Bradley Thomas joins Haines Watts as a tax partner through RHK merger
Haines Watts has strengthened its North East presence by merging with Gateshead-based RHK Accountants.
Led by Regional Managing Partner, Donna Bulmer; Regional Tax Partner, Jonathan Scott; and RHK Partner Bradley Thomas, the merger will facilitate the retirement of two of RHK’s four partners.
Pushing regional turnover to over £7 million and headcount to 75, this latest deal follows several years of sustained organic growth and a recent management buy-out of Haines Watts Leeds in 2018.
Regional Managing Partner, Donna Bulmer, said: “We are delighted to welcome the team at RHK to the Haines Watts family. With a long history of supporting business owners and a wide regional remit, RHK is an established practice whose culture, values and strengths complement our own.
“As a private client specialist, Bradley brings a vast expertise of strategic, structural and personal tax planning which will bolster our tax offering in the region. This merger further cements our position as leading advisors to business owners in the North East.”
With their eyes set on further growth, the leadership team are targeting an ambitious eight-figure turnover as part of their long-term regional development plan.
RHK Partner, Bradley Thomas, will join Haines Watts as a Tax Partner. He said: “This is an excellent opportunity for clients and staff alike. Our clients will benefit from a greater breadth and depth of services whilst continuing to enjoy the highly personal approach we offer, and our staff will have access to a wide range of training and development opportunities.
“Our two practices are highly suited, with both placing a strong emphasis on supporting growing owner-managed businesses. I’m looking forward to working with the regional leadership team to expand our presence in the North East through our network of business relationships.”
RHK’s retiring Partners will continue to provide support to their clients and team to ensure a smooth transition. Peter Storey will remain during the transition whilst taking a new direction, leaving the profession to join an existing client of the practice.
Retiring Senior Partner, David Hall, said: “While this is the end of an era for RHK, we’re confident that our clients remain in good hands. It was vital to us that we found the right firm to best service the needs of our clients and support the aspiration of our team. We are happy to be handing over the reins to the leadership team at Haines Watts.”
Geoff Miller retires after 32 years with the firm. He said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at RHK, but I am now looking towards some new challenges. I wish every success to the new enlarged practice and its clients.”