Register to get free articles
Want unlimited access? View Plans
Already have an account? Sign in
Midlands accountancy and advisory firm PKF Smith Cooper has marked its 40th anniversary, highlighting continued expansion and setting out ambitions for further growth.
Founded in 1985, the business began as a small practice in Ashbourne, Buxton, Mansfield and Burton. It has since grown into one of the region’s largest firms, employing almost 400 staff across seven offices, including Derby, Nottingham, Birmingham and Hereford.
The firm expanded its services in the late 1990s to include business recovery, insolvency and corporate finance, later adding specialist areas such as capital allowances, research and development tax relief, and transaction advisory.
Its offering has also broadened beyond accountancy, with group companies now providing IT support, wealth management and software services.
In 2019, PKF Smith Cooper entered the top 40 UK accounting firms by size. Two years later it joined the global PKF network, adopting its current brand.
The business has also relocated several offices in recent years, including a move to new headquarters in Derby’s Pride Park in 2022.
Last year, the firm set out a five-year plan to expand its market share and service lines.
James Bagley, managing partner, said: “Forty years of PKF Smith Cooper is a remarkable milestone to be celebrating. We are incredibly proud of the tremendous growth the firm has experienced over the past four decades. This anniversary is not just a reflection of the firm’s longevity, but a celebration of the outstanding team whose talent and dedication have shaped the firm into what it is today.”
Senior partner David Nelson added: “As we mark this milestone, our focus remains on the exciting future ahead. The next five years promise even greater growth, as we continue to nurture our homegrown talent and invest in our teams. Our commitment to delivering a relationship-led full suite of services to support our client base remains stronger than ever.”
