In today’s episode Ben sits down with David Owens, Aimee Smith and Will Amos from Hawsons Chartered Accountants. Based in Hawsons’ Northampton office, David is the Managing Partner, Aimee is the Market Development Leader, and Will is a Partner.
A traditional business with modern services
Hawsons has a long legacy stretching back to 1854 and they have had a Northamptonshire presence for 40 years. With 145 employees across the three Northampton, Doncaster and Sheffield offices, the company is growing from strength to strength and provides for multiple household business names.
18 months ago, the company acquired Bruce and Butler, a leading data protection and cybersecurity firm. The team share how important cyber security and insurance is in the modern age, and how cyber services are in high demand in the current business climate.
Ben discusses how he has seen the impact of hacking and cyber threats to local businesses and that criminals are using increasingly sophisticated means and research to steal solicitors’ identities and financial information. Hawsons’ acquisition allows them to help protect their clients against these serious threats.
A difficult but rewarding career
Hawsons has a strong retention rate for their staff, with Aimee describing herself as ‘part of the furniture’, and they prioritise taking on good people based on merit over experience. They work to take on graduates and school leavers, helping budding accountants to learn on the job while studying for their qualifications.
David and Will emphasise that training in accountancy is a demanding and difficult endeavour, but it is a near recession-proof and prestigious career.
The importance of community outreach
The guests reminisce on some of their favourite or most memorable community events they have taken part in. From skydiving, to mucking out horse stables, to a 53 kilometre walk through the peak district, Hawsons enjoy pushing themselves and giving back to the community.
This is also embodied in their relationships to their clients, where personal connections are prioritised and phone calls win over emails.
Hawsons are keen to increase their organic growth over the coming year and will continue to offer the exceptional service they have done for 172 years.
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