Howard Matthews Partnership merges into SMH Group

Harrogate based Chartered Accountants & Tax Advisors, Howard Matthews Partnership, have merged into the SMH Group, allowing the established firm to offer even more financial services to its clients backed by the strength of the Yorkshire and Derbyshire based group.

The merger took place on 1^st January 2024, with the firm continuing to operate from their offices in Harrogate and Garforth.

The SMH Group boasts a comprehensive suite of additional business and personal financial services, spanning accountancy, financial guidance, commercial finance, wills & probate, and mortgage advice, serving businesses and individuals across the region.

Howard Matthews, Senior Partner at Howard Matthews Partnership comments: “After moving to Yorkshire and starting the practice in 1985 it is the right time to start thinking about the future of the business to ensure Howard Matthews Partnership can continue to grow and service clients to the highest possible standards.

“Our alignment with the SMH Group, sharing similar values and client-centricity, promises an exciting future for everyone. They’re the perfect fit to ensure we can take Howard Matthews Partnership to the next level.

“It is very much business as usual for us – existing staff remain consistent to service clients as normal, but we now have the resources of a larger firm to equip us to deliver unparalleled services across business, personal, and family focused financial needs.

“Myself and my fellow Partners, Darren Myers and Rick Sherman, will be continuing in our roles, so will be on hand to ensure there is consistency for our clients going forward.

“SMH Group have the expertise to deliver the highest quality service to our clients, as well as introducing their full-service offering meaning they can access all their financial requirements under one roof. I am confident the merger will be of benefit to all our clients and staff alike.”

Jonathon Dickens, Partner at the SMH Group adds: “This latest merger into the SMH Group is an excellent opportunity for both firms – it provides long term security and more added value services for clients of Howard Matthews Partnership and allows us to bring the SMH Group into a new area in Harrogate, as we continue to expand into North and West Yorkshire.

“Our thanks go to Anna Catee at CMP Legal and Philip Jordan of Taylor & Emmet LLP, who advised on all the legal aspects of the deal.

“We would like to offer a warm welcome to all staff and clients of Howard Matthews Partnership into the SMH family.

“The addition of Howard Matthews Partnership into the SMH Group is the eighth merger to take place since 2018 as the group continues to expand its operations throughout the Yorkshire region.”