Smith &Williamson building its strong team to support growing Midlands client base
FINANCIAL and professional services group Smith & Williamson, which has its offices in Colmore Row in the heart of Birmingham’s business district, is currently in the midst of a rapid growth phase.
Earlier this year Stephen Drew was appointed professional services regional managing partner in Birmingham, and was joined by Matt Watts, who heads up business tax services.
Stephen brings an audit and international focus to the office and Matt specialises in technology, manufacturing and construction sectors.
In fact the Birmingham office has welcomed a record number of new joiners over the last six months to its corporate tax, transaction services, assurance and business services, private client and investment management teams, including director Krista Woodman to strengthen the private client tax team.
Committed to developing its people, the office has also recently announced six senior strategic promotions as part of its drive to become one of the most recognised financial and professional services firms in the region. All of this comes against the wider backdrop of the announcement of Smith & Williamson’s merger with financial planning and investment firm Tilney.
The merged business, which on completion will be named Tilney Smith & Williamson, will be the UK’s leading integrated wealth management and professional services group, offering an unrivalled breadth of value-added services focusing on private clients, businesses and charities.
“It’s a really exciting time for the firm as we embark on our ambitious growth phase and our investment in our team demonstrates our commitment to growth in the West Midlands,” says Stephen Drew.
Investing in the city and wider region itself has been key to Smith & Williamson’s success – not least its continuing partnership with the world-famous City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO), which celebrates its centenary in 2020.
“Smith & Williamson has deep roots within the city’s business, professional and charity community, so our sponsorship of the orchestra for a second year is a natural fit for us at a time of ambitious growth, when we are investing in our people and infrastructure – and thereby in the city itself.”