Haswells appoints first female partner

Haswells Chartered Accountants in Wrexham has announced the appointment of Rachel Coles as partner, becoming the first female partner in the company’s history. Coles started her career with Haswells in 2005 as a trainee accountant, quickly qualifying as an AAT in 2008 and ATT in 2013, rising to the position of manager in 2019. She continued to work towards her ACCA and passed her final exams earlier this year. Effective from 1 April 2023, Rachel’s partnership will complement the existing partnership between Tony Thomas and Paul Harris. Thomas said: “Throughout our 150 year history, whilst we have kept abreast of advancements and bring a contemporary methodology to our services, there has never been a female partner. We are proud and delighted that Rachel has broken our glass ceiling and we wish her well in her new role. “Paul and I have lived through a number of changes – both economically and within Haswells – but one thing we have never lost sight of is the service we provide to our clients. By appointing Rachel as an additional partner, we are future-proofing Haswells for the years to come.” Coles added: “While the finance industry has moved on apace during the last century, my appointment proves that women can have top roles within firms, even if this has never happened previously. “I have worked towards this role for a long time and I am honoured that my partnership cements my place in Haswells’ history and its future. It means a lot to me that the current partners believe I am the right person to take the firm forwards and clients can be reassured that business will continue as usual.” Haswells was established in the late 1800s and has consistently remained in and around Wrexham.