Today’s news in brief – 15/4/2025
Accounting and advisory firm MHA has officially listed on AIM with a market capitalisation of £271m, following a successful £98m raise through institutional and retail investors. The IPO, unanimously approved by the board and partners, is seen as the most sustainable long-term strategy for the firm. CEO Rakesh Shaunak highlighted that the funds will support technological investment, including AI, and future acquisitions. The listing also introduces an employee benefit trust and equity participation for future partners. It marks the largest AIM IPO in the Business Support Services sector in five years and reinforces MHA’s growth and talent strategy.
BHP has promoted Melanie Foster, Simon Kendall, Will Holmes, and Karen Arch to partner, recognising their strong individual contributions to the firm. Notably, Foster and Arch are the first non-accountants to achieve partner status at BHP. The promotions form part of a broader internal uplift, with 33 additional promotions across its regional offices in Sheffield, Leeds, York, Chesterfield, and Cleckheaton. Lisa Leighton, joint CEO, emphasised that these advancements reflect a record year in 2024 and support the firm’s ongoing growth ambitions. The promotions underline BHP’s commitment to nurturing talent and reinforcing its status as a leading Northern accountancy firm.
RSM has named Pete Adams as the new managing partner of its Hull office, succeeding Andy Capes, who remains a senior partner focusing on national consulting and Humber-region clients. Adams, who joined RSM in 2019, brings over 20 years’ experience in audit and financial reporting and will continue in his audit leadership role. He will also drive RSM’s regional growth strategy and client services in the middle market. RSM reaffirmed its commitment to Hull with a recent office refurbishment and long-term lease. The appointment aligns with the firm’s strategy to foster internal talent and expand its regional impact.
Cleartech Group has acquired ECB (Water Solutions) Ltd in Wigan, marking its first expansion beyond Scotland. The acquisition enhances Cleartech’s HVAC commissioning, water treatment, and Legionella compliance services across England, expanding operations into Greater Manchester and Lancashire. Consilium Chartered Accountants provided lead advisory and tax due diligence, continuing a long-standing relationship with Cleartech. CEO Jim McGuigan praised Consilium’s guidance throughout the process and confirmed the firm would support post-acquisition integration. With this deal, Cleartech strengthens its presence across Scotland, London, and northern England, aligning with its wider strategic growth and service diversification goals within the UK market.
