Glasgow Chamber Of Commerce

Following a move to new premises in Braehead a year ago, independent chartered accountants Campbell Dallas are looking to generate further growth for the company through merging with, or acquiring, another Scottish accountancy firm.

Chris Horne, the company's managing partner and head of corporate finance, says recent changes in the accountancy market as well as current economic conditions make it a good time to expand.  "We've just been through a period of consolidation to build a far more robust business so we are in a position to join forces with a good small to mid-sized reputable company.  There are a lot of traditional firms that haven't dealt with succession issues who are looking for someone to take on their clients.  It is also increasingly difficult for small companies to attract staff. "

This was one of the considerations behind Campbell Dallas' decision to move into more easily accessible, environmentally-friendly offices with a garden, staff breakout areas and plenty of room for growth.  Previously the company had operated out of two separate town houses in Paisley and Bearsden.  The Braehead offices are just six minutes from Glasgow's city centre and close to the new M74 extension and there is plenty of room for expansion, factors that are important when it comes to recruiting top quality staff.  What's more, unlike most accountancy firms where the average age of partners is 57, at Campbell Dallas the average age of the 16 partners is 45, says Mr Horne.

"This gives us great strength in the market place as we don't have succession problems.  The way the company is structured means partners take a leading engagement role with clients.  Our partner-led service differentiates us from other accountancy firms as we have enough strength and depth to allow partners to have small portfolios so that when a client needs a partner they get a partner."

With 155 employees and offices in Glasgow, Aberdeen, Perth and Stirling, Scottish-owned Campbell Dallas ranks in the top ten of Scotland' top ten leading independent accountancy firms.  As well as being the advisor of choice in Scotland's owner managed business sector, the company offers the full spectrum of services from audit and assurance and tax to corporate finance and business recovery and insolvency advice.   Campbell Dallas is also on track to record 7 - 8% growth this year and an expected turnover of £10m.

Mr Horne is also keen to establish a debt advisory service to draw on the expertise of the firm's recovery and corporate finance departments to help distressed businesses at an early stage. "There's definitely a gap in the market for this type of service as there are a lot of clients who would benefit from help with negotiating with their bank or finding an alternative to insolvency at an early stage. We are actively looking for the right person to set this up as we would set it up as a service for our clients that would be provided outwith the company."