PE-backed DJH doubles estate planning team through acquisition
DJH has doubled the size of its estate planning division with the acquisition of Beswicks Legal’s private wealth business.
It boosts the professional services and accountancy group with greater access to expertise in wills and trusts alongside succession planning, tax advice, probate and powers of attorney.
DJH, which is backed by private equity firm Tenzing, has made twelve acquisitions in three years, with a team of 600 people across offices in Altrincham, Bexley, Bury, Chester, Derby, Huddersfield, Leeds, Manchester, Nantwich, Sheffield, Stoke-on-Trent and Walsall.
The Stoke-on-Trent headquartered firm provides owner managers, businesses, group companies and high-net worth individuals with access to audit, accounting, tax, and specialist business advisory services.
It recently relocated to Festival Park, taking the expanded team to sixteen specialists.
Rachel Watkinson, managing director of DJH estate planning said: “This partnership brings together two highly experienced estate planning and private wealth teams, offering clients access to greater combined expertise and national resource.
“Our approach is far less transactional than in a law firm where you tend to see a client, draft their will and that’s it unless they need to make major changes. Instead, you will be partnered with our tax, wealth, and account teams to ensure you get the best possible advice and support throughout the duration of the relationship.
“This is especially beneficial for business clients, who have limited time on their hands and in probate matters where grieving families feel relieved at dealing with a joined-up team.
“I joined DJH in September 2023 to develop our estate services offering, and this latest partnership makes us one of the biggest specialists in Staffordshire and Cheshire. And this is just the start, with plans in place to recruit two more experts over the next three months.”
Scott Heath, CEO of DJH said: “Beswicks Legal’s private wealth team is very well regarded in the estate planning space and its dedicated approach to best meeting their clients’ needs fits perfectly with our own culture.
“The fast-growing team is called DJH Estate Planning and has access to all our other services, which is extremely unique in both the private wealth and accountancy market. This is where we feel we can add real value that only comes when you bring the best accountancy and legal minds together.”
