Haines Watts, a rapidly growing top 15 firm in Scotland, has been providing advice to businesses in Scotland for a number of years and offers all the financial advisory disciplines you would expect to see in a mid tier accountancy firm at competitive fee rates, providing excellent value for money. We provide a comprehensive financial advisory service that is delivered in a personal, friendly manner.

With over 100 staff in offices around Scotland we offer local expertise backed by the resources of a national firm.
 
What do we do?
 
Audit and accountancy
For many companies and regulated businesses, an audit is, of course, a statutory requirement. At Haines Watts, we believe that tangible benefits can be gained from the annual audit over and above simply meeting the statutory requirement.

As part of the audit process we will seek to assist our clients by identifying any areas of weakness in systems and controls and providing constructive and pragmatic advice on key areas which will contribute to the more efficient running of the business.

Our approach to the audit process is to ensure a well planned, co-ordinated and communicated project which minimises surprises. A key step is to ensure the scope of our work is agreed and explained in advance and that all relevant issues are discussed as they arise.

Corporate and personal taxation
There are two key facets of taxation facing entrepreneurs and their businesses in the modern commercial environment – compliance and planning. At Haines Watts we adopt a pro-active and commercial approach to both.

Tax planning is about selecting the most effective route to achieve both business and personal objectives. Our skill lies in working with our clients to put together a “life plan” in order to achieve these objectives.

Business recovery and insolvency
Haines Watts is one of the largest firms of business recovery and insolvency specialists in Scotland. Our partners are experienced licensed insolvency practitioners who have considerable expertise in dealing with individuals and businesses in financial difficulties across a broad range of business sectors.

We advise and assist businesses on a whole range of issues including debt collection, financial restructuring, business turnaround and, for companies, if necessary we can explain the differences between the various types of formal insolvency processes including administration, receivership and liquidation. Wherever possible we look for options to save viable businesses.
We also advise and assist individuals and partnerships, helping them to evaluate the various options available to them, including refinancing, creditor management, raising additional capital or, if appropriate we can deal with sequestration or a protected trust deed.

Whatever the nature or scale of the financial problem, we endeavour to identify and implement a pragmatic and commercial solution, designed to achieve the optimum outcome for all parties involved.

Business planning and consultancy
We work closely with our clients, providing them with structured, proactive input and a broad range of specialist services and access to sources of information that will ensure they have all the support to aid them in the successful development of their business.

Corporate finance
Our corporate finance specialists aim to provide clients with objective, well informed and useful advice to help them achieve their goals. Our specialists have excellent contacts with a wide range of investors, including private equity houses and lending institutions. We advise on the feasibility of raising finance, on designing the best structures and on selecting suitable sources of finance for businesses.

Financial services
We also offer financial services through our FSA authorised company, HW Financial Services Limited.
 
Service standards
People make our firm successful and we believe our staff are the key to our quality service provision. We pride ourselves on delivering a partner-led service, which ensures that our clients have regular access and communication with partners at Haines Watts. Our focus on meeting the expectations of our clients and providing practical solutions has been integral to our success.

Our mission is to provide our clients with high-value services and advice at reasonable prices, whilst ensuring the welfare of their businesses and private affairs.

We are proud to be sponsors of the Corporate Firm of the Year category at the Law Awards for Scotland 2005.

Ian McDougall

Ian is the firm’s corporate finance expert in Scotland. He has extensive experience in small/medium sized enterprise fundraising, grant based funding, acquisitions/disposals and management buy outs. His clients come from a range of sectors but he has particular expertise in the property, professional and leisure sectors.

Aside from his corporate finance work, Ian has advised on a wide range of financial issues relating to owner-managed businesses.

Before joining Haines Watts in 2002 Ian trained in Glasgow with “big four” firm Ernst & Young before establishing his own successful niche practice.