Harold Sharp strengthens position amid client acquisitions
Manchester-based accountancy firm Harold Sharp has continued its growth, following strategic support on two international client acquisitions and a series of successful business exits that have extended its advisory remit.
Harold Sharp’s team supported 12 clients with successful acquisition strategies and deals totalling more than £17m over the last 24 months. This included two longstanding Manchester-based clients acquired by international groups.
The firm assisted industrial machinery installation specialist, Speedrite with its acquisition by Netherlands headquartered Gerritsen Group, and has gone on to provide accountancy support for the Group’s UK network. Gary Fittes, co-founder of Speedrite, which has just moved to a new facility at Trafford Park, said: “Harold Sharp’s team were right by our side throughout our growth and ultimately our sale. The acquisition process and financial requirements were totally new to us, and having the advice and substantiation we needed, was fundamental to the successful deal.”
Meanwhile, Sale-based engineering company DDE was acquired by Stockholm-headquartered Nordomatic last year. Mark Allen, who was managing director of the specialist building management systems business in the run up to the acquisition, and has since become country director for the Group’s entire UK operations, said: “Harold Sharp understands our business and knew what we wanted to achieve. Their expertise was vital during DDE’s acquisition process – ensuring we were in a strong position to attract the right investor.”
Charlotte Hinchcliffe, managing director at Harold Sharp, which became part of the ETL GLOBAL network in 2021, said: “An exit strategy is often part of the long-term vision of founder-led businesses, and many – particularly those working in specialist industries – are in a strong position on the international stage. We’ve seen an uplift in clients embarking on an investment drive recently. It’s a privilege to work with ambitious businesses across the region – helping them build a robust financial picture of their success.
“Understanding the nuances of UK and international investment, and being prepared for the scrutiny of the due diligence processes is crucial. In doing so, we have grown our own national footprint, supporting clients with a broader remit as they move through to their next phase of development.”
Harold Sharp now has a 50-strong team, led by Charlotte, who has been with the firm for 20 years, alongside a new director team who stepped up into new roles this year. The Sale-headquartered firm achieved 6% growth in 2024 and is on track to double this during 2025. Meanwhile its specialist auditing division has grown by almost 20% this year.