HW Group

HW Group is a mid-tier stalwart going through somewhat of an evolution, but it seems to be paying off. The firm recently sold off its insolvency arm, but still enjoyed 20% fee growth last year, raking in £50.4m from other areas of its business.

Currently occupying No 15 in the Accountancy Age Top 50, HW has offered support and advice to owner-managed businesses for over 75 years and has grown to cater for the gamut of services required by large companies, small businesses and private individuals.

The firm has built a network of over 50 offices around the UK, employing over 550 staff and 29 partners in order to be geographically close to its clients.

The HW group consists of various firms in which Haines Watts Limited is a partner, member and shareholder. Interestingly, in terms of providing investment advice, the majority of these firms are not authorised under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, but are able in certain circumstances to offer a limited range of investment services to clients because they are licensed by the ICEAW.

It does have a specialist associated company, HW Financial Services Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the FSA under the Act. HW has a policy of referring investment business, excluding corporate finance work, to that associate or to third parties also authorised under the Act.

For investor protection, the ICAEW administers and the firm contributes to, a compensation scheme for clients who might need to seek redress.