Saffery is celebrating 12 months of success in its High Wycombe office after growing its client base in several industries and expanding its team.
Since January 2023, it has experienced strong growth in key sectors across the Thames Valley and internationally, with a surge of clients in the legal, manufacturing and engineering, IT, and hospitality industries, including a hotel group operating from 14 locations in the Netherlands.
Team expansion and promotions
This exceptional growth has driven its team to expand by over 25% to just under 45 people permanently based in High Wycombe.
It also promoted Matthew Swansbury, who joined as a trainee in 2010, to Audit Director and Daniel Pienaar became a Senior Manager after launching the Accounts and Outsourcing division in August. High demand has caused a rapid expansion of the new team over the past five months, which is providing key services to clients including bookkeeping, VAT compliance and management accounts preparation.
Outstanding client service
Saffery’s commitment to excellent service continues to be recognised with clients providing positive feedback; for example, audio equipment manufacturer, Sennheiser UK said: “We were promised a consistent team for audit and tax matters and that is what has been delivered. They are responsive, proactive and supportive and we value the relationship that we have built. I would have no hesitation recommending their services to anyone.”
Sheryl Davis, Partner, adds, “We spend time getting to know our clients, so that every interaction is tailored towards helping them achieve their goals. This is why Saffery sponsored the ‘Excellence in Customer Service Award’ at the Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce Business Awards this year, as providing outstanding service to our corporate and private clients is paramount to us.”
Positive trainee experience
Many school leavers and university graduates joined Saffery this year as trainees. Not only has their feedback revealed that they find Saffery’s ‘work fascinating and love getting the chance to build relationships with clients,’ they’ve also been made to feel very welcome, with Hena Ali, an accounting and finance graduate, explaining:
“…there’s a real family feel to the firm, which encourages a real sense of belonging, where you’re free to let your personality shine through.”
Supporting the local community
Its support of local communities in Buckinghamshire has also been cemented through its partnership with Heart of Bucks, a community foundation, which aims to tackle issues relating to poverty and isolation, young people, and the environment. Saffery sponsored the foundation’s annual report, as well as arranging various fundraising events during the year. Most recently the team held a Christmas raffle, which raised £370 for the charity, and with partners matching the amount raised by staff, the total amount donated was £740. In recognition of its efforts, Heart of Bucks recently named Saffery as Community Investor of the Month.
Partner, Andrew Watkinson, comments, “It’s been a busy year with our rebranding to Saffery, advising clients and expanding and investing in our brilliant teams, but we wouldn’t have it any other way. Although we’re growing, we’re determined to maintain the personable and supportive feel we’re known for and is so important to our people. I’d like to thank everyone at Saffery for all their support and dedication this year and to our clients for the positive feedback – it is much appreciated.”
