SearchAmbitious plans unveiled for HURST to double in size
Our firm has today unveiled plans to double in size amid rapid expansion across the practice.
In the 12 months to March 31 2024, we increased fee income by 13.5 per cent from £7.9m to £9m, and we are on track to exceed £11m in our latest financial year.
We are aiming to become a £20m-turnover practice in 2028, fuelled by a growing national client base, extensive recruitment and new service lines to support our ambitions, alongside a multimillion-pound investment in technology.
Last spring we moved our headquarters to a flagship development in Stockport to accommodate our growing team, which includes an increasing number of recruits from larger firms across the UK.
Our relocation to 3 Stockport Exchange, where we occupy 11,000sq ft, has paved the way for the firm to expand from 120 staff to around 170 over the next few years.
During the current financial year, we have launched a private client tax service headed by partner Karen Chadwick to enhance our offering to business owners, entrepreneurs and high net worth individuals. We have also recently launched a dedicated corporate tax compliance service headed by Ellen Feetum.
Other highlights of the financial year to date include:
· Recognition from Great Place to Work as one of the UK’s best workplaces in consulting and professional services, reaffirming our commitment to fostering a positive culture;
· The launch of HURST Corporate Finance as a standalone brand with a dedicated website. HURST Corporate Finance has its strongest-ever deals pipeline;
· Significant client wins, including Metalor Technologies, beauty brand REFY, the Rugby Football League and Green Part Specialists, reflecting our growing reputation as a trusted adviser to mid-market businesses across the UK;
· Investing to make greater use of AI-driven digital platforms to enhance data management, improve resource planning and deliver greater efficiency to clients.
Outlining our firm’s ambitious plans, managing partner Tim Potter said we have a strong platform to build on to achieve our goals.
“We have good, solid foundations from which to propel our growth in a measured way,” he said.
“This involves continuing to focus on providing a genuinely caring and friendly service and excellent value to our growing client base, ensuring they have a pleasant experience with us by obtaining sound commercial advice to help them achieve their goals, together with the technical abilities of our team.
“At the same time, the essence of our firm is a great culture. Looking after our people really well so they are inspired and motivated to achieve success for our clients is key to our ethos.
“This combination is helping us to win more business nationally, although our focus remains on the north west.
“In the north west alone, we act for businesses with a combined turnover of £10bn as we continue to expand our client base. The region has a thriving business community and is a vibrant area of entrepreneurship and innovation.
“There is plenty of scope for further expansion for HURST both in the north west and beyond.”
Tim added: “Over the past 12 months we have invested in the business on a significant scale, with our new offices, key appointments, new service lines and by embedding new technologies within the firm, including AI-driven digital platforms.
“This programme will continue to enable us to further enhance our service offering. We have also stepped up our leadership training provision with a global provider to nurture the next generation of senior leaders, and will be launching a bespoke proposition to help clients integrate and develop their AI offering within their businesses, and adding further service lines.
“The practice remains buoyant and confident for the future. With our continued investment in talent, technology and service innovation, we are well-placed to deliver sustainable growth and create exciting opportunities for our people and clients alike.”