TC Group celebrates 40 years supporting Northampton businesses
TC Group’s Northampton office is marking a major milestone as it celebrates 40 years of championing businesses in the county and beyond. As one of the longest-established professional services firms in the town, the anniversary offers an opportunity to reflect on decades of growth, community involvement, and ongoing commitment to the county’s business landscape.
Founded in 1986 in Cliftonville, the Northampton practice later relocated to Moulton Park, operating for many years under the Haines Watts and Fortus brands. In July 2023, following sustained growth, the firm joined TC Group, now one of the UK’s Top 18 accountancy firms. Since 2017, the Northampton team’s been based at Rushmills, delivering full-service accountancy and trusted advisory support to businesses and individuals across Northamptonshire.
Today, the Northampton office is home to several of TC Group’s specialist national service lines, strengthening the firm’s advisory-led approach for business owners both locally and across the UK.
LOCAL EXPERTISE, NATIONAL REACH
“Northamptonshire’s home to a huge number of outstanding businesses, many of them owner-managed or family-run, that play a vital role in the local economy. Having traded in the county for over 40 years, we’ve had the privilege of supporting generations of entrepreneurs and business owners as they grow, adapt, and plan for the future,” said Northampton-born and proud ‘Northamptonian’ Stephen Watts, Chief Operating Officer at TC Group, who has been with the firm for 13 years.
“Over that time, we’ve deliberately built a strong advisory offering alongside our core services, recognising the real value that proactive, forward-looking advice can bring to these businesses. We’re proud of our roots in Northamptonshire and remain committed to supporting the success of the local business community for many years to come.”
Fellow proud Northamptonian Partner Ben Young added:
“Collaboration’s central to how we work. We partner with banks, legal teams, and other professional advisors across the county, sharing insight and strengthening the support available for local SMEs. With advisory services spanning HR Consultancy, Property Services, Corporate Finance, Innovation Reliefs, and Tax Advisory, we offer clients a joined-up, full-service solution under one roof.”
CELEBRATING NORTHAMPTON’S INDEPENDENT BUSINESS COMMUNITY
Northampton’s independent business community continues to underpin confidence in the local economy, bringing energy, originality, and lasting value to the region.
“Although the immediate uncertainty of the pandemic has passed, businesses are still navigating a challenging environment,” said Stephen. “What stands out is the adaptability and ambition we’ve seen across Northampton in recent years.”
The town is home to a diverse mix of entrepreneurial start-ups and established organisations, many of which play an active role in supporting their communities. Business owners continue to collaborate, invest and make considered decisions that safeguard both their organisations and their people.
“We’re seeing founders commit to Northampton as a place to build, grow, and innovate. As we move into 2026, there’s genuine confidence in the future of the local business community, and we’re proud to continue supporting that journey,” Stephen added.
During its landmark year, TC’s Northamptonshire-based clients have shared what the firm’s support has meant to them:
“When you’re building something ambitious, you need advisors who don’t slow you down. TC Group have been that steady hand for us — practical, proactive, and genuinely invested in our success.” Marcus Trofimov, Managing Director – Silverstone Composites.
“We have TC Group on a retainer, which means it’s quite easy to pick up the phone and have a chat with the team. Whatever our business issue, we know they’ll have an expert in-house somewhere who can help us.” David Dunkley, Director – Soiltechnics.
“TC Group are large enough to meet our needs without being too big to deliver the personal service we want.” Jonathan Jones, Managing Director – Crockett & Jones.
“TC Group know the sector and speak the same language. The team’s incredibly well connected, they host sector events, and they’ve been generous in introducing me to some of their contacts. It’s that kind of ‘above and beyond’ experience we’ve come to really appreciate and value.” Parm Bhangal MRICS, Managing Director – Bhangals Construction Consultants Ltd.
AWARD-WINNING TALENT AND CONTINUED GROWTH
TC Group Northampton is home to the firm’s award-winning Corporate Finance team, led by Patrick Faughnan, which specialises in mergers and acquisitions across diverse sectors.
In 2025, the team celebrated standout success at the Insider Media Central & East Dealmakers Awards, where Patrick was named ‘Dealmaker of the Year’, one of the industry’s most prestigious accolades. Matt Ritchie was also shortlisted for ‘Emerging Dealmaker of the Year’, reflecting TC’s commitment to developing future talent.
The Northampton office also includes a significant part of TC Group’s Payroll team which was shortlisted for multiple accolades at the Association of Bureau Managers Awards 2025. From a record number of entries, the team reached the final in two categories, with Alia Cain-Coleman crowned ‘Emerging Leader’, recognised for her impressive progression from Apprentice to Payroll Senior by the age of 23.
The team has continued to grow with several key hires, including Jon Corbett (ACIB), former Barclays Director, who joined as a Consultant in April. Jon was drawn to TC Group’s values-led culture, focus on purposeful leadership, and commitment to supporting business owners across the region.
CHAMPIONING NORTHAMPTONSHIRE’S BUSINESS COMMUNITY
On 27 November, the office hosted a free Autumn Budget event, providing practical guidance on the fiscal changes affecting local businesses.
The team also proudly contributes to its wider community through:
- Board roles and economic development initiatives
- Grant facilitation and funding support
- Collaborating with local banks/intermediaries to deliver extensive and joined-up advisory
- Active involvement with the Silverstone Technology Cluster, Northants Chamber of Commerce, Royal & Derngate, and Northamptonshire County Cricket Club’s 1978 Business Club, and Northampton Saints Business Club
- Its role as a founding Platinum Partner of the South Midlands Growth Hub, helping secure over £200,000 in Local Authority grants for local businesses.
BIG ON GIVING BACK
TC Group’s commitment to making a positive impact extends beyond business. Community involvement and charitable giving are embedded in the firm’s culture, with teams supporting a wide range of causes through fundraising, volunteering and practical support.
During 2025, the TC Northampton office:
- Launched its partnership with The Never Alone Project (TNAP) – Northamptonshire’s leading bereavement charity
- Donated refurbished laptops, in collaboration with Rothwell-based tech firm IT Magic, to families and schoolchildren across North Northamptonshire
- Sponsored grassroots youth football, including Sporting Club Aspire’s U13 Raptors team in Great Houghton
- Supported Jeanette Walsh’s ‘Mother Christmas’ toy appeal and Easter Egg collections for the 12th consecutive year
- Took part in numerous fundraising initiatives, including Wear It Pink, Save the Children’s Christmas Jumper Day, Macmillan Coffee Morning, the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge, and walking and fitness challenges supporting mental health and heart charities such as Arthur Ellis Mental Health Support
- Celebrated 40 years with a sports-day–themed summer party at Northampton Casuals Rugby Club, Christmas celebrations at Northamptonshire County Cricket Club, and a packed calendar of team activities including wreath-making, padel, bake-offs, murder mystery events, and ‘bring your dog to work’ days.
OPTIMISM FOR THE FUTURE
TC Group continues to evolve as a full-service, advisory-led partner for business owners nationwide. Its Northampton office will be accelerating its client development and client experience strategic priority, ensuring every interaction is underpinned by personal chemistry, professionalism, and proactivity.
To achieve this, a new dedicated Client Experience Manager role has been created along with several internal promotions in the pipeline for 2026.
“Our focus going forward is on strengthening specialist expertise, leveraging the significant investment made at Group level to ensure we are well positioned to benefit from ongoing digital transformation in our profession, and maintaining a strong focus on client experience,” said Stephen.
“Northampton’s independent business community inspires us every day, and we’re confident 2026 and beyond will bring further opportunities for growth, innovation, and long-term success. Together, we look forward to supporting the next chapter of growth for local businesses and the wider region.”
For further information:
TC Group Northampton
Ben Young, Partner
BenYoung@tc-group.com | 07794 031353
