Express & Star

Haines Watts invests in new Birmingham home

An accountancy firm has relocated its Birmingham office to cope with recent expansion and demand from owner managed and family-run businesses.

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Haines Watts, which saw over 10 per cent growth in the region during the last 12 months, has taken more than 7,000 sq ft of ‘Grade A’ office space at Calthorpe Estates’ Greenfield Crescent development in the heart of Edgbaston Village.

A substantial investment went into the move that will accommodate more than 45 staff over two floors, with plenty of room to accommodate additional recruitment plans and the possibility of further acquisitions.

The new offices are open-planned to ensure streamlined communication and offer the latest technology, such as video conferencing and click share screens, across four spacious meeting rooms. There are also special breakout meeting pods for more informal discussions and a café that can be used by the team.

“2018 was a good year for the business and, following the recent acquisition of Michael Kay & Company, we needed a new Birmingham home that could house the larger team and help us with planning for future growth,” said Darren Holdway, managing partner at Haines Watts Birmingham LLP.

“The Greenfield Crescent office provides our staff and clients with a modern place to work, meet and host best practice seminars. We’ve equipped it with the latest technology, but hopefully, by using the latest design techniques, have ensured we create the personal atmosphere that reflects the personal service we try to deliver.

“Our Birmingham practice has grown by 27 per cent in terms of staff numbers and this includes several new and future high-profile appointments that strengthens the senior management and client facing teams.”

The Birmingham office is the largest in the West Midlands and covers the Greater Birmingham area and parts of Warwickshire, with four other offices in Wolverhampton, Worcester, Hereford and Tamworth providing support for the rest of the region.

Matt Long, portfolio development director at Calthorpe Estates, added: “We are delighted to welcome Haines Watts to the estate. The office space is perfect for companies looking for a modern, high-quality environment with a variety of award-winning restaurants, coffee shops, leisure and lifestyle amenities on its doorstep, as well as on-site car parking.

“Set outside the Clean Air Zone, coupled with the arrival of the Midland Metro tram in Edgbaston in 2021 and existing public transport infrastructure such as Five Ways train station, it is giving Birmingham businesses a compelling reason to relocate to Edgbaston.

“Haines Watts is the eighth business in as many months to relocate or open new practices in Edgbaston Village, following the likes of Kat & Co Aesthetics, Wright Silverwood, Fisher’s Estate Agents, Donald Insall Architects and Childbase Nurseries."