Northern advisory firm unlocks ‘exciting opportunity’ with first London base

Business advisory firm Dow Schofield Watts has established its first office outside the North.

The launch of a base in London marks the first step in a national roll-out plan for the Warrington-headquartered company.

The Covent Garden office, which will initially offer due diligence services, will be led by former Deloitte director Richard Hooper and James Killing of RSM. Between them, the pair have more than 40 years’ experience.

Set up in 2002 by ex-KPMG colleagues James Dow, Jon Schofield and Mark Watts, the firm gives professionals the opportunity to build their own companies under the Dow Schofield Watts brand, granting licensees startup capital, office space, a basic salary and access to its network of contacts.

Today, the firm generates revenues of over £8m. Dow Schofield Watts established its own business angel network last summer, attracting more than 50 Northern tech investors in first month.

Richard Hooper, co-founder and partner at Dow Schofield Watts Transaction Services (London) LLP, said: “Dow Schofield Watts is already a respected name in the London market.

“This is an exciting opportunity for us to set up a new office from scratch and we expect to be joined by other teams of professionals in the near future.”

He added: “We believe there is a gap in the market here for a boutique advisory firm that can provide an integrated offering and an expert, partner-led service.”

Dow Schofield Watts’ services include corporate finance, transaction services, business recovery, forensic accounting and wealth management.

Founding partner James Dow commented: “Expanding beyond the North is a natural progression for the group and we are delighted to welcome Richard and James, who both have a strong track record in their field.

“Our aim is to continue building the London office and supporting the growth of existing licensees, while recruiting further high-calibre professionals to help us roll out the Dow Schofield Watts model to other key locations in the UK.”