Private equity in accountancy: what does it mean for owners, partners, staff, and clients?

There’s been an explosion in Private Equity (PE) firms investing in accountancy practices over the last two years. 

And interest appears to remain high, judging by reports in the media, and industry research.  

According to a paper by Accountancy Europe, PE activity in the accountancy sector across Europe surged from 10 to 20 deals a year pre-2022 to about 200 in 2024. And the country leading the way? the UK – with 40% of the deals within that total being British firms. 

Indeed, a recent TaxCalc survey suggested 62% of firms had been approached by PE investors. 

Business as usual, in unusual times.

We're living in very strange and surreal times. Times when we have to self-isolate, where we can no longer go into the office or meet our clients face-to-face. Times when we have to find other ways to communicate with each other and access our systems remotely.

Businesses are being forced to rethink how they work and how to adapt in a very short time frame.

So how can you keep your business running - as well providing your clients with the support they need to keep their businesses running too?

In practice: TaxCalc Document Manager powered by SmartVault

In our connected world, people now expect to work and interact remotely – even when it comes to sharing important documentation. For firms preparing sets of accounts and filing tax returns, the traditional method of sending and receiving hard copy documentation is becoming less attractive: the process takes longer, costs more and takes up valuable storage space. Clients are also simply too busy and are accustomed to viewing documents on-screen and printing only when necessary.

Fine. Or fine?

Fine. or fine?
HMRC has issued fines for non-compliance to AML regulations. Don’t make the same mistake. 

With HMRC issuing fines to certain accountants for failing to have proper anti-money laundering (AML) procedures in place AML is an issue that can’t be ignored.