News: Rotherham accountancy firm at 40

Brearley & Co, an accountancy firm in Rotherham, has been recognised with a Salute to Business award at the recent Barnsley & Rotherham Business Awards.

This prestigious award honours businesses that have made significant contributions to the local economy and community over the past 40 years.

The Barnsley & Rotherham Business Awards, hosted by the Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber of Commerce in association with Barnsley College, took place at the end of 2024.

Brearley & Co was honoured for its long-standing commitment to providing exceptional financial services to businesses and individuals in the region.

The award was presented by Amy Garcia of BBC Look North, who praised Brearley & Co for its dedication to client service, community involvement, and financial expertise.

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“We are incredibly proud to receive this award,” said Mark Smallman, Managing Director at Brearley & Co “It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team over the past 40 years. We are grateful for the support of our clients and the community, and we look forward to continuing to serve Rotherham for many years to come.”

Established in 1984 by the firm’s founder, Giles Brearley, Brearley & Co have grown from a single room to five buildings at their head office at Swinton, Mexborough and now have offices in Dinnington, Doncaster and Chapeltown. It advises clients across a range of sectors, including care homes and corporations and also has a number of local community sponsorships including Dinnington Town FC, fundraising for Rotherham Rise (now called Hopian) and for Bluebell Wood Children’s hospice.

Brearley & Co website

Images: Brearley & Co /BR Chamber

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News: Accountants help build foundations for construction company

Local firm, Henworth Construction Limited is now open for business, with support from South Yorkshire-based accountants, Brearley & Co.

Led by experienced industry professionals James Halksworth and Neil Hennessey, Henworth Construction is poised to make a significant impact on the market with a focus on large-scale commercial projects across all major sectors.

Committed to delivering high-quality, cost-effective solutions, the Thurnscoe, Barnsley enterprise already boasts an impressive client roster across retail, logistics, leisure & health / living sectors, including M&S, Pure Gym, ASDA, Barchester Healthcare and Newsholme Developments.

The launch follows a management buy-out of UC Build North Ltd by some of its directors and a subsequent rebranding.

The establishment of Henworth Construction was made possible with the support of Rotherham-based accountancy firm Brearley & Co.. Setting the stage for future success, Brearley & Co provided expert financial guidance and support throughout the process, ensuring a smooth transition.

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James Halksworth, Director of Henworth Construction, said: “With decades of combined experience, we’re excited to launch Henworth Construction and bring our expertise to the UK construction market.

"We’re passionate about building and look forward to working with clients to bring their projects to life, both locally and nationwide.”

Mark Smallman, Managing Director at Brearley & Co said: “Leveraging our network and financial expertise, we helped Henworth secure funding and partnerships, ensuring a smooth launch. Our team worked closely to provide tailored financial advice and introduced them to Charlotte Higgins of Taylor Emmet Solicitors, Dave Mathieson of Begbies Traynor and Tom Adamson from Lloyds Banking Group who gave the business support."

Henworth Construction has a strong team of skilled professionals with a wealth of experience in the construction industry. The company is committed to quality, trust and clear communication, and strives to exceed client expectations on every project.

Henworth Construction website

Images: Brearley & Co

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News: Sky’s the Limit for Barnsley & Rotherham’s Business of the Year

It proved to be a night to remember for South Yorkshire’s business community which came together to celebrate their achievements and reflect on the success they have enjoyed over the past 12 months at the Barnsley and Rotherham Business Awards.

During a glittering evening at the Magna Science Adventure Centre, the Barnsley and Rotherham Business Awards, sponsored by Barnsley College celebrated the achievements of all elements of South Yorkshire’s business community: from apprentices and new business owners taking the first steps in their chosen vocation, to organisations that have gone above and beyond the call of duty to deliver truly outstanding work in the fields of growth, people development, customer service, sustainability and community impact.

Hosted by TV presenter Amy Garcia, the event saw over 540 guests from across South Yorkshire’s business community come together to celebrate their achievements over the past 12 months. However, the night belonged to Parkgate-based Sky High Tree & Ground Maintenance Services Ltd, which was chosen by judges to be a worthy winner of the highly coveted title of Business of the Year.

Since founding the business with little more than a pair of hedge trimmers and a dream of working outdoors in 2014, founder Luke Hammill has seen his company grow into a successful multi-million-pound venture, which employs 30 full-time members of staff. Today, the company successfully works on behalf of housebuilders, local authorities and some of Britain’s largest construction companies, where the company is responsible for developing community green spaces throughout the UK.

Under Luke’s leadership, Sky High Tree & Ground Maintenance Services Ltd has enjoyed significant year on year growth, with turnover rising from £1 million to £3 million within the past 12 months alone. As a direct result, the company has invested significantly in new plant machinery, staff training as well as investing back into the communities they serve by working closely with armed forces charities to help veterans forge new careers upon returning to civilian life.

Cateegory winners on the saw three other Rotherham-based companies receive accolades, with education recruitment specialists Trust Education being named as Start-Up of the Year, Equans securing the People Development Award and the Manvers-based Mace Group being crowned best large business.

Barnsley-based winners saw Wombwell-based Cranswick Convenience Foods secured the Community Impact Award in recognition of its commitment to supporting a wide range of good causes in Barnsley and across South Yorkshire, whilst Barnsley College’s innovative Carbon Literacy Project, as well as work undertaken to reduce carbon emissions across its sites, was rewarded with the Sustainability Award.

Barnsley FC Community Trust secured the title of Charity of the Year in recognition of its transformative work in the field of education, health, social inclusion and sports participation. The trust, along with highly commended charities Weston Park Cancer Charity and Age UK Rotherham all received cash prizes to support their work in South Yorkshire.

Longstanding businesses Electrical Safety UK, Barnsley Hospice and Brearley & Co Accountants were presented with salutes to business in recognition of their 20, 30, and 40-year service respectively, whilst Barnsley-based JC Snell and White’s Bakery both celebrated their 90th anniversaries in 2024 – a combined total of more than 270 years’ service to South Yorkshire’s business community.

The important contributions made by charitable organisations were also recognised on the night, with Barnsley FC Community Trust securing the title of Charity of the Year, in recognition of its transformative work in the field of education, health, social inclusion and sports participation. The trust, along with highly commended charities Weston Park Cancer Charity and Age UK Rotherham all received cash prizes to support their work.

Individual awards presented saw Leo Lewin (Affinity 2020 CiC) awarded the title of Apprentice of the Year, whilst Alicia Hewitt (Secure Power Limited) was crowned as Businessperson of the Year. A Special President’s Award was also given to Chris MacCormac, Chief Executive of the Morthyng Group, in recognition of their transformative work within the education sector.

In a heartfelt tribute which looked back at his 30 year career, Chris was honoured for his nearly 30 years of leadership and dedication towards education and community support. Chris started his career a youth worker in 1980, before going to transform Morthyng into a leading national training provider, which has helped thousands from disadvantaged backgrounds. He retires after a distinguished career and was celebrated for his lasting impact on the local community.

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Luke Hammill, Managing Director, Sky High Ground Maintenance, said: “It has been an incredible year for our business. Winning the title of Business of the Year, securing the Growth Award as well as being highly commended in the Businessperson of the Year category is something that I feel incredibly proud to have achieved.

"When I set up the business ten years ago, never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that the company would grow and scale in the way it has done, and I feel very honoured that our efforts have been recognised in this way by the judges. I left school with no formal qualifications at all, and I hope the success I’ve enjoyed since starting my own business goes to show that with the right work ethic and determination, anything is possible.

"Having the right people to support you is key. I’d like to give a massive thank you to each and every person of my Sky High team, especially my partner Danielle who has been with me on every step of this amazing journey.

"Businesses play a vital role in shaping the local and regional economy. From the outset, I’ve always wanted my business to be a force for good: we undertake a wide range of community projects, from supporting local schools to breaking down barriers towards employment by giving veterans a chance to rebuild their lives after leaving the armed forces.

"Of course, we’ve got no intention of resting on our laurels. One of the reasons we joined Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber was because of the work it undertakes to create opportunities for its members within local supply chains. We’re hoping to work more closely with the Chamber in the years to come to bring these plans to fruition, which in turn will not just create more opportunities for our business but grow the local and regional economy.”

Mattthew Stephens, President, Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber, added: “Over the past 12 months there has been some incredible work delivered by businesses of all sizes across South Yorkshire. I would like to congratulate each and every business who supported this year’s event. The standard of entries was exceptional, and every organisation that was shortlisted, highly commended and winners on the night should feel incredibly proud of their achievements.

"Collectively, members of Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber employ more than 70,000 people across South Yorkshire. The success of events like our business awards helps to showcase and celebrate the achievements of our incredibly diverse business community – from start-ups taking the very first steps on their business journey to longstanding businesses, which have collectively devoted 270 years of service to our local communities, and despite many businesses preparing themselves for challenging times, at least in the short term, the Chamber will continue to offer support, advice and campaign on behalf of South Yorkshire businesses to ensure their voices are heard.”

Full list of winners:

Salute to Business

Electrical Safety UK – 20 years
Barnsley Hospice – 30 years
Brearley & Co Accountants – 40 years
JC Snell Ltd – 90 years
White’s Bakery – 90 years

President’s Award:

Chris MacCormac – Morthyng Vocational College

Most Promising New Business

Winner: Trust Education
Highly commended:
Grassroots Sports Academy Ltd
Morgan Wills & Trusts
Shortlisted:
AHJ Wills and Estates
Empress Building & Ballroom

Apprentice of the Year Award

Winner: Leo Lewin – Affinity 2020 CiC
Highly commended:
Ateeb Mughal – Equans
Joshua Turver – Gala Tent
Shortlisted:
Aiden Ellis – Osborne Technologies Limited
James Stretton – Equans

Business Growth Award

Winner: Sky High Tree & Ground Maintenance Services Limited
Highly commended:
Airmaster
M R Machine Knives
Shortlisted:
Trust Education
Wayv

Business Community Impact Award

Winner: Cranswick Convenience Foods
Highly commended:
Glu Recruit
MAKE YOUR MARK UK
Shortlisted:
Home Instead Sheffield & Barnsley
MWAY Communications Ltd

Commitment to People Development

Winner: Equans
Highly commended:
IT Desk (UK) Ltd
Secure Power Ltd
Shortlisted:
Home Instead Sheffield & Barnsley
SMH Haywood & Co

Excellence in Customer Service

Winner: Glu Recruit
Highly commended
IT Desk (UK) Ltd
MED-EL UK Ltd
Shortlisted:
Rotherham Insurance Brokers
Signum Facilities Management Ltd

Sustainability Award

Winner: Barnsley College
Highly commended:
Equans
instantprint
Shortlisted:
Hydrov Ltd
KCM Waste Management Ltd

Charity of the Year

Winner: Barnsley FC Community Trust
Highly commended:
Age UK Rotherham
Weston Park Cancer Charity
Shortlisted:
Cathedral Archer Project
Rotherham Hospice

Businessperson of the Year

Winner: Alicia Hewitt - Secure Power Ltd
Highly commended:
James Biggin - Steel City Marketing Ltd
Luke Hammill - Sky High Tree & Ground Maintenance Services Limited
Shortlisted:
Mark Smith - MAKE YOUR MARK UK
Rob Shaw - Glu Recruit

Large Business of the Year

Winner: Mace Group
Highly commended:
Equi Trek
instantprint
Shortlisted:
Boohoo Group Plc
Equans

BR Chamber Awards website

Images: BR Chamber / J36 Photography

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News: Brearley & Co welcome four new apprentices

Top Rotherham accountancy firm, Brearley & Co, has welcomed four new apprentices to their growing team.

Florence Davidson, Alex Wootton, Luke Campbell and Casey Jo Ezeldine joined the Brearley team in November. The apprentices will learn the skills needed for specific roles, and study for accountancy qualifications along the way.

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Alan Cotton, Partner at Brearley & Co, said: “We have always been proud of the fact we invest in apprentices and fund all their studying up to the level they want to achieve. Setting on four people at the same time is a record for us and demonstrates that not only are we continuing to expand in these very difficult times, but we are adding extra resources to maintain the high level of service we provide to our clients.”

Brearley & Co specialise in a variety of accountancy services including tax planning, accounts, payroll, and corporate finance.

Brearley & Co website

Images: Brearley & Co

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News: Brearley & Co take on town centre premises

A Rotherham accountancy firm is continuing its expansion, acquiring a local accountancy office and taking on new high profile premises in the town centre.

Brearley & Co has been established for over 30 years in Swinton, Mexborough and offers a range of added value services for businesses including payroll, taxation and corporate accounts.

The firm, which also has an office in the south of the borough, in Dinnington, has recently moved into additional new premises in Rotherham town centre at The Crofts.

With the expansion of Handelsbanken, one of Sweden's leading banks, to new offices at Templeborough, Brearley & Co moved quickly to snap up the premises behind Rotherham Town Hall - in the heart of Rotherham's financial and professional district.

Mark Smallman, managing director of Brearley & Co, explained: "We have a good relationship with Handelsbanken so when we knew they were moving out, we got in touch about taking on the town centre office.

"It is all part of our strategy for taking Brearley & Co to the next level. Our Swinton office is full and our Dinnington office is doing well. Taking on additional premises in Rotherham town centre will help us move into new markets and target firms in other areas."

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The Mayor of Rotherham is set to officially open the new premises this week.

The office is inside one of the two-storey late nineteenth century houses close to the earlier listed school building, now The Bluecoats public house. Now dominated by Rotherham's Town Hall, The Crofts was previously a cattle market of regional importance, which remained a cattle market until the early 20th century.

Also part of the firm's expansion, Brearley & Co has recently purchased M P Beahan & Co Chartered Accountants (MPB). MPB were located on Laughton Road, also in Dinnington and following the conclusion of the deal, the team and clients have merged onto Brearley & Co's Dinnington office.

On the deal, Smallman added: "It creates a great opportunity for us to introduce cloud accounting to MPB clients and ensure they are making tax digital compliant. We look forward to getting to know our new clients and adding value service like management accounts and tax planning."

Brearley & Co website

Images: Google Maps

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News: Brearley & Co continue to grow with three new apprentices

A Rotherham accountancy firm is mirroring the growth seen in the local economy and is taking on a trio of new apprentices.

Brearley & Co has been established for over 30 years in Swinton, Mexborough and offers a range of added value services for businesses including payroll, taxation and corporate accounts.

The firm, which also has an office in the south of the borough, in Dinnington, continues to expand. Turnover has doubled in the last nine years with the success coming from working with clients during their trading year to help them manage their business and tax liabilities. Preparing management accounts for clients helps this process.

The HMRC's move to a fully digital based tax system is also having an impact with Brearley & Co advising businesses on how to deal with the requirements of the Making Tax Digital initiative.

Matthew Cowling, 21 from Mexborough, Kyle Jermy, 18 from Kimberworth and Luke Stead, 17 from Mexborough, have recently joined the company as apprentices.

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Matt is studying the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) course at Doncaster College with Kyle on the AAT course at Babbington Business School in Sheffield. Luke is studying for an Association for Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) qualification at Rotherham College.

In their roles Matt is a junior tax clerk, helping with corporate and personal tax returns. Both Luke and Kyle have been taken on as junior accounts clerks, preparing accounts for small businesses.

The new recruits will be looking to continue Brearley & Co's tradition of promoting from within. All five partners started as either semi seniors or juniors.

Mark Smallman, managing director of Brearley & Co, who himself joined the firm in 1987 (pictured, right), said: "It is great to be working in Rotherham and being part of the fastest growing economy in Yorkshire and the 7th in England. We work strategically with many local businesses, planning, reporting and monitoring their goals. We have recently partnered with QuickBooks and Receipt Bank as part the cloud accounting revolution.

"The appointment three apprentices will provide us the capacity to maintain the close relationships we have with our clients."

Established in 1984 by the firm's founder, Giles Brearley, Brearley & Co has grown from a single room to five buildings at its head office on Bridge Street and a single building at Laughton Road Dinnington.

Brearley & Co website

Images: Brearley & Co

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News: Rotherham digital marketing agency celebrates two years in business

SUM, a digital marketing agency based at Manvers in Rotherham, is celebrating two successful years of trading.

Based at Concept Court, SUM works with start-up businesses, SME's and corporate companies to deliver online and offline marketing services; including web design, branding, SEO and social media management.

Last month, the design team at SUM created presentation visuals for Greg Dyke, founder of Vine Hotels and former chairman of the FA, who presented in front of 800 people at the Annual Hotel Conference in Manchester.

SUM is also celebrating success from the Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber of Commerce Business Awards earlier this month. The agency was highly commended in the Most Promising New Business Award and a finalist in the Digital and Creative Award.

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James Coughlan, company founder at SUM, said: "We've grown rapidly from a team of two to a team of nine with a second office in Surrey. I want to take this opportunity to thank those who have supported me throughout SUM's journey. I never dreamed we'd be where we are today, but I'm so proud of what the team have achieved."

Keen to make difference to the local community, SUM deliver a programme of free education workshops to help boost digital knowledge within Rotherham organisations.

Working in partnership with NatWest Business and Swinton-based Brearley & Co Accountants, SUM delivered their first sold-out workshop at Rotherham United's New York Stadium last month. The fast-growing agency is a business partner at the League One club.

Due to demand, the agency will deliver a second workshop at the stadium this week on October 25, and the final workshop of the year is scheduled for November 22.

The free to attend events include an interactive workshop that get businesses thinking more strategically about marketing spend and return.

SUM.Agency website

Images: SUM

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News: Rotherham waste firm bags £500k funding boost

KCM Waste Management has secured a £500,000 business loan from NatWest and a seven-figure investment from asset finance provider Lombard as it expands its Rotherham operations.

The family firm was established 30 years ago and provides waste disposal services to commercial and domestic clients across South Yorkshire from its base at Gin House Lane, where the expanding company has purchased further land for expansion.

An adjacent site was up until recently used by another company (Balmforth Transport) and was sandwiched between two KCM sites. Balmforth vacated the site and KCM stepped in to purchase it. A parcel of land to the North has recently been granted planning permission to be used by KCM as part of its waste management business for storage and distribution and permission was subsequently granted on the new site for a haulage yard and storage and distribution centre.

The whole site reconfiguration will include the relocation of head offices back to Gin House Lane where up to ten new jobs are set to be created.

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Emma Hickling, financial controller at KCM Waste, said: "We have identified several opportunities to consolidate and expand, so this investment comes at a perfect time for the business.

"The process of working with NatWest, the funding partners and our accountants Brearley & Co has been very collaborative and we have been involved and kept informed every step of the way."

The funding packages were achieved through collaboration between the Hickling family, NatWest, Lombard, RBS Invoice Finance and Brearley & Co Accountants.

Mark Smallman of Brearley & Co, said: "The implementation of improved financial systems has enabled the directors to receive regular accurate management accounts.

"Frequent meetings regarding finance have provided the directors with the information and confidence to invest in assets that are streamlining operations at KCM Waste."

A fire destroyed the original KCM offices in 2013 and the funding will enable the owners to add new income streams to existing waste management, recycling, collection and skip hire services.

Lombard, the asset finance provider which began hiring out rolling stock to the railways as the North Central Wagon and Finance Company in Rotherham in 1861, has also injected a seven-figure sum into the business, which will be used to purchase, install and operate an energy efficient biomass boiler.

Aaron Carter, senior relationship manager at NatWest, added: "Over the past five years KCM Waste has achieved strong growth, increasing its workforce and giving back to the area by supporting community assets and facilities.

"The Hickling family has a clear strategy for long-term growth and this funding will allow them to identify new revenue streams while improving the day-to-day operations of the business."

KCM Waste website
Brearley & Co website
Lombard website
NatWest website

Images: NatWest

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