History of Haines Watts
Our attention to detail and pride in our accuracy is something that's become synonymous to our name. Only achievable by keeping up with the times, not only the technology that supports it, but the endless changes to tax and accountancy legislation. The blueprint for our future and what our new brand stands for, has taken years to perfect.
1930s
Cyril Haines Watts qualified as an Accountant whilst acquiring his first clients.
1940s
The first office was set up in a wooden shed, a desk, two chairs, a filing cabinet and a shared phone.
Within the first year, two members of staff were recruited and new larger premises found.
1950s
With no proactive sales drive, more and more clients came on board having heard 'word of mouth' about the customer driven one stop shop accountancy practice.
1960s
A second partner joined and the acquisitions began. New services were introduced including Tax and Mechanised Bookkeeping.
1970s
Our business continues to grow due to new and more complex legislation.
New premises were found and by the end of the decade we boasted eight offices in the Thames Valley area.
1980s
We expand our office network across the UK.
Due to increased client demand we set up our own Financial Services business.
1990s
Tremendous organic growth achieved and we became one of the Top 20 largest firms of Chartered Accountants in the UK.
We offered a true alternative to the then Big 5, with a comprehensive range of services and expertise in house.
Specialist Corporate Finance and Forensic Accountancy divisions started and we became a leading advisor on Tax Planning.
2000s
Focus on being geographically close to our clients, with many new offices opening.
Significant expansion of our additional non-core services to ensure we continue to offer the ultimate 'full service' for all existing and new clients.
February 2009 and our new brand is launched - created to strengthen and emphasise our core values set out over 80 years ago.