The South West region has enjoyed  considerable growth in recent years and is home to some of the UK’s most entrepreneurial and fast-growing businesses, alongside the individuals who support them. In fact, reports estimate that the South West is likely to grow by 1.4% per year between 2024 and 2029, outstripping growth from other parts of the UK. 

Under Matt Bracher’s leadership, Haines Watts’ Bristol and Exeter offices have become integral to the success of the broader South West ecosystem. As one of the region’s most highly respected accountancy firms, the team supports many of its businesses in tech, property, renewable energy, legal services, and charitable organisations, all closely aligned with some of Gravita’s key sectors. 

This partnership brings together teams with a similar ethos who share the ambition of pioneering the next generation of accountancy firms. With a fresh approach, enabled by technology but with its people at the core, the team is raring to start this exciting new chapter.
 

But most importantly, it is clear that we share an affinity for building close client relationships and a culture that attracts and retains top talent.
 

Our CEO, Caroline Plumb OBE, said: The South West is home to some of the UK’s most entrepreneurial businesses. From the beginning, it has been clear that Haines Watts Western – led by Matt Bracher – sits at the heart of that ecosystem. We’re incredibly excited to support the ongoing growth of this highly talented team and its clients across the region.

Gravita is perfectly aligned with Matt, and the wider team in a shared focus on building long-term client relationships, supporting exceptional teams, and harnessing a technology culture to improve client service. We wish the whole team a warm welcome to Gravita, and we’re thrilled that they will be part of our exciting journey as we re-imagine a new era of accounting services which prioritises our clients’ success, not just for today but also tomorrow.”
 

Maria Tozzi Spadoni, Investment Team at Tenzing said: “This acquisition expands Gravita’s footprint, adding a great new location from which to serve SMEs. We are excited to support Matt and his team to continue their growth journey.”
 

Matt Bracher, lead Partner for Gravita South West said: “When the opportunity with Gravita arose, it was an easy decision for us. Gravita offers a fresh approach, enabled by technology but with its people at the core. Accountancy firms need to stay ahead of the market as the industry transforms, and in Gravita we have found a partner who shares our vision. For our clients and team, it is business as usual. This collaboration will complement the work we are already doing, and help us to adapt to the future as the industry evolves at pace.”

Pozitiviti DFK (our Network member firm from the Balkan region, ranked among the top 10 accounting firms locally) and Fidinter (our Swiss member firm with offices in Zürich and Lausanne and over 100 years of professional service history) jointly manage the audit mandate for Comtrade Group which reported consolidated revenues of US$600 million in 2023.

Comtrade is a dynamic and well-established group of technology companies with a 30-year track record of innovation and steady development. Founded as a software engineering and services company, today it stands at the forefront of the industry in Southeast Europe serving over 2000 customers worldwide. Comtrade delivers high-quality vendor and proprietary software solutions, as well as outstanding system integration services to improve digital transformation across industries. It operates as a holding company in Switzerland for a diverse portfolio of businesses and acts as an incubator for emerging technologies.

The audit engagement has been acquired and operated by Pozitiviti DFK, Serbia, in previous years, who have collaborated with Fidinter, Switzerland, to deliver assurance services of the highest  standard.

Previously, this engagement was handled by a Big 4 firm at both the local and consolidated levels.

We are proud that, through the strong audit expertise of our member firms and their seamless collaboration as one team, Comtrade Group benefits from a high-quality audit that adds value across its operations. This engagement ensures trust among a range of stakeholders, including governments, regulators, standard-setters, investors, company management teams, boards and audit committees.

The importance of quality has never been greater and remains a top priority for DFK firms.

Another great example of DFK firms working together successfully!

For several years, N&CA Studio Nicolini Commercialisti Associati, Milan, Italy, has been assisting a leading Italian Group, active in the large-scale retail and discount supermarkets sector, with a turnover of more than 11 billion euros and around 1,200 stores in the Italian territory. The Group, already a leader in several European markets, has chosen DFK International as a strategic partner to support its international expansion. 

A path of growth and collaboration 

The journey of collaboration began in Croatia, where the client opened a series of new stores. Thanks to the expertise and qualified assistance of member firm iAudit, Rijeka, who supported the client in the opening phase, the process of entering the market was a real success. 

This positive experience encouraged the client to continue their expansion, selecting our association once again to support the launch of new stores in Malta - a strategic market for its business and turning to Network firm, DFK Malta. The combined strength of local expertise and the global perspective of our association ensured another exceptional outcome.

The next stage: Serbia   

Looking to expand into Serbia, the Group has continued to rely on DFK’s services to navigate new challenges and opportunities.  Through collaboration with another of our Network firms, DFK Konsultant (Pozitiviti), Belgrade, the project is progressing efficiently with the client expressing great satisfaction with our integrated approach and the ability of our association to operate as a unified entity while maintaining the strength of local expertise.  

The value of DFK International

This story is a clear demonstration of the value that DFK delivers to its members and their clients. The collaborative and global approach of our alliance enables our members to support clients wherever their business takes them, providing not only technical expertise, but also a seamless experience in every country. 

We would like to thank each of our member firms who contributed to the success of this project, proving once again that together, we can deliver collaborative solutions, anywhere in the world.

We look forward to sharing further updates on this remarkable journey of international growth and partnership!

This is DFK. United Globally.