Accountancy group extends reach with latest acquisition

An accountancy group and business advisory group has strengthened its presence in the Midlands and Welsh Borders after completing its latest acquisition.

DJH, which is headquartered in Stoke-on-Trent and backed by private equity specialist Tenzing, has agreed a partnership to buy Hereford-based accountancy firm Thorne Widgery, marking its 22nd strategic acquisition in the past five years.

Founded more than 80 years ago, Thorne Widgery operates from offices in Hereford, Ludlow and Shrewsbury, supporting owner-managed businesses across the region.

The firm will become part of DJH while retaining its existing local leadership team, with Daniel Crowther continuing to lead the business alongside Lizzie Roberts and Sam King.

Daniel said: “This is a significant milestone for us. 

“We have always believed that growth for our clients, our team and our business, requires investment, ambition and the right partners. 

“DJH shares our values and our drive, and joining the group gives us the platform to go further and faster than we could independently. 

“I am genuinely excited about what lies ahead.”

Scott Heath, chief executive of DJH, added: “Thorne Widgery has grown into the largest firm of accountants in Herefordshire and Shropshire, playing a critical role in supporting the vibrant business community in the region. 

“They have built an award-winning practice – one with genuine depth of expertise, a team that truly cares, and a client base built on long-standing trust.

“What particularly excites us is the work its development team has completed in building software solutions for the academies sector. 

“This is a real differentiator, and it opens up an exciting opportunity for us to explore how that capability could be extended into other sectors where DJH has strong expertise.

“It is the kind of forward-thinking innovation that sets a firm apart, and it is exactly what we want to bring into the group and build on across our existing specialisms.”

The deal expands DJH’s regional footprint and gives Thorne Widgery clients access to a wider range of specialist services, including estate planning, corporate finance, research and development tax relief, capital allowances, commercial funding and IT support.

It marks the latest step in DJH’s growth strategy, with the group now employing nearly 900 people across 19 offices in the UK and Ireland.

Scott added: “Our model works best when we combine the reach and resources of a national group with real, locally led expertise. 

“Thorne Widgery’s coverage across Hereford, Ludlow and Shrewsbury gives us the kind of connected Midlands and Welsh Borders presence we have been working towards.”

Want your business, product or service to be seen regionally and nationally? Bdaily helps you get your story in front of the right audience, every day. Find out how Bdaily can help →

Join more than 55,000 subscribers by signing up to our daily bulletin each morning here.