Fast-growing accountancy firm adds to its numbers with acquisition of Afford Bond

A long-established South Cheshire accountancy firm with roots dating back to the 1920s has been acquired by a growing national practice — with all three local offices to remain open, including Nantwich.

Afford Bond, which also operates out of  Wilmslow and Manchester, has been acquired by Wilson Partners in a move marking the firm’s first and significant expansion beyond the South of England.

The acquisition takes Wilson Partners’ revenues to c.£50m and increases its total headcount to around 460 staff, including 79 across Afford Bond’s three offices.

Allan Wilson, Managing Director of Wilson Partners, said: “Afford Bond is a highly-respected firm with a proud history and a strong presence in the North West.

“This acquisition marks our first move northwards and is a significant step in the evolution of Wilson Partners as a national firm.

“We share a common focus on quality, client service and long-term relationships, which makes this a very natural fit.”

Afford Bond can be traced back to the 1920’s when Norman Afford set up his practice at District Bank House in Nantwich town centre.

In the 1960s it merged with V C Bond & Co of Edleston Road in Crewe and then relocated to 31 Wellington Road in 1973 as Afford Bond & Co.

Peter O’Malley, Director at Afford Bond, said the acquisition marked an exciting ‘new chapter’ for the firm and its employees.

“Afford Bond has been part of the North West business community for nearly a century, so it was important for us to join a firm that genuinely respects our history, our people and our clients, he said.

“Wilson Partners shares those values and brings the scale and ambition that will allow us to continue to grow while maintaining the service our clients expect.

“This marks an exciting new chapter for our team and our clients and we’re looking forward to what we can achieve together.”

Founded in Maidenhead in 2008, Wilson Partners has grown rapidly through a combination of organic growth and targeted acquisitions.

Since then, Wilson Partners has completed 11 acquisitions, with revenue increasing more than tenfold.

Offices now include Cambridge, Exeter, Maidenhead, Manchester, Nantwich, Newton Abbott, Oakham, Plymouth, Reading, Sevenoaks, Stellenbosch, Tonbridge, Wilmslow and Woking.

Having built a strong presence in the South of England, owners say the acquisition of Afford Bond represents an important milestone in a national growth strategy with a deliberate move into the North West market.

Adam Wardle, Head of Mergers and Acquisitions, added: “Reaching c.£50m in revenue is an important milestone, but our focus has always been on building a firm with the right people, culture and capabilities.

“Expanding into the North West with Afford Bond is a significant step in our journey and strengthens our ability to support clients across the UK.

“It’s a respected regional firm with a strong reputation across the North West, known for its long-standing client relationships, technical expertise and deep local heritage. We’re delighted.”

Afford Bond will continue to operate from its existing offices, with its leadership team remaining in place to ensure continuity for clients and team members which include 52 at Nantwich, 16 in Wilmslow and 11 Manchester based.

The combined firm will also continue to invest in people, technology and regional capability, with a keen focus on supporting business owners, entrepreneurs and private clients across the UK.

Wilson Partners works with SMEs, private individuals and private equity investors across the UK.

It is recognised as a ‘Very Good’ place to work by Best Companies and was runner-up in the ‘Large Firm of the Year’ category at the 2025 Accounting Excellence Awards.