Shropshire firm deal is agreed

Accountancy and professional services group DJH has accelerated its expansion into the Midlands and Welsh Borders with its 22nd strategic acquisition in five years.

DJH, which is backed by private equity specialist Tenzing, has agreed a partnership to acquire Shrewsbury-based Thorne Widgery, strengthening its growing presence across the region and with key clients in Shropshire and Herefordshire.

Founded over 80 years ago, Thorne Widgery is known for its forward-thinking, technology-led approach and its track record for supporting owner-managed businesses from its offices on Battlefield Enterprise Park in Shrewsbury, The Business Quarter in Ludlow and Wyevale Business Park in Hereford.

It will now operate as part of DJH, bringing its established client base and innovative team into a group with national scale and an expanded suite of specialist services.

Scott Heath, chief executive officer of DJH, said: “Thorne Widgery has grown into the largest firm of accountants in Shropshire and Herefordshire, playing a critical role in supporting the vibrant business community in the region.

“They have built an award-winning practice - one with genuine depth of expertise, a team that truly cares, and a client base built on long-standing trust.

“What particularly excites us is the work its development team has completed in building software solutions for the academies sector. This is a real differentiator, and it opens up an exciting opportunity for us to explore how that capability could be extended into other sectors where DJH has strong expertise.

“It is the kind of forward-thinking innovation that sets a firm apart, and it is exactly what we want to bring into the group and build on across our existing specialisms.”

The local leadership will remain unchanged, with Daniel Crowther continuing to lead the Thorne Widgery team, alongside Lizzie Roberts and Sam King.

Clients will receive a seamless transition, as well as benefitting from DJH’s specialist in-house services, including estate planning, capital allowances, R&D tax credits, corporate finance, commercial funding solutions, and IT and technology support.

Daniel Crowther said: “This is a significant milestone for us. We have always believed that growth for our clients, our team and our business, requires investment, ambition and the right partners.

“DJH shares our values and our drive, and joining the group gives us the platform to go further and faster than we could independently. I am genuinely excited about what lies ahead.”

Scott said: “Our model works best when we combine the reach and resources of a national group with real, locally led expertise. Thorne Widgery’s coverage across Hereford, Ludlow and Shrewsbury gives us the kind of connected Midlands and Welsh Borders presence we have been working towards.

“It also reinforces our commitment to delivering national resources with locally led advice, knowledge and expertise - going above and beyond compliance to help clients overcome challenges and scale.”

DJH’s growing group now employs nearly 900 people and spans 19 offices across the UK and Ireland.

Pictured: Scott Heath (CEO of DJH), Lizzie Roberts (head of tax at Thorne Widgery), Daniel Crowther (CEO of Thorne Widgery) and Sam King (head of Xero for education at Thorne Widgery)