Matt steps up as accountants HWB strengthen top team

An expanding Hampshire accountancy firm has made the latest in a series of internal promotions reflecting the success of its investment in team members.

HWB has appointed colleague Matt Cooper as Associate Director after eight years’ service, during which the Swansea University graduate qualified as a Chartered Accountant.

He moves up from his previous role as Accounts and Audit Business Advisor to take on a more strategic role.

Matt said: “I do like a challenge and I’ve always been ambitious.

“Although I do a lot of work with sectors such as construction and academy schools, I’ve tried not to specialise too heavily, too early, as I’ve been aiming to keep a relatively broad focus.”

Matt joined the Chandler’s Ford-based firm HWB in September 2014 and qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 2017.

He has worked with a range of clients from smaller, owner managed businesses to larger groups and corporates with turnovers in excess of £50 million.

Matt said: “When I left university I was looking for a reputable firm with trainee credentials and commitment that gives people the opportunity to go up through the ranks.

“Whether you do a degree and then aim for Chartered status, or you do AAT first, either way its a six-year plan.

“I found balancing a job with study a lot of hard work, not least because I had a new born at home when I started, but it does pay off if you are persistent and focused.

“When you’ve been working towards one goal for six years and completed such intensive study, you have an amazing sense of relief when you receive an email on Friday to confirm you have passed your finals to become a Chartered Accountant”

“HWB are the sort of employer that encourages you go out on audit to supplement your training. They have supported me at every step of the way. I’ve had great assistance from colleagues. The view is that if you want to progress, the opportunity is there for you”

While taking on his new responsibilities, Matt will continue to split his week between the office and working from home in Bournemouth.

“It’s nice not to have to commute every day but on the other hand I enjoy being in the office,” he said. “I have a team of five who report to me so it’s good to be present to support them.

“I will continue working with and visiting my clients, across Hampshire and Dorset and I’ll also be offering more advice to colleagues and bringing my ideas to the directors meetings and strategy days.”

Matt’s appointment is the latest in a series of internal promotions at HWB in recent months.

HWB Managing Director Tracy Jenkins said: “Congratulations to Matt on this much deserved promotion. He has worked hard all through his time with us, enjoying the job and delivering real value to our clients through his skills and expertise. We’re thrilled to see him taking this next step as a natural progression in his career.”

Matt lives in Bournemouth with this wife Daicy and their eight-year-old daughter Jasmine.

When he is not working or on family time, Matt enjoys playing racket sports such as tennis or badminton.