DSW offers £2m grants to lure professional services teams to its expanding network

A Daresbury-based business advisory firm will make £2m available in grant funding as part of an expansion plan.

Dow Schofield Watts, part of DSW Capital which floated last December, says the money is aimed at attracting professional services teams so it can expand its UK footprint.

The Dow Schofield Watts Entrepreneurship Grant scheme will be open to ‘break-out teams’ from top-tier firms who want to set up their own business as part of its network.

DSW Capital raised £5m as part of its December IPO, giving it a market capitalisation at the time of £21.4m.

The firm now aims to open offices in the Midlands, Bristol and Edinburgh, and add new service lines to its eight existing offices in the North West, Leeds, London, Reading and Aberdeen.

The fast-growing challenger firm’s network currently comprises 20 licensees with more than 80 professionals and ranks as one of the UK’s top 20 most active corporate finance advisers.

It is targeting director and assistant directors who manage an existing team within top six accounting firms.

As well as a one-off grant, DSW will provide new entrants with further financial support, mentoring, as well as ongoing infrastructure and back-office support to launch their own business.

James Dow, CEO of DSW Capital, said: “Dow Schofield Watts provides the opportunity for talented teams to launch their own business and enjoy greater flexibility and rewards, as part of a respected brand and with a safety net of support.

“This new entrepreneurship grant scheme will encourage even more professionals operating in specialist areas to break out and join our growing network.”