Dains enters North West market with Hurst acquisition

Dains has announced its acquisition of Stockport-based firm Hurst, securing its entry into the North West market. 

The deal marks the sixth transaction for the group since it secured investment from IK Partners and its 16th acquisition since 2021. Hurst, which was established in 1982, employs 120 staff at its Stockport Exchange headquarters.

Hurst provides audit, tax advisory, corporate finance, and digital transformation services to clients in the UK and overseas. Existing leadership, including managing partner Tim Potter, Mike Jackson, and Simon Brownbill, will remain with the business.

The acquisition is part of a strategy to build an advisory business focused on small and medium-sized enterprises across the UK and Ireland. It follows several other regional expansions by the group over the past five years.

Richard McNeilly, chief executive of Dains, said: “Hurst is an exceptional firm with a reputation for quality, innovation and long-term client relationships. Their culture, values and ambition closely mirror our own, and this acquisition marks an exciting next step in our growth story. 

“Entering the North West has been a strategic priority, and Hurst’s leadership, talent and technology will bring real strength to our national offering.”

Potter added: “Joining Dains feels like the natural next chapter for our firm. We share a commitment to helping ambitious businesses grow, and we recognise in Dains the same drive to invest in people, technology and best-in-class client service. 

“This partnership enhances our ability to scale, innovate and support clients locally, nationally and internationally.”