Haines Watts announces trio of promotions

Haines Watts has strengthened its North East leadership team through the promotion of three new partners. The new promotions are in line with the firm’s plan to “play a significant role in supporting its growing client base with the unprecedented challenges faced by businesses”. All promotions were conducted internally, and the new partners will operate across the Newcastle, Darlington and Leeds offices. They will advise clients on such issues as outsourced accountancy, VAT, tax incentives and reliefs. Craig Horsfall, who joined the firm in 2016, is one of the newly-promoted partners. He brings with him over 15 years of experience, and heads up the North East’s accounts and outsourcing department, advising a growing number of SME clients. He recently completed Haines Watts’ accredited Leadership Development Programme, and also sits on the firm’s national IT committee. Horsfall said: “I’m thrilled to have been appointed partner alongside my colleagues. Over the past year, we’ve worked hard to develop and grow the practice, implement new technologies and systems, and integrate two teams into a new office - all whilst delivering a great service for our clients. “I’m excited to see what the future holds as we continue to deliver solutions that enable business owners to overcome the challenges they face, whatever they may be.” He will be joined by Andrew Needham, who will now act as VAT partner for the firm. Needham has over 20 years of experience working with clients across local authorities, the not-for-profit sector, PLC’s and multinationals, amongst others. Needham said: “Since joining Haines Watts last year, I’ve had strong ambitions to grow our VAT offering in the North East. We’ve gone from strength to strength, and I’ve now got the backing of a great team who share my enthusiasm and dedication. “I'm very pleased to have received this promotion to VAT partner as we look to support business owners both through the current crisis and as they recover.” Sara Andrews will also join the senior team as associate partner, having joined Haines Watts as manager back in 2018, and previously helped the growth of the tax incentives and reliefs department within the firm. Regional managing partner, Donna Bulmer, said: “I am delighted to welcome the trio to our leadership team bringing a variety of experience and personalities, at such an exciting time for the business. “We continue to invest in our people initiatives, ranging from our new purpose-built workplace and tech solutions to our talent development programmes. I’m proud to see our people thrive and achieve their own personal career aspirations.”