Member Article

Accountancy firm gearing up for growth challenge

North West accountancy firm Mitchell Charlesworth is announcing ambitious growth plans following the appointment of a new managing partner.

The firm has selected long-standing partner Paul Wainwright to lead the business.

Mr Wainwright is setting targets to drive turnover by focussing on a number of key sectors including retail, medical, professional services, social housing, not-for-profit and manufacturing.

He takes over the role from David Darlington, who has led the business for more than 25 years through multiple mergers and acquisitions, and managed wide scale expansion opening new offices in Manchester and Chester.

Mr Wainwright said: “It is an honour to take on the role of managing partner. Under David’s leadership, the practice has made giant steps seeing consistent growth, launching new services and expanding into new markets. David passes on a formidable legacy.

“Our focus now is to ensure Mitchell Charlesworth remains a progressive and dynamic business. We are much more than just accountants; we offer a complete business advice service with a real passion to help our clients grow sustainable and profitable businesses and we will always strive to maintain our high levels of customer service.

“One of Mitchell Charlesworth’s greatest assets is its broad skill base. Key to this is our highly regarded tax service which we will aim to strengthen further this year.

“Other key aims in 2014 and beyond include harnessing the power of new accounting technology, including cloud based products, to make the whole accounting process faster and more efficient for clients.

“We are also totally committed to our workforce and a rigorous training programme to ensure they are the best in the business. Our recent admittance to the global accountancy network Kreston will further enable us to drive greater overseas growth.”

Mr Darlington’s successful period of leadership saw the firm crowned Accountancy Firm of the Year at the North West Finance Awards 2013.

“It has been an honour and privilege to serve as the firm’s managing partner,” said Mr Darlington.

“As part of our succession planning, I will continue to focus on leading our specialist service divisions, including business insurance, wealth management and payroll. I wish Paul every success for the future.”

Mitchell Charlesworth chairman Clive Plummer said: “David’s success as managing partner has seen the firm expand its services into a strong regional practice, with a broad range of clients.

“The opportunity for career development of our staff is also a key factor of David’s tenure, with many progressing from trainee to manager and partner level.

“I am confident that Paul will bring his enthusiastic approach to the role of successfully leading Mitchell Charlesworth through the next phase of its development.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Simon Malia .