Annual round up

As another year comes to an end (and each one seems to go quicker), I’d like to take this opportunity to reflect and review what has been quite a turbulent year. The cost-of-living crisis, the ongoing geo-political issues and ever-increasing uncertainty surrounding the UK’s economic robustness have all had impacts on businesses and individuals alike.

 

At Haines Watts, we have tried to mitigate these impacts by focussing on our own values – authenticity and passion in everything we do and valuing and nurturing those relationships we have. This has enabled us as a firm to grow and develop. We have welcomed a number of new team members, including the continuation of our apprenticeship programme, and many of our people have successfully completed their exams or overall studies. I was delighted to announce the promotions of Elizabeth Jenkins to Client Manager, Matthew Oldfield to Associate and Conor O’Sullivan to Director.

 

We have also seen many new clients come on-board, enhancing the diversity of our client base and giving fresh opportunities and challenges. From multi-million turnover corporate clients, to startup businesses, to individuals wanting guidance and advice, all equally form part of our own business and success.  

 

We have supported our local community through charitable giving and sponsorships. I’d particularly like to congratulate Seb on completing the Berlin marathon, raising vital funds for the charity Mind and the wider Haines Watts team for supporting him by donating to such a worthy cause. We have also provided sports kits to local clubs and are looking to develop our involvement in supporting local junior sports clubs. 

 

We’re proud to create a culture where everyone can come to work, feel part of a community, be themselves and thrive. Once again, we came together with other offices from the South-West region for a summer day. In total there were over 80 team members taking part in a variety of team building activities, kindly hosted by Team Bath at their campus. The day was full of fun and ended with a BBQ.  

 

As you may be aware, I was recently appointed to the national Haines Watts Group Board where I’ll be looking to develop the overall Haines Watts offering to increasingly reflect the emerging needs and priorities of our clients and staff. This is in addition to my responsibilities within Bristol, Portishead, Exeter and the wider South-West region.  

 

Ultimately, our success as a business is completely dependent on providing what our clients want. Our future growth is driven by our ability to deliver quality advice, excellent service and proactive and challenging dialogue through the trusted relationships we have with our clients. It is this that make you all our greatest advocates. Training and developing our own team to enable this, and providing opportunities and support to see personal development, is high on our agenda.

 

I am very grateful to work with so many inspirational colleagues and clients. I would like to say a huge thank you to you all for being part of what we have achieved in 2023.

 

From us all at Haines Watts, we wish you and your loved ones a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.