Register to get free articles
Want unlimited access? View Plans
Already have an account? Sign in
Xeinadin has acquired Devonports LAS Accountants Limited, which includes two offices in Southend-on-Sea and Maldon, expanding its presence in Essex.Devonports Accountants was originally founded by Ian Hornsey in 1994 with just three clients but grew to serve over 2,200 clients by October 2022.
LAS Partnership, based in Maldon, which was owned by Tim Howard and had been established since 1996, grew from 10 clients to just under 1,200. In October 2022, both groups joined together to form Devonports LAS Accountants Ltd.
Devonports LAS has since expanded to serve over 3,500 clients, and is backed by a team of 19.
Xeinadin said the partnership “not only addresses the immediate needs of succession planning, but also prepares for future changes within the accounting profession”.
Tim Halford, chief commercial officer at Xeinadin, said: “The addition of Devonports LAS is an exciting development for us. Their commitment to client service and strong local relationships align perfectly with Xeinadin’s values. Together, we can expand our offerings to the businesses in Essex, ensuring they have the support and guidance necessary to grow and succeed in their respective markets.”
Ian Hornsey, joint CEO at Devonports LAS, added: “From the first meeting, we knew that Xeinadin was the right fit for us and the next stage of our journey as we aim to elevate our client offerings in this ever-changing world of accountancy.
“Joining Xeinadin makes absolute business sense, not only for succession planning but to meet the future challenges and changes within the accounting profession. Having joined in August 2024, we can already see the benefits of belonging to a professional and pro-active organisation who care about their clients.”
Tim Howard, joint CEO at Devonports LAS, said: “After spending 28 years as a sole trader and subsequently merging with Devonports to form Devonports LAS Accountants Ltd over the past 21 months, I am thrilled to begin the next chapter of my career with Xeinadin. Besides my own personal succession planning, the acquisition provides the opportunity to share experiences, resources and save costs as we head towards a more digital environment. Joining a firm with a national presence allows us to better support SMEs and SMPs, which are essential to the vitality of our national economy.”
