Dains Expands into the North West – Joining Forces With HURST
HURST, a leading North West accountancy and advisory firm, has joined Dains, marking the Group’s first move into the region and its sixth transaction since securing private equity investment from IK Partners. It also represents the 16th deal completed by the Group since 2021, further accelerating its strategy to build the leading SME advisory business in the UK and Ireland.
Dains has announced its first step into the North West by welcoming accountancy and advisory firm HURST into the Group.
Headquartered in Stockport Exchange, HURST is one of the North West’s most respected independent firms. Founded in 1982, and led by Managing Partner Tim Potter, alongside Mike Jackson (Partner and Head of Business Services) and Simon Brownbill (Partner and Head of Practice Development), HURST supports clients across the UK and internationally.
The 120-strong team delivers a full suite of services including Audit, Tax Advisory, Corporate Finance, and Digital Transformation.
The acquisition strengthens Dains’ national offering in several ways, including:
Expanding Dains’ footprint into the North West, one of the UK’s fastest growing and most entrepreneurial regions
Enhancing specialist capability across audit, advisory, digital transformation and outsourced finance
Accelerating growth opportunities, through shared sector expertise, cross-regional collaboration and a combined focus on ambitious businesses
Cultural alignment has been central to the deal. Both firms share a long-standing commitment to helping ambitious clients succeed, investing in people, and delivering a high-quality, personal service built on trust and strong relationships.
Richard McNeilly, CEO of Dains said: “HURST is an exceptional firm with a reputation for quality, innovation and long-term client relationships. Their culture, values and ambition closely mirror our own, and this acquisition marks an exciting next step in our growth story. Entering the North West has been a strategic priority, and HURST’s leadership, talent and technology will bring real strength to our national offering.”
Tim Potter (pictured), Managing Partner of HURST said: “Joining Dains feels like the natural next chapter for our firm. We share a commitment to helping ambitious businesses grow, and we recognise in Dains the same drive to invest in people, technology and best-in-class client service. This partnership enhances our ability to scale, innovate and support clients locally, nationally and internationally.”
The existing HURST leadership team will remain in place, continuing to drive the firm’s growth while benefiting from the broader resources, investment and expertise of the Dains Group.
Dains were advised by Eight Advisory (Financial and Tax Due Diligence), Mercia (Technical due diligence) and PDW (Customer referencing).
HURST were advised by Buzzacott (Corporate Finance and Tax) and DWF (Legal).
