Ballards partner marks 20 years in medical accounting

Ballards LLP partner Matthew Watson has marked 20 years with the Midlands accountancy firm, credited with leading the growth of its medical accounting division into a national specialist practice.

Watson joined the then Ballard Dale Syree in 2005, when the firm employed about 30 people. Ballards LLP now has more than 150 staff and is widely regarded as a leading adviser to medical professionals.

From the outset, Watson established a focus on healthcare clients, developing the division from a small portfolio of GP practices to a major unit serving more than 50 GP partnerships and 600 medical consultants and surgeons across the UK. Clients include organisations such as the Confederation of British Surgeons.

Watson merged his own practice, WW Watson Chartered Accountants, with Ballard Dale Syree in 2005. His involvement in the profession began in 1993 through a family firm founded by his father. His wife Janet, who also works at Ballards, marks 20 years with the firm this year.

Watson said: “Medical practices have become far larger and more complex. Where once there were two or three partners, there are now twenty-plus, often incorporated and operating as sophisticated businesses. Technology has enabled us to serve clients nationwide. We’re now truly a national GP and Consultant accountancy team.”

Looking ahead, he remains focused on helping medical professionals adapt to rising operational and economic pressures. He added: “Our clients are running demanding businesses in challenging times. Our role is to help them remain financially strong and sustainable.”