Accountancy group DJH enters Liverpool city region for the first time, acquiring offices of accountancy firm Haines Watts in Liverpool, Wirral and Chester, and taking its turnover past £60m. Tony McDonough reports

A fast-growing Staffordshire professional services group has acquired the Liverpool, Wirral and Chester offices of national accountancy brand Haines Watts.

DJH, which is based in Stoke-on-Trent, now has its first foothold in the Liverpool city region market following the deal. It will take the top 30 accountancy firm’s turnover to £61.5m with revenues in the North West surpassing £24m.

All three offices, acquired for an undisclosed sum, will operate under the DJH banner with immediate effect, adding to the firm’s existing operations in Altrincham, Bury, Chester, Manchester and Nantwich.

Haines Watts is a national network based in Northamptonshire. Mike Forshaw, director of Haines Watts’ Liverpool team, said: “Following significant changes within the Haines Watts network, joining DJH was an obvious strategic decision.

“We were looking for a platform that shares our values and can provide the stability and enhanced resources that will support our valued clients now and in the future.

“DJH’s strong regional presence and comprehensive support infrastructure makes it the perfect partner for our continued growth.”

Services offered by DJH include estate planning, capital allowances and R&D tax credits, corporate finance, commercial funding, HR consultancy and IT and technology support.

Local leadership structure remains unchanged, with Mike Forshaw and Tim Cherry leading the Liverpool team, Stuart Penny and Vikki Wynne heading up operations in Wirral, and Steve Greensill continuing as director at the Chester city office, alongside newly promoted Joe Walters.

Scott Heath, DJH chief executive, added: “This acquisition aligns perfectly with our strategy of expanding our presence in key regional markets through partnerships with high-quality, client-focused practices.

“The Chester city, Liverpool and Wirral teams bring excellent local market knowledge and strong client relationships that complement our existing North West operations beautifully.

“It is also an exciting region to do business in, with lots of inward investment, regeneration projects and fast-growing companies requiring the right tailored advice to expand even further.

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DJH, which is backed by private equity investor Tenzing, is a top 30 UK accountancy and professional services group with 16 offices across the North West, Midlands, Yorkshire, the South East and, through the most recent partnership, in Dublin.

Following 16 acquisitions over the last four years, DJH now employs a multidisciplinary team of 750 people.