Trio of partner appointments and flurry of promotions at Haines Watts

Leading accountancy and business advisory firm, Haines Watts, has continued to strengthen its regional presence, appointing three new partners alongside a further eight internal promotions in the North East.

Sara Andrews, Nicola Scarr, and Chris Hird have all been promoted to partner from their former positions as associate partners, all of who were successful candidates on Haines Watts’ award-winning talent development programme. The promotions come as the firm continues to bolster its support for business owners across the North, with recent research revealing that growth is the number one challenge clients face in the year ahead.

Both Sara and Chris joined the team four years ago. In that time, Sara has grown the firm’s tax incentives and reliefs offering from five to a growing head count of 19, all whilst helping businesses across the country save £90m in tax reliefs. Meanwhile, Chris has bolstered Haines Watts’ corporate finance offering, with two senior appointments this year and several significant deals across the UK.

Speaking on her new role, Sara said: “I am so honoured to be given this opportunity at such an exciting time in the Newcastle office, and to continue having a strong influence on how our culture and people develop. I’m looking forward to seeing the incentives and reliefs team, alongside the wider team, continue to grow and provide the support that I was shown as they continue to progress! And most importantly – letting people know how great it is to work here!”

Since joining Haines Watts in 2019, Nicola Scarr has supported the growth of the firm’s audit service line. Welcoming a significant number of new clients and new recruits to the team. At a national level, Nicola is part of a team who are looking to drive Haines Watts’ sustainability strategy.

Speaking on the growth of the firm, Managing Partner, Donna Bulmer, said: “I’m really proud that we’re welcoming three new members to the partner team, all with different professional backgrounds and experience. I’m particularly proud that a third of our leadership team are female leaders.

“The appointments come at a time of evolution and growth of the firm, and it’s a crucial next step in our exciting plans for the years ahead.”