Cowgills expands with Haleys Business Advisers in Lancashire
Leading North West accountancy firm Cowgills, part of Sumer Group, has announced it has joined forces with Preston-based Haleys Business Advisers, further strengthening its presence across the North West.
The partnership establishes a new Cowgills office in Preston, giving the firm a base in the heart of Lancashire – a key target location within its ongoing growth strategy. The acquisition brings 16 employees from Haleys into Cowgills, expanding the company’s team to approximately 300 colleagues. The Preston office complements Cowgills existing locations in Bolton, Manchester, Liverpool, Stockport and Wigan.
Haleys Business Advisers has built a strong reputation in Preston and across Lancashire, supporting owner-managed businesses and SMEs with accountancy, tax and business advisory services. The firm’s established local relationships and understanding of the Lancashire business community will further strengthen Cowgills offering across the region.
Cowgills joined Sumer Group in early 2024, gaining the backing to accelerate its ambitious growth strategy, with a particular focus on firms that share its entrepreneurial ethos, strong client relationships and commitment to providing commercially focused advice.
The Haleys team will now become part of Cowgills and Sumer Group’s growing national team, giving its clients access to a broader range of specialist services while retaining the local relationships and service they value.
Paul Stringer, managing partner at Cowgills, commented: “Lancashire has been a key part of our growth plans for some time, so establishing a permanent presence in Preston is an important step for Cowgills. Haleys has built a strong business and an excellent reputation across the region. They understand the needs of owner-managed businesses and have developed the kind of long-standing client relationships that are very much aligned with the way we work at Cowgills.
“Welcoming Haleys to Cowgills, gives us an established base from which we can continue to grow across Lancashire, while giving Haleys clients access to the wider expertise and specialist services available across Cowgills and Sumer Group. We’re very pleased to welcome the team to Cowgills and look forward to building on the strong business they have created.”
Tim Haley, managing director at Haleys Business Advisers, added: “Joining Cowgills represents an exciting next chapter for Haleys, our team and our clients. We wanted to become part of a firm that understood the importance of maintaining strong local relationships while giving our clients access to additional expertise as their businesses grow, and providing opportunities for our colleagues.
“Cowgills shares that approach and, importantly, has a strong understanding of the North West region. Becoming part of the wider Cowgills and Sumer Group gives us the opportunity to offer even more to our clients while continuing to provide the personal service they have come to expect from Haleys.”