Austria and Italy.

For more info on Fabulosa, please visit: https://myfabulosa.co.uk/

Finance and Banking, Finance News, International News, News, North of England

WeDo Business Services makes acquires significant stake in Australian finance firm

A north west business services group has gained a foothold in the Australian market by making a strategic seven-figure investment in a Brisbane-based invoice and trade finance company.

WeDo Business Services, which is headquartered in Oldham, has taken a significant stake in Invoice Finance Group (IFG).

IFG had been seeking an investment partner to help take it to the next level by adding funding capability and new business finance products. At the same time, WeDo was looking to establish itself Down Under.

WeDo directors Mark Lindsay and Chris Robinson engaged Wayne Smith, a former senior executive at Sydney-based business finance company ScotPac, to help with this phase of their growth plan.

Wayne was able to bring both parties together and helped to structure the deal. He has become chairman of IFG following the investment, and will work with its founders and directors Paul and Angela Tonges on its expansion strategy.

Mark, group chief executive of WeDo, said: “Our invoice finance business has been built on a simple model of delivering solutions in a transparent and value-added way, working with clients to ensure they get more than they expect.

“It was refreshing to see that IFG shares a similar approach which is very client-centric.

“The independent finance market in Australia is not as competitive as it is in the UK, and therefore we feel there is scope for IFG to expand significantly and develop additional service lines, much like our UK business has done in recent years. We are extremely excited by the opportunities and growth potential for IFG.”

WeDo provides a range of services to small and medium-sized companies. In addition to invoice and trade finance and start-up funding, it provides HR, back office, IT, digital and payroll support, with a focus on the recruitment sector.

Mark and Chris founded the business in 2019 with just four staff and the company has grown rapidly through organic expansion and acquisitions. The group now employs almost 100 people across its network of offices, including sites in Colchester, Swindon, Sheffield and MediaCityUK in Salford.

IFG is a boutique business which husband and wife team Paul and Angela set up in 2011. It specialises in providing invoice finance to businesses across Australia.

Paul said: “As the founders, we are very excited about the next chapter of IFG’s growth strategy. We’re delighted to share a common alignment in our vision and values with our new investors, by continuing to exceed our customers’ expectations.

“This strategic investment will allow IFG to better service our existing clients and attract new customers by enabling us to offer a broader range of finance products and a larger deal size. With so many Australian small businesses desperate to fund growth, IFG will be able to assist many more SMEs.”

News

Fast-growing StayCotswold moves to new HQ

A fast-growing Cotswolds holiday home rentals business has moved to bigger premises as it embarks on the next phase of its expansion.

StayCotswold has relocated from an office in Burford, Oxfordshire, to a double-fronted shop in the centre of Stow-on-the-Wold.

The former greetings card shop on Digbeth Street has been fitted out to accommodate StayCotswold’s growing team.

StayCotswold was founded in 2009 by Fergus Mitchell and, in April 2021, a team of professionals with vast experience in the holiday cottages sector acquired the business. Fergus has remained as a director and shareholder.

The team comprises Mat Faraday, Tom Burdett and Tracy Archer. Mat co-founded Character Cottages, which was sold to Pure Cottages Group in 2018. Tom is a former managing director of Character Cottages and Tracy was previously sales and marketing director at Pure Cottages Group.

StayCotswold had just three staff when the trio acquired the business. Following a period of rapid growth, its team has increased in size to 13.

The number of properties in its portfolio has more than doubled from 60 to 140 since the business changed hands, and bookings per property have significantly increased to an average of 50 a year. Booking levels this summer were 13 per cent ahead of the same period in 2021.

StayCotswold’s portfolio includes typical Cotswold cottages, luxurious converted barns, manor houses and farmhouses as well as a burgeoning collection of shepherd’s huts and cabins, which are proving increasingly popular for being closer to the outdoors. The StayCotswold portfolio can cater for two people all the way to groups of up to 28.

Tracy said the Cotswolds are in growing demand for short breaks, especially among people living in the London area seeking an escape to the countryside. The area is also proving a magnet for overseas visitors who want a taste of rural England and are being attracted to the UK by the fall in value of the pound.

“The Cotswolds is an area of outstanding beauty and is also home to a whole range of major attractions and events, including the private members’ club Soho Farmhouse, Daylesford Organic Farm and the Big Feastival music festival,” said Tracy.

“We are looking to add dozens more properties over the coming months to cater for the increased demand, as we believe the market for holiday rentals in the Cotswolds will continue to grow.

“Our experienced team has a friendly, enthusiastic can-do attitude and possess plenty of knowledge about the area, as well as what makes a great property and will sell well, so they are extremely well-placed to offer expert advice.

“As well as expanding the team, we’ve invested in relevant technology to provide a dynamic, variable pricing structure that benefits owners and guests alike, and a fully-optimised website that takes direct bookings for all our properties.

“Alongside this we developed the business branding to reflect the quality of our homes and to bring to life the whole experience of what a holiday in the Cotswolds can offer. Our guests know that their holiday experience will be authentic, and our owners know that their property is in the best local hands.

“We know from our previous experience that a high street location is the optimum place to be for the business.

“Relocating to fantastic new headquarters in the centre of Stow and being so accessible to owners and potential guests makes it a truly exciting time for the business and demonstrates our confidence in our offering and the potential for the brand.”

Appointments, News, North of England, Regional News

Four new arrivals strengthen ranks at creative agency Fluid Ideas

Four new starters have strengthened the ranks of creative agency Fluid Ideas as its expansion continues.

Fluid, which is based at Darley Abbey Mills, near Derby, has recruited across four of its six teams in line with further growth in demand for its range of services.

The new arrivals are Nicole Davies, Tom King, Will Davis and Matt Thompson.

Nicole, who has a master’s degree in marketing management, has joined Fluid’s websites and systems team as a project manager. Her role is to ensure digital projects are delivered efficiently, on time and to budget while also helping to support and optimise clients’ websites.

Tom has joined the brand and creative team as a multi-disciplinary designer, working on client campaigns and pitches. He has more than 10 years’ commercial experience of working with national and international brands and he adds to the team’s animation and CGI capabilities. Tom also holds a leadership and management qualification from the Institute of Leadership and Management.

Will, a digital marketing graduate from the University of Derby, has gained experience in the sport and leisure sector and has joined Fluid’s search and social team. His main focus will be search engine optimisation, content writing and social media management.

Matt has joined the design and artwork team and brings with him more than 20 years’ experience of working in local agencies. In joining Fluid, he follows in the footsteps of his brother Ben, who was the agency’s first employee and has helped drive the growth of its brand and creative team for almost two decades.

Ed Bowler, joint managing director of Fluid Ideas, said: “As always, our focus has been on growing with good people. Nicole, Matt, Will and Tom all bring new and exciting talents to the team but, most importantly, they care about the quality of work we produce and they will undoubtedly add to the spirit and culture that has helped make Fluid such a healthy and enjoyable place to be, for our clients and our colleagues.”

Fluid Ideas is a full-service agency whose operations cover branding and campaigns, graphic and website design, computer-generated imagery, 3D animation and video, photography, copywriting, digital marketing, content management, search and social media – all in-house.

Its client base spans sectors including healthcare, retirement living, property, professional services, education, finance, leisure and hospitality.

The agency celebrated its 18th birthday in January and posted record annual revenues of £3.2m in the year to November, boosted by increased business from existing clients and a raft of new wins. Staff numbers have increased to over 50 in recent months in line with Fluid’s growth.

Appointments, International News, News

Vivaldi Group Expands Global Leadership Team with appointment of Michael Monheim as Partner, Media & Entertainment

Vivaldi, the leading independent global business and brand transformation firm has announced the appointment of Michael Monheim as Partner, Media & Entertainment.

Michael’s role will involve working with the consultancy’s existing roster of companies and growing its portfolio in the media & entertainment space on brand, business growth and transformation.

Formerly the Vice President of Business Development for AccuWeather, facilitating partnerships in Europe and Latin America, Michael brings decades of experience working in media and international markets. He also previously helped grow the Axel Springer Group into a leading digital publisher and expanded its footprint in the Americas.

 

Erich Joachimsthaler, CEO and founder of Vivaldi, comments: “The changing landscape of media and entertainment is opening new opportunities for businesses and brands. Michael’s expertise will ensure that Vivaldi can continue our mission of enabling companies in media and entertainment to reimagine how they create value. We are moving to a world of collaborative, not competitive advantage and companies that foster shared value for brands, society, customers and even competitors will grow and win.”

Michael Monheim comments: “I am very excited to join Vivaldi Group’s international consultancy, as it expands its current service offerings, in media and entertainment. Working together with Vivaldi’s top-notch talent across the globe, I plan to leverage my experience and relationships in international media, to help expand Vivaldi’s new services, products and ventures to more brands and partners across the world.”