WR Partners has acquired Shrewsbury-based Caerwyn Jones Chartered Accountants, marking a significant step in its growth strategy. Headquartered in Shropshire, with offices across Mid-Wales, Wrexham, and Cheshire, WR Partners provides services to over 6,500 clients. The acquisition strengthens its presence in Shropshire and Mid-Wales, adding staff from Caerwyn Jones to ensure continuity for clients. With this acquisition, WR Partners’ team has grown to approximately 250 employees. Helen Spencer, WR Partners’ managing partner, highlighted the shared commitment to client care, emphasising the benefits of expanded services for Caerwyn Jones’ clients under WR Partners.
Evelyn Partners Sustainable Managed Portfolio Service (MPS) has introduced two new funds—Trium Climate Impact and Regnan Sustainable Water and Waste—as part of its latest portfolio rebalance. The team continues to favour US and global equities, adding positions in the FTGF ClearBridge US Equity Sustainability Leaders and Brown US Sustainable Growth funds. The Trium Climate Impact fund focuses on climate solutions, targeting returns of 6-8% with low correlation to traditional assets. The Regnan fund was added for its defensive characteristics and structural growth potential in the water and waste sectors, aligning with the team’s sustainability-focused investment philosophy.
KPMG UK’s mid-year Fraud Barometer reports a rise in money laundering cases reaching UK crown courts, with nine cases worth £128.2m heard in 2024 so far. Money laundering has been the most common fraud type by value in the last six months. Overall, 122 fraud cases totaling £305m were recorded in the first half of 2024, a slight decrease in value compared to the previous year. The public sector has been most affected by fraud, with 26 cases valued at £193.4m. Account takeover fraud was the most common by volume, with 16 cases worth £7.2m.
PKF Francis Clark has welcomed 63 new accounting and tax trainees across its offices in Bristol, Exeter, Plymouth, Poole, Salisbury, Taunton, Torquay, and Truro. This intake includes 57 apprentices and six undergraduates participating in a new 12-month industrial placement scheme. The firm emphasises developing advisors with skills necessary for technological changes in the accounting profession. During a two-day induction at the University of Exeter, new recruits learned about hybrid working, learning, and development at the firm. CEO Paul Crocker highlighted the importance of nurturing talent, noting that many current partners began their careers as trainees at PKF Francis Clark.
