Haines Watts secures a wave of not-for-profit contracts

Accountancy firm Haines Watts is continuing to expand on its work with regional charities after 12 North East not-for-profits – with a total combined income of over £57.9m – appointed the firm as their external advisor in as many months.

The flurry of new clients is testament to the firm’s growing reputation as a third sector specialist, advising and supporting some of the region’s best-known charities with a range of services including audit compliance, tax, governance, financial systems and strategy.

The North East offices of the Top 15 accountancy practice currently work with over 50 charities, including new client Stockton Art Centre (ARC). The popular arts centre and cinema is working with Haines Watts on external audit services, VAT and assistance with the preparation of the year end accounts.

Speaking about the firm’s appointment, Haines Watts charity specialist, Gillian Benjamin, said: “We were delighted to be approached by ARC. The organisation is having a profoundly positive impact on Stockton’s local community through their art-based education and entertainment programmes.

“Specialist support and advice is vital to ensure such charities both survive and thrive. We’re proud to support the work ARC and so many other of our region’s charitable organisation’s carry out, enabling them to focus more of their attention on the brilliant work they do in the local community.”

Annabel Turpin, chief executive at Stockton Arts Centre, said: “We are grateful to Haines Watts for the support they have provided to us over the past twelve months. Their experience in the not-for-profit sector has proved invaluable, resulting in a clear understanding of our financial situation.

“Having a clear picture allows us to plan for the future and continue to develop opportunities for people to engage with creative learning activity across Stockton and the Tees Valley, as well as support and development opportunities for professional performance artists.”

Donna Bulmer, managing partner at Haines Watts North East, has over a two decades of experience working with the charity sector and holds a number of voluntary positions across the region including a new position on the board of Voluntary Organisation Network North East (VONNE) and being part of the finance sub-committee of Changing Lives, as well as the longstanding treasurer of Streetwise Young People’s Project.

Donna said: “Charities are undoubtedly facing tough times ahead. The combination of political uncertainty, public funding cuts, rising costs and greater demand for charity services is leaving many organisations hard-pressed. Having access to a trusted advisor with experience of the sector can add real value to a charity in such challenging times.”

Haines Watts North East provides a full range of accountancy services to regional charities and not-for-profit clients. The company also takes part in a number of fundraising activities throughout the year, having raised over £10k for a range of charitable causes in 2018.

More information on Haines Watts can be found on their website: www.hwca.com