Helping build stronger futures

Just beyond Newcastle’s medieval keep lies the tucked-away Queen’s Lane, leading to The Long Stairs that were made famous by Michael Caine in Get Carter.

At their summit sits S&W’s main Newcastle office, nestled beneath the striking Turnbull building, providing audit, tax, restructuring and personal advisory services to businesses and entrepreneurs across the North East.

Like anyone who has tackled The Long Stairs, the past 12 months have been a tough, but ultimately rewarding, climb for Donna and her team.

In August 2024, the long-standing Haines Watts office, which Donna joined as a graduate from university, became part of Evelyn Partners.

Then, just months later in March 2025, S&W was launched as a new independent accountancy and advisory business after formally separating from Evelyn Partners with backing from Apax Partners – building on the firm’s heritage but with a clear signal to a new, well invested, client-focused organisation at the forefront of providing the highest quality advice.

For Donna, who has led the Newcastle team since 2014, the journey has required careful stewardship to ensure stability for both clients and staff.

She says: “It’s been a big change for us and for our clients.

“When you go through a rebrand and a change of ownership, people naturally have questions.

“The most important thing for me was making sure clients knew that while the name on the door was changing, the people they trust and the service they rely on would remain the same.”

That reassurance has been central to the transition.

“It’s about clear, consistent communication,” says Donna.

She adds: “We’ve had to make sure clients understand the reasons for the change and what it means for them, and that ultimately it is about giving them more – more services, more expertise and more support.”

The feedback and response from clients, Donna says, has been “overwhelmingly positive”.

She says: “Clients appreciate the enhanced range of services and resources now available through S&W’s national network.

“They are seeing real benefits from the greater depth of expertise and technology we bring to the table.

“Many have told us they’re excited about the new opportunities this move opens up for their businesses.”

Behind the scenes, aligning systems, processes and teams has proved no small task.

Donna says: “There’s a lot to think about when you are bringing together different cultures and ways of working.

“But we’ve come through it stronger, with a clear identity and the backing of a national network that shares our commitment to the region.”

And for Donna, the benefits of being part of a national network of 16 offices, including two in Newcastle – with the other on the city’s Collingwood Street – are obvious.

She says: “Being part of a top ten national firm means we are connected to specialists across the UK.

“If a client here needs sector-specific advice or access to a particular expertise, I can pick up the phone and bring in the right person straightaway.

“That kind of reach just wasn’t possible before.”

S&W has also invested heavily in new technology and systems, while its national network offers numerous possibilities in terms of staff recruitment and mobility.

Donna says: “We’ve already had significant investment in our systems.

“That’s helping us work more efficiently, share information securely with clients and make the best use of data in our decision-making.

“It also means our people can collaborate seamlessly with colleagues, whether they are in London, Manchester or Leeds.

“This connectivity enhances our ability to respond quickly to client needs and provide comprehensive advice.

“We’ve also had people spending time in other S&W offices, and specialists from other regions coming to work with us here too.

“That cross-migration of talent is great for professional development and broadening our perspective on client challenges.”

Yet you only need to venture to the ground floor of the Queen’s Lane office to see the giant mural that adorns one of the walls, complete with Alan Shearer, the Tyne Bridge, Jack Carter himself and Ant & Dec to realise that while S&W is a London-headquartered national firm, its Newcastle team will remain firmly rooted in the region it serves.

Donna says: “We’re not here to be just an outpost or a satellite office.

“Newcastle is a vital part of S&W’s national network, with its own identity, voice and influence.

“We’ve kept the personal touch, but now it’s backed by the resources of a much larger firm.

“That’s a really powerful combination for both our people and our clients.

“We can now offer clients the best of both worlds: local knowledge combined with national reach.”

Those clients are facing a complex and challenging business landscape, especially since last year’s Autumn Budget and the hike in employer national insurance contributions.

Those changes have intensified pressure on businesses in the North East, which were already grappling with rising costs, cashflow difficulties, regulatory changes and wider geo-political concerns.

Donna highlights a recent survey by S&W, which revealed cashflow remains the top concern for many companies in the region.

She says: “The North East is a vibrant, entrepreneurial region.

“But every business, from start-ups to established names, is under pressure at the moment.

“Our survey showed that, above all else, small businesses are worried about managing their day-to-day cashflow.

“This isn’t surprising given the economic environment, but it underscores the urgent need for practical, tailored advice.”

While Donna welcomes Westminster’s recent Small Business Plan as “a step in the right direction,” saying it “shows the Government understands some of the hurdles businesses face,” she says the economic climate will remain difficult for the foreseeable future.

And that’s where S&W comes in.

Donna says: “We don’t just provide numbers or generic guidance.

“We work alongside clients to manage cashflow, anticipate challenges and find growth opportunities, helping them build resilience and the ability to adapt.

“Whether it’s restructuring, identifying new opportunities or managing risk, we aim to be a trusted partner through uncertain times.”

And while the team’s list of services and specialisms is extensive, it is set to grow under the S&W banner.

Donna says: “We offer everything from tax planning and compliance to growth strategy, funding advice and digital transformation.

“Our team’s deep understanding of the North East means we can provide solutions that fit both the regional market and the wider national context.

“Being part of S&W will allow us to continually broaden the range of specialist advice we can offer, ensuring we stay ahead of client needs and market changes.”

Looking to the future, Donna is optimistic about the Newcastle team’s role within S&W.

She says: “In the short term, our focus is on consolidating the transition and ensuring clients experience seamless service throughout.

“Moving forward, we want to expand our team in Newcastle and attract talented professionals who share our commitment to client service and regional expertise.

“Our aim is to deepen our roots in the North East, support the local economy and play a significant role in S&W’s wider growth plans.

“It’s an exciting time, and we’re ready to help our clients build stronger futures.”

 

S&W

For more information about S&W and how its services could help your business, visit www.swgroup.com or call 0191 269 9960.

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