Accountancy Firm Counts 160 Years in Business

23rd February 2015

One of the world's oldest accountancy firms, based in Sheffield, has completed its 160th year in business.

Hawsons Chartered Accountants, based in Broomhill, Sheffield, was founded in the city in 1854 - more than 25 years before the creation of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales - by Alfred Allott and John Hewett. The firm has since grown to become one of the UK's leading independent accounting practices, employing more than 100 people across three UK offices - Sheffield, Northampton and Doncaster. Martyn Weatherall, senior partner at Hawsons, said: -We're proud of our extensive history and the success we've achieved since we were founded in Sheffield 160 years ago. -Especially with the difficult economic circumstances of recent years, to have reached such an age and still be going strong is a great feat. -Despite our company's growth and expansion into other areas across the UK, we've stayed true to our Yorkshire roots and our philosophy that no matter what size or sector, every business we work with will always receive the same high standard of advice and service from our team. Initially founded as 'Hewett and Allott', the firm's name changed to 'Hawsons' in 1882, when one of the partners George Hawson became the sole owner of the accountancy practice. Hawsons' son Grafton then took over the practice in 1919 when George retired, merging the firm with several other Sheffield-based accountants to ensure lasting growth and stability. The most recent merger was with Holmes Widlake in late 2013. For more information about Hawsons Chartered Accountants visit www.hawsons.co.uk