Selling a business in a downturn

Selling a business in a downturn Gregg Pendlington, Partner of Dow Schofield Watts’ North West corporate finance team, outlines five ways for vendors to motivate a buyer in an economic downturn and achieve the best price  In an economic downturn, business confidence decreases and buyers become naturally more cautious. With less competition, prices start to … Continued

The changing face of accountancy – and my predictions for the future

The changing face of accountancy – and my predictions for the future James Dow co-founded challenger brand Dow Schofield Watts in 2002 – the same year that the collapse of accounting giant Arthur Andersen shook the profession to its core. Here he talks about the changes in the sector over the last two decades and … Continued

Twenty years on and counting!

Twenty years on and counting! It was back in 2002 that James Dow, Jon Schofield and Mark Watts established Dow Schofield Watts. Now a challenger brand with a unique licensing model, we ask James Dow for his reflections on the past 20 years together with his thoughts on what makes DSW different. What have been … Continued

Leading from the front – DSW’s next generation of leaders

Leading from the front – DSW’s next generation of leaders Helping the next generation of DSW’s future leaders is the key aim of BecomingX, which in collaboration with DSW, has launched an innovative leadership development programme. Supporting 12 professionals from across the Dow Schofield Watts network, the programme will build their leadership capabilities over the … Continued

WORK YOUR WAY: What isn’t there to love about the Lakes?

WORK YOUR WAY: What isn’t there to love about the Lakes? The stunning natural surroundings of the Lake District offer endless opportunities for outdoor recreation from fell walking to sailing, open water swimming and ghyll scrambling. DSW Debt Advisory Partner, Owen Malton calls the Lake District home and here we find out why. When did … Continued

Businesses at risk of breaching covenants, debt advisor warns

Businesses at risk of breaching covenants, debt advisor warns A toxic combination of rising costs, falling consumer demand and property values could put many businesses at risk of breaching their banking covenants in the coming months, a leading debt advisor has warned. Phil Tarimo, Partner with DSW Debt Advisory, which helps firms to raise debt … Continued

How to survive a recession 2: Tips from a banker who’s been here before

How to Survive a Recession 2: Tips from a Banker Who’s Been Here Before Owen Malton of DSW Debt Advisory – who has been through several recessions – offers some advice on how businesses can improve the odds With the threat of recession looming, there is no doubt that life is going to get tougher … Continued

Debt vs equity finance: which is the better option to fund growth?

Debt vs Equity Finance: Which is the Better Option to Fund Growth? Owen Malton of DSW Debt Advisory outlines six key points to help you consider which type of funding is right for your business. For those seeking finance for growth, the question will be – can I raise debt funding or shall I seek … Continued

NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP WEEK 2023

A Q&A WITH AMY – DSW’S BUSINESS ADMIN APPRENTICE For National Apprenticeship Week 2023, we have created videos on what our apprentices do over at our LinkedIn, Twitter & Facebook channels and spoken to our apprentices about how an apprenticeship works. With the worries of a cost-of-living crisis, now is the perfect time to think about … Continued

How to survive a recession 1: Lessons from the past

How to survive a recession 1: Lessons from the past Owen Malton of DSW Debt Advisory looks back at previous economic downturns to see how they compare with today   With economic storm clouds gathering, many economists believe the UK will enter a recession in the year ahead. It is a scary thought – particularly … Continued

WORK YOUR WAY: Our dog is part of the team!

WORK YOUR WAY: Our dog is part of the team! Advising on strategic acquisitions is all par for the course for Steve and Carla Holmes of Dow Schofield Watts in Reading but lockdown saw them make a key acquisition of their own with a furry four-legged friend joining them. Summer, a golden Labrador, is now … Continued

What does 2023 hold for the deals market?

What does 2023 hold for the deals market? Gregg Pendlington of DSW’s Corporate Finance team sets out what buyers, vendors and investors can expect in the year ahead. What does 2023 hold for the deals market? 2023 will not deliver the same deal volumes as in the bumper year of 2021 – but if the … Continued

WORK YOUR WAY: Balancing work and study at DSW

WORK YOUR WAY: Balancing work and study at DSW School leavers, graduates, and experienced professionals. Anyone can be an apprentice. The perfect way to launch your career if you don’t already have the necessary qualifications, you can start an apprenticeship alongside garnering practical experience. At Dow Schofield Watts, we currently have apprentices in the Business … Continued

Why we all need to learn to talk to deaf people

Why we all need to learn to talk to deaf people Jonathon Jay of DSW Wealth Planning talks about growing up with a deaf parent and the importance of being deaf-aware My mum was born profoundly deaf so I learned sign language at the same time as I learned to speak. I started to sign … Continued

DSW Business Planning raise over £500 for East Cheshire Hospice

DSW Business Planning raise over £500 for East Cheshire Hospice On a mission to walk 7,500 steps a day during the month of September, Business Planning organised a company-wide effort to raise money for the extraordinary East Cheshire Hospice. East Cheshire Hospice organised a STEPtember where you strapped on your walking boots and took one … Continued