Following the successful acquisition of Haines Watts North London last year, Duncan & Toplis has further strengthened its position in the capital after adding the ALG team to its portfolio.
ALG became part of Duncan & Toplis at the beginning of this year, with the team joining the Duncan & Toplis London office.
Now in active discussions with other like-minded businesses, Duncan & Toplis has ambitious plans to grow the organisation’s presence in the capital even further.
Director, Panos Michaelides recently joined Duncan & Toplis as part of the strategic expansion into London, previously working for ALG and bringing a wealth of experience in the London accounting market.
He said: “My responsibilities include leading our assurance services in the region, supporting our growing client base and focusing on business development, as well as mentoring team members and ensuring we maintain the high standards the group is known for.”
Duncan & Toplis is celebrating a centenary in business this year, having grown from two accountants in 1925 to become one of the UK’s largest accounting and business advisers.
Founded by Stanley Duncan and Eric Toplis, the group has grown to support tens of thousands of individuals and businesses and is currently experiencing the biggest-ever period of growth in the organisation’s history, following private equity investment in 2023.
Since being founded, Duncan & Toplis has grown the geographical footprint of the group with 14 acquisitions or mergers, launched six new Duncan & Toplis services, joined one of the world’s largest international networks of accounting businesses, Kreston Global, and became a limited company in 2014.
And the capital now plays a pivotal role in the group’s legacy, as ambitious plans for the future include further growth in London.
Aspirations for growth
The London team at Duncan & Toplis is growing rapidly as demand for the company’s services increases.
Panos said: “Our goal is to establish Duncan & Toplis as a leading mid-market accounting group in London, known for our approachable expertise and high-quality service. We’re aiming for sustainable growth – both in headcount and in our service offering – while maintaining the culture and values that have made the group successful for a century.”
The current team has strong expertise in working with owner-managed businesses, as well as businesses in the real estate and manufacturing sectors. They are also able to provide specialist tax advice and restructuring services for family-owned businesses, along with managing Solicitors’ Accounts Rules (SARs) audits. To align with the growth strategy, the group is now actively recruiting at all levels to continue supporting other businesses in the region.
Panos added: “We’re looking for talented people, from school leavers to experienced professionals. As a high-growth location, there are real opportunities for career progression, professional development and to make a meaningful impact.”
With the launch of the organisation’s Growing Together strategy in 2024, Duncan & Toplis is focused on helping individuals reach their potential, offering rewarding careers that help people progress and grow, striving to be the team that clients always choose to work with and where talented people belong.
Expanding into London has been a big part of the most recent chapter of growth for Duncan & Toplis, kickstarting the next 100 years of the group by using the achievements and successes of the past to drive forward.
With the launch of the organisation’s Growing Together strategy in 2024, Duncan & Toplis is focused on helping individuals reach their potential, offering rewarding careers that help people progress and grow, striving to be the team that clients always choose to work with and where talented people belong.
Expanding into London has been a big part of the most recent chapter of growth for Duncan & Toplis, kickstarting the next 100 years of the group by using the achievements and successes of the past to drive forward.
Panos said: “London is an exceptional place to do business because of its energy, diversity and concentration of talent. It’s a hub for innovation, investment and entrepreneurship, with access to a wide network of professionals and decision-makers. The opportunities for collaboration and growth are immense.
“It is a privilege to be part of the Duncan & Toplis expansion into London, which opens doors to a much broader and more dynamic client base. It allows us to tap into new markets, attract top tier talent and enhance our visibility on a national scale. It also increases opportunities to bring the Duncan & Toplis personalised ethos to clients who value close, trusted relationships with their advisers.
“For other businesses looking to expand into the capital, I would say, be clear about your value proposition and how you stand out in a competitive market. Focus on building genuine relationships with clients and within your team, and be prepared to adapt quickly to opportunities and challenges, because London rewards agility. And finally, invest in your people – they’re your most important asset in a city like this.”
Duncan & Toplis is proving to be a solid platform for sustainable, organic growth, delivering careers as part of a community focused team, and supporting more businesses and individuals with the wide range of professional services and expert guidance on offer.
Panos said: “It’s an exciting time for Duncan & Toplis. Our move into London is just one part of a wider strategy to grow whilst staying true to our core values of trust, integrity and exceptional service. We’re building something special here and we look forward to what’s ahead.”
To find out more, visit the Duncan & Toplis website.
