A Hampshire accountancy and tax advice firm has promoted two team members to its board of directors in a move designed to support strategic growth plans.

Colleagues Tom Young and Matt Cooper, both previously associate directors at HWB Chartered Accountants, now step up as full directors. The pair are already registered auditors, able to sign audit reports as responsible individuals (RIs), an official status recognised by supervisory body the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.

Tom joined Chandler’s Ford-based HWB as a trainee from college, achieving his chartered (ACA) qualification in 2012 and taking on a business adviser role two years later. He was promoted to Associate Director in 2022, with responsibility for managing a portfolio that spans different sectors and company sizes including owner-managed businesses with a dedicated focus on the property industry. His work for clients includes practical audit advice and services to support business strategy, development and growth. Tom said:

“I’m honoured to step into the role of a director and am very grateful to the board for their continued guidance and support throughout my time at HWB.”

Matt was made an Associate Director in 2023 following eight years’ service as an Accounts & Audit Business Adviser during which, like Tom, he qualified as a Chartered Accountant.

As well as owner-managed businesses in the SME market across Hampshire and Dorset, Matt specialises in education, charities, FCA-regulated firms and the construction and recruitment sectors.

HWB Managing Director Tracy Jenkins said:

“Congratulations to Tom and Matt on their much-deserved promotions. As well as being fantastic colleagues, they both work exceptionally hard and, through their skills and expertise, deliver real value to our clients. I am thrilled they are now full directors at HWB and able to make an even stronger contribution to our growth and success. These internal promotions reflect HWB’s dedication to supporting career progression and nurturing future leaders. We continue to invest in our people, ensuring clients receive expert, consistent and trusted support across all areas of audit, accounting, tax and payroll.”

Chartered accountants HWB, headquartered at Chandler’s Ford, near Southampton, provide business and tax advice.

The firm is registered and regulated to carry out audit work in the UK by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.

Photo: Matt Cooper, left, and Tom Young have been promoted as directors at Hampshire accountancy and tax advice firm HWB. With them is Managing Director Tracy Jenkins.