Xeinadin expands Kent footprint through double acquisition of Friend & Grant and Hedley Dunk
Xeinadin, one of the leading professional services firms in the UK and Ireland, has strengthened its presence in Kent through the acquisition of two well-established accountancy firms, Friend & Grant Ltd and Hedley Dunk Limited. The joint announcement underscores Xeinadin’s commitment to expanding its support for businesses in key sectors across the region. Both firms will retain their existing teams and office locations while gaining access to Xeinadin’s extensive resources and collaborative network.
With offices in Strood and Kings Hill, Friend & Grant’s 30-strong team has more than thirty years of experience in fields like engineering, manufacturing, digital technology and e-commerce. The firm, which is well-known for its specialist consultancy approach, has assisted numerous clients in reaching their corporate objectives. This varies from streamlining financial management with cloud based solutions to resolving management team conflicts to drive business growth.
Established in 1929 Dartford-based Hedley Dunk team of 16 specialises in construction, motor trades, agriculture, and professional services. Now a Xeinadin company, the firm will continue to deliver value and practical solutions to their clients with the additional power of being part of a collaborative international group.
Derry Crowley, chief executive officer at Xeinadin, emphasised the importance of these acquisitions: “Kent is home to a diverse and thriving business community, and bringing Friend & Grant and Hedley Dunk into the fold will allow us to give even more support to local businesses. These acquisitions are about providing real solutions, whether it’s helping businesses manage financial pressures or supporting the health of business owners. Together, we’ll have the expertise and resources to help small businesses in the region thrive.”
A recent Xeinadin survey of 1,000 SMEs across the UK revealed the South-East of England as a hotspot for small business growth, with almost half (48%) of SMEs in the South-East reporting revenue increases in the past 12 months. Xeinadin is tapping into this region as a thriving hub for SME growth, strengthening the organisation’s ability to offer tailored support and resources to address both the financial challenges and the well-being of business owners.
Mark Friend, managing director at Friend & Grant, added “After three decades in the industry, I am excited to join forces with Xeinadin. This merger allows me to focus even more on what I do best which is helping clients grow and achieve their aspirations. With Xeinadin’s resources, we can enhance our service offerings while continuing to nurture our incredible team in Strood and Kings Hill.”
Andrew Grant, business owner at Friend & Grant echoed this sentiment: “This is a proud moment for Friend & Grant. Joining Xeinadin means we can provide even more comprehensive support to our clients. With broader resources and expertise, we are better positioned to help businesses navigate challenges and seize new opportunities.”
Stephen Fryer, director at Hedley Dunk, commented, “Joining Xeinadin is a natural evolution for our firm and the team at Hedley Dunk. The partnership will strengthen our ability to deliver tailored advice and business solutions to clients. We’re excited to help our clients grow, not just by solving their financial issues, but also by supporting their mental well-being, which is just as important in today’s business environment.”
