Dains Accountants expands into North West with Stockport acquisition

Stockport-based accountancy and advisory firm, HURST, has been acquired by Birmingham-based Dains Accountants in its first expansion into the North West region.

The move is Dains’ sixth transaction since securing private equity investment from IK Partners, and is the group’s 16th deal since 2021. Its ambitious acquisition strategy has seen the firm of chartered accountants and business advisers grow to a firm of more than 1,000 professionals across more than 30 locations throughout the UK and Ireland.

Based at 3 Stockport Exchange, HURST was founded in 1982 and is now led by Managing Partner Tim Potter, alongside Mike Jackson, Partner and Head of Business Services; and Simon Brownbill, Partner and Head of Practice Development. The firm’s 120-strong team supports clients across the UK and internationally with Audit, Tax Advisory, Corporate Finance, and Digital Transformation services.

Dains’ acquisition of HURST expands the firm’s footprint into the North West region, and enhances the business’ specialist capability.

Richard McNeilly (pictured), CEO of Dains said:

“HURST is an exceptional firm with a reputation for quality, innovation and long-term client relationships. Their culture, values and ambition closely mirror our own, and this acquisition marks an exciting next step in our growth story. Entering the North West has been a strategic priority, and HURST’s leadership, talent and technology will bring real strength to our national offering.”

Tim Potter, Managing Partner of HURST said:

“Joining Dains feels like the natural next chapter for our firm. We share a commitment to helping ambitious businesses grow, and we recognise in Dains the same drive to invest in people, technology and best-in-class client service. This partnership enhances our ability to scale, innovate and support clients locally, nationally and internationally.”

The existing HURST leadership team will remain in place, continuing to drive the firm’s growth while benefiting from the broader resources, investment and expertise of the Dains Group.

Dains were advised in the transaction by Eight Advisory, Mercia and PDW; HURST were advised by Buzzacott and DWF.