Chartered Accountants merge with national brand
Specialising in assisting small and medium sized businesses across the South West region, local accountants Ocean Consultancy Limited based in Crediton, Devon announce a merger with Haines Watts Chartered Accountants Exeter.
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 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.
David Park founded Ocean Consultancy in 2004, initially running the business from his spare bedroom. He relocated the company to Crediton four years’ ago and since that time the firm has grown to five members of staff and a turnover of c. £250,000. David says: “I saw a gap in the market for something fresh and different offering a service to SME’s who are not big enough to afford full-time professional directors. We work on behalf of a broad range of sectors and a typical client is husband and wife businesses who are too busy being reactive instead of proactive. We fulfil that integral part which helps the business to be more cost effective and ultimately grow. Where we are different from other accountants is that we gain an in-depth knowledge of their company and become a business partner and as a result half my working week is spent attending client’s board meetings.”
Ben de Cruz Managing Partner Haines Watts, Exeter says: “We are delighted that David and his team are joining the Exeter team which will help strengthen the local service we can offer. They have a well-earned reputation for giving excellent personal customer service and this will not change following the merger.”
David will primarily be based in his new role as Equity Partner of Haines Watts Exeter at Crediton with his team which will be a sub-office of the City’s operation.
David Park Equity Partner, Haines Watts Exeter says: “I am proud of my achievements and that of my loyal team in growing the business based on the working and personal relationships developed with our valued client-base. I was attracted to join the Haines Watts Group as they are a well-known and respected brand with a focus on local matters. In addition they have the backing of national expertise and support which means that our clients will have access to a broader range of services and yet we will still retain a Crediton presence with local knowledge and a personal hands-on approach.”
Haines Watts Exeter office continues to buck the trend in the current economic climate as they welcome Chris Thorpe as the new Tax Director and announce the promotions of Patrick Tigwell to Equity Partner and Lisa Crockford to Associate Partner for the Forensics Department. And it’s a double celebration as Haines Watts is short-listed as ‘Auditor of the Year 2013’ an award they won last year.
Ben de Cruz Managing Partner Haines Watts, Exeter says: “This is a very exciting time for Haines Watts Exeter and the merger coupled with the promotions takes us to a five-strong partnership. This is part of the firm’s mid to long-term expansion plans and fully demonstrates our commitment to grow the practice and the broad range of services and expertise we can offer. To win ‘Auditor of the Year’ for a second year running would be the ‘icing on the cake’.”
