BHP
Background Summary
BHP is an independent firm of chartered accountants with origins dating back to 1867 through Jarvis Barber and Sons.
The group’s timeline also traces back to the 1880 creation of Sisson Platt and Co, and the 1910 formation of Ransom Harrison and Lewis. In 1970, the three firms merged to create Barber Harrison and Platt (BHP).
What followed was a series of acquisitions and mergers in a short period of time, commencing with the takeover of the Chesterfield-based Carlines and continuing when Moore Fletcher and Co and Cobden Board were also acquired before the turn of the millennium.
A merger with Ingram Forrest Corporate Finance in 2006 was followed by 2011’s Mitchells Group merger, and 2013’s Barron and Barron merger. A merger with Clough and Co in 2015 boosted BHP’s operations to over 300 staff and six offices.
Since then, the group has merged with GVT Chartered Accountants in 2016 and Atkinsons in 2017.
BHP also operates as a member of the global network of independent accounting firms, Kreston International.
BHP’s operations are split into four key areas: assurance, advisory, corporate finance, and tax.
Included in its advisory division are business strategy, growth and succession, consulting, debt advisory, financial planning, forensic, and insolvency and restructuring services.
The group’s assurance team covers audit, accounts, and outsourcing, while the tax department can be broken down into business and private client offerings.
Moreover, as a member of Kreston International, BHP is able to provide its clients a global resource for accounting, audit, taxation, and advisory services.
Financials
BHP LLP reported an annual turnover of £27.35m for the year ended 13 March 2024, which shows a rise of 9.55% year-on-year compared with the prior year.
Recent Coverage
BHP has announced promotions across the business and created heads of service positions amid ongoing growth at the firm. The appointments include Paul Winwood and Chris Neale as heads of Audit, Andy Haigh as head of Corporate Finance, Ellie Dignam as head of Digital Finance, and Fletcher Adamowicz as head of tax.
BHP has launched a new Listed, Accounting Valuations and Advisory service (LAVA), which will be headed up by Alex Hird, who has also been appointed partner. Alex Hird recently joined the firm following a 14-year career encompassing various accounting and audit roles.
BHP has appointed its first chief financial officer. For the last four years, Graham Parker has worked for a fintech company, most recently as CFO.
BHP has relocated to One Waterside Place from its current site in Saltergate, Chesterfield town centre. The property is a Grade A 5,550 sq ft office space with breakout spaces, meeting rooms, a café and bar area, a modern kitchen, LED lighting, air conditioning and cycle parking.
BHP has promoted audit director Terri Pierpoint to the role of partner after 17 years with the firm. In her new role as partner, Pierpoint will be responsible for signing off on the firm’s audits.