Rowleys, a leading independent firm of accountants based in Leicester, joins as the 17th member of DFK UKI, a National Group within the DFK International global alliance. This step further strengthens DFK UKI's regional presence and highlights its commitment to promoting collaboration among high-quality firms.

As the newest member, Rowleys will gain access to the international resources and opportunities facilitated by DFK International.

With a history dating back to 1880, Rowleys has established itself as one of the leading independent firms of accountants in Leicester and the East Midlands. Being among the first to register with the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), they have demonstrated a commitment to professional standards and a dedication to serving as trusted advisors for their clients.

Rowleys’ focus is primarily on privately held businesses and individuals, however, over the past twenty years, the firm has strategically expanded its portfolio, placing additional emphasis on regulatory work, particularly in audit services, and the development of key sectors including Charities, Pension Fund Audits, and Medical Practices. To support their growth, in recent years, they have recruited individuals with specialist expertise, creating a balance within the workforce between long-standing members who have internalised Rowleys’ ethos over time, and new additions, who bring fresh perspectives.

Rowleys offers a comprehensive suite of services including audit, accounting and outsourcing, payroll, tax, wills, probate, corporate finance, and business valuations, catering to a diverse range of sectors such as pensions, family business, small business start-ups, mid-market SMEs, medical, charities, and not-for-profit organisations.

Commenting on the announcement, Tom Copson, Managing Partner at Rowleys, said:

"We are dedicated to investing in our growth and building upon our capabilities to better serve our clients. This opportunity will not only benefit those with existing international connections but will also aid us in supporting those who are looking to expand into overseas markets. We have some fantastic expertise and joining DFK presents an exciting opportunity for us to utilise their global footprint for our continued growth.

Both the team at DFK and also the other firms we have met, whom we now look forward to collaborating with, have been extremely impressive – they have similar core values to those we possess at Rowleys and there is a genuine support network that exists between the UKI firms which we feel proud to now be involved in.”

Mark Ashfield, Chairman of DFK UKI, commented:

"I am delighted to see our National Group further expanding with the addition of more high-quality firms. Our focus is on creating an environment where members integrate seamlessly with one another, support each other and overcome challenges together, as a collective.

Rowleys is another fantastic example of a like-minded firm that shares our commitment to excellence and we are excited to have them on board."

About Rowleys

Rowleys is an independent firm of Chartered Accountants and Registered Auditors based in Leicester, with 4 partners and 62 members of staff. Rowleys provides audit, accounting, advisory and tax services and has specialist sector teams in medical, pensions, charities and not for profit and SMEs and family businesses.

About DFK International

The DFK International Association is a global alliance of accounting firms and their expert teams, working closely together across 465 cities in 90 countries. Each of their member firms, independently owned and managed, meets the DFK standard of excellence.

DFK is among the most trusted and tightly woven organisations for accounting firms worldwide. Members share an extensive and diverse base of international expertise, equipping them to deliver client-focused solutions across multiple jurisdictions.

An embedded culture of cohesion and trust also serves as the foundation for their managing partners' exclusive executive forums, professional special interest groups, and industry-leading development programmes for our firms’ emerging leaders.

This is DFK. United Globally.

With a shared dedication to delivering exceptional client service and expertise in accountancy and tax advisory services, the unity between Shaw Gibbs and Martin and Company will create a formidable force in the industry. Notably, this merger brings exemplary expertise from Martin and Company in the farming and agricultural sector, landed estates and private client spaces.

"We are thrilled to welcome Martin and Company to the Shaw Gibbs family," said Peter O’Connell, CEO at Shaw Gibbs.

"Their reputation for excellence and commitment to client success perfectly complement our values and mission. Together, we will continue to deliver the high-quality services and innovative solutions our clients expect, while expanding our reach to better serve businesses, estates and individuals throughout the region."

The combination of Martin and Company's talented team with Shaw Gibbs’ existing base will further strengthen the wider firm's ability to provide tailored solutions that address the evolving needs of clients across industries.

"We are excited about the opportunities this merger brings for both our team and our clients," said Seamus McLaughlin, Partner at Martin and Company.

"Joining forces with Shaw Gibbs allows us to leverage their extensive resources and expertise while retaining the personalised approach and deep client relationships that have been the hallmark of Martin and Company for over 50 years."

The merger with Martin and Company underscores Shaw Gibbs' commitment to growth and innovation in the accountancy and business advisory sector. The combined expertise and resources of both firms will enable Shaw Gibbs to provide comprehensive solutions and superior service to clients, further solidifying its position as a trusted advisor in the region.

This is the sixth merger/acquisition that Shaw Gibbs have made since 2023, resulting in a 400 person-strong practice based over 10 offices located in: Oxford, Basingstoke, Farnham, London, Liss, Northampton, Sutton, Thame, Teddington and Winchester.

About Shaw Giibs

Shaw Gibbs is a top 50 accountancy practice who provide expert solutions for entrepreneurial businesses and private individuals in Central and Southern England. Investing in their teams of high-quality specialists, they work with the best-in-breed technology to create value for clients which exceeds expectation.

Ryan, who is a Chartered Tax Adviser, was previously Tax Director at Trident Tax and will now lead RPG’s specialist tax team.

“We are very pleased to welcome Ryan to our team. Tax is the lynchpin for both our business and personal clients, so it is essential for us to continue to grow our strength in this area,” commented Jonathan Brownson,

Managing Director of the RPG Group.

“Ryan brings great technical strength to the team as well as ambition which will result in even better services for our clients. We are very much looking forward to working with him.”

“I am delighted to join RPG’s thriving practice and look forward to working with the team to further develop the breadth and depth of the tax services that we can offer to clients”, added Ryan.

Also joining RPG’s tax team is Khadija Toppa as Personal Tax Assistant who joins RPG after working at another firm of chartered accountants in Manchester.

“Khadija is another great addition to our team and will help build our strength still further in personal tax. We are delighted to welcome Khadija on board,” said Jonathan Brownson.

These appointments take RPG’s team numbers up to 90 at their offices in Manchester and St Asaph with more people planned to join the firm in the coming weeks. These appointments demonstrate the firm’s ambitions and commitment to growth.