Haines Watts strengthens leadership team with trio of promotions

Top 15 accountancy firm, Haines Watts, has bolstered its leadership team in the North East by promoting three new partners. It comes as the firm looks to play a significant role in supporting its growing client base with the unprecedented challenges currently faced by businesses.

The promoted partners will operate across the firm’s Newcastle, Darlington and Leeds offices, advising clients on a range of issues including outsourced accountancy, VAT, and tax incentives and reliefs.

Craig Horsfall (pictured) has been promoted to partner, having joined Haines Watts in 2016. With over 15 years’ experience, he heads up the North East’s accounts and outsourcing department and plays an integral role in advising the firms growing number of SME clients. Craig has recently completed Haines Watts’ accredited Leadership Development Programme and sits on the firm’s national IT committee.

Joining him is Andrew Needham who takes on a new position of VAT partner, having joined Haines Watts last year and has achieved his goal of building a North East VAT team from the ground up. Andrew has over 20 years’ experience working with clients across a vast range of sectors, from local authorities and the not-for-profit sector, to PLC’s and multi-nationals.

Meanwhile, Sara Andrews has taken on the position of associate partner. Sara joined Haines Watts as manager back in 2018 and has played a pivotal role in the growth of the tax incentives and reliefs department. She works with innovative and creative businesses across the country, to ensure that they are benefitting from the support measures available and tax reliefs available.

Regional managing partner Donna Bulmer said: “I am delighted to welcome the trio to our leadership team bringing a variety of experience and personalities, at such an exciting time for the business. We continue to invest in our people initiatives, ranging from our new purpose-built workplace and tech solutions to our talent development programmes. I’m proud to see our people thrive and achieve their own personal career aspirations.”