One of the Humber region’s largest independent accountancy firms has acquired Hull-based accountancy practice Graybrowne.
The acquisition is part of Forrester Boyd’s growth strategy as they evolve from a ‘traditional’ accountancy practice to a firm that delivers a holistic range of services and provides a solid geographic footprint in the centre of the City of Hull from which to expand their reach further.
Forrester Boyd has evolved over the years maintaining a long and reputable history. This sees the firm celebrate its 85th anniversary, a milestone which marks a seamless transformation into a forward-thinking ‘one-stop-shop’ offering clients a wide range of professional services to enable and support them to achieve their corporate and personal objectives.
Its reputation as an established and trusted provider of accountancy services is one that has stood the test of time. Indeed, it continues to grow and for Forrester Boyd, 2020 and the start of this new decade marks what is arguably, one of the most exciting periods in its long and famous history. With the incorporation of Forrester Boyd Corporate Finance Limited this year, the firm has now aligned its accountancy, corporate finance and wealth management service areas all under the Forrester Boyd brand.
With its headquarters in Grimsby and sister offices in Scunthorpe, Louth, Skegness, Beverley and now Hull, the independent firm is amongst the most well-known across the Humber and Lincolnshire region.
For Chairman and Partner David Everatt, this further growth marks an exciting milestone.
“The acquisition of Graybrowne positions us firmly in the centre of the City of Hull. Graybrowne is a firm aligned not only to our growth strategy but also with our values and beliefs and a perfect fit for our business.”
“Our aim is to help all our clients to achieve their objectives, to meet them, to build relationships with them and to stay with them along their journey,” said David.
“As we move more into the realms of true business and financial partner with our clients through the delivery of not only accountancy and tax services but corporate finance and wealth management, we are excited to be able to offer these value-added services to our new clients” he explained.
The practice was originally established in 1979. Nick Browne and Anne Gray, both chartered tax advisers, joined the practice in the 1980s. Following a restructure in 1999 Nick and Anne renamed the practice to Graybrowne. Their ethos was to be more than a traditional accountancy firm, to add value to the client relationship and to work alongside clients through their financial life, providing a personal and approachable service. Speaking of the acquisition Nick said, “We are delighted to be joining Forrester Boyd. The firm has an outstanding reputation for delivering high-quality advice and service levels. With the additional services the firm offer within the group and the support from the wider members of support teams within Forrester Boyd, I have no doubt that our clients will benefit from these value-added services we can offer.”
The acquisition is part of the succession planning for Nick and Anne and now offers them and their clients, the additional support from Forrester Boyd’s extensive expertise. With a workforce now in excess of 170 staff, clients can benefit from the depth of knowledge and specialist expertise that Forrester Boyd brings with it.
Mike Beckett, Partner at Forrester Boyd’s office in Beverley, will manage the Hull office along with Nick and Anne who will remain part of the business over the next few years. Mike said “This acquisition is a very exciting opportunity for the firm which comes at an extremely challenging time for many businesses. I look forward to working closely with Nick and Anne in continuing to deliver a first-class service to their clients”.
