LOCAL BUSINESS GLOBAL VISION
ETL GLOBAL UK supports ambitious independent professional service firms by offering the opportunities, tools and platform to strengthen their global and national presence.
By understanding and protecting a firm’s own unique entrepreneurial approach, we can preserve its identity, whilst introducing the benefits of being part of a larger group across the UK and internationally. We recognise the growing competitiveness of global service firms and are committed to doing things differently.
Here
at ETL GLOBAL, we believe our supportive business model makes us stand out from other professional service groups.
Our approach has been honed over decades of success; integrating accounting, audit, tax and legal firms within a unified structure. We have developed a model that supports collaboration, whilst protecting the unique entrepreneurial culture that our partner firms had before joining ETL GLOBAL.
The success of ETL GLOBAL’s model is clear through our growth. ETL GLOBAL has grown from one start-up firm in 1971, to now having more than 26,000 employees in over 60 different countries connected to the group.
ETL GLOBAL’s exceptional experience and history are a significant advantage that both clients and partners can benefit from.
Our growth and success has been based on committed partnerships and long-term relationships, with members supporting each other in close collaboration and, most importantly, jointly serving clients in both national and international business.
At ETL GLOBAL, we’re proud to provide a platform that allows our partner firms to cultivate their own local and international success.
THE BEGINNING OF ETL
Our origins & philosophy
ETL (European Tax and Law) is a privately owned, European-cultured professional services firm, with more than 50 years of history and a strong SME focus.
The firm was set up in 1971 by Franz-Josef Wernze, who established EKWTreuhand GmbH in Germany and began laying the foundation for the ETL Group. These initial foundations supported the firm’s growth across Germany, tailoring the entrepreneurial spirit that has always been at the heart of ETL. Currently, ETL has over 850 offices in Germany and is ranked the 5th largest accounting and tax specialist in the country.
As ETL’s clients in Germany began to trade abroad, ETL started their search for similar opportunities, ensuring that they could continue to support their client base internationally.
Initially, ETL looked for similar cultures and frameworks in other European countries, replicating the model that had been so successful in Germany.
This expansion abroad led to the establishment of the ETL GLOBAL brand in 2015, starting in Spain, before expanding to the UK in 2017.
ETL GLOBAL’s approach allows firms to maintain their independence and integrity, whilst reaping the benefits and opportunities that come with being part of a larger organisation.
Our shared equity model encourages innovation and provides the stability for firms to grow. This is underpinned by the mutual ambitions of our stakeholders, who are able to share in the success of their firm as it progresses.
ETL GLOBAL IN THE UK
Continuing the legacy
Following the success of our international partners, ETL GLOBAL UK aims to continue the already developed strategy of a professional service group, which is fundamentally made up of accountants, auditors, tax and legal specialists.
With the added benefit of our exclusive centralised service offerings, ETL GLOBAL UK firms are supported in their organic growth, whilst our economic support facilitates acquisition growth, complementing the group structure.
48,500
1,450
Small and medium-sized businesses form the backbone of the UK business economy and community. Our clients demand the expertise and knowledge of a global company, combined with the service, care and attention to detail a local firm can offer. We pride ourselves on providing high quality, affordable services that offer you the utmost flexibility and efficiency.
Something different
At ETL GLOBAL UK, we work alongside ambitious, independent professional service firms, who are driven by strengthening their business presence and success. There’s no denying the growing competitiveness of unified professional groups, but we strive to stand out in this crowded market by offering something different.
ETL GLOBAL UK is only as strong as our partners. Since its early days, ETL GLOBAL has operated using a shared equity model that is mutually beneficial to all involved - when partners join ETL GLOBAL UK, they don’t just share our opportunities, but allow us equity in their firms, so we share in the risks and rewards of running a practice. When we invest in a firm, those already running the business on a day-to-day basis can also maintain an equity stake.
We’re attracted to a firm by what makes them special; their people, clients and overall brand – so why would we want to change that?
Our model sets us apart from other investors or consolidators in our sector, as it allows the firm to keep their operations and ethos the same, but with the added financial security provided by a majority stake partner. As a result, both our staff and client retention rates are excellent - ETL GLOBAL UK’s involvement is seen as a benefit, rather than an upheaval for new members.
Why choose ETL GLOBAL?
At ETL GLOBAL UK, consistency is key; we don’t look to change brands, partners or systems. We simply strive to complement them and develop further opportunities. We operate on four core values:
Collaboration
Active involvement is fundamental to a successful partnership, and we strongly encourage our members to make valuable contributions to the group as a whole.
Digitalisation
We encourage innovation by fostering a culture of experimentation and adaptation, improving brand visibility and engagement.
Empowerment
We are committed to developing the best professional service firms within our group, through a culture of professionalism and personal accountability.
Entrepreneurship
ETL GLOBAL UK’s role is to protect the unique entrepreneurial culture of new member firms, whilst adding new opportunities for their management teams.
These link the cumulative skills and experiences of our partners, who together, create a partnership that is greater than the sum of its parts.
As an ETL GLOBAL UK member, your practice will have access to dedicated support and resources that are malleable to your business requirements. Included in this are our centralised service solutions, which will help to streamline your business processes, so that you can improve quality, reduce costs and focus on growth.
What type of firms are interested in joining ETL GLOBAL?
ETL GLOBAL UK is full of ambitious accounting, audit, tax and legal firms. If your firm fits this description, or complements these sectors, then you should be interested in joining us.
But how would ETL GLOBAL UK membership add value to your business? We’ve narrowed it down to the three main benefits...
Organic Growth Support
We promote exclusive centralised service offerings, which support ETL GLOBAL UK firms in their organic growth. These centralised services offer solutions, reduced costs, better quality of delivery and new collaborative opportunities. Similarly, the group opens up international connections and new ways of promoting your practice.
Acquisition Growth Support
As a shared equity partner, we can help you identify external businesses that would complement your existing firm. Accessing finance can be extremely difficult and costly; by partnering with ETL GLOBAL UK, we can help you with the financial support to make new acquisitions. This allows you to speed up growth and gain additional expertise within your firm, opening up new potential revenue streams.
Protection of the Business
A common theme of firms joining the group is higher management looking to protect the staff, clients or brand that a business has built up since its inception. ETL GLOBAL UK offers a great deal of support, designed to complement a firm’s culture and independence. We understand that succession planning can be difficult, but we aim to support you through this process.
Is succession planning a priority for your business?
Succession planning
We strive for continuity in the firms that we acquire, which is why we aim to facilitate the handover process for others when required.
ETL GLOBAL UK firms have their own ambitious and independent management teams in place, running their business on a day-to-day basis. To protect a firm’s culture, we would always look at the possibility of internal succession when deciding who should succeed retiring partners.
All too often, firms fall victim to their own success, and end up limiting their employees as well as themselves. Under traditional methods of succession, the higher the value of a business, the more expensive - and therefore the more inaccessible, it becomes for employees to buy equity in their own firms. Not only this, but it can bring significant financial risks to partners, given the amount of money they are required to put at stake.
How a shared equity model can help
With ETL GLOBAL UK’s shared equity model, we de-risk the entire process of joining and leaving the firm’s equity, so that our members can solidify the next generation of their firm, protecting their legacy.
ETL GLOBAL UK can help potential new partners to finance the acquisition of an existing partner’s stake in the business, removing the traditional process of seeking external financial support.
To access ETL GLOBAL UK’s support, new partners buying into the firm are asked to supply a deposit against the consideration to acquire equity from another partner. Then, we would fund the remaining amount on their behalf. Our contribution is treated like a loan, with the benefit of a very competitive interest rate. In this method of lending, ETL GLOBAL UK uses the equity acquired in the firm as collateral.
SUCCESSION PLANNING
Friendly lending
The phrases ‘loan’ and ‘interest’ may seem intimidating, but we ensure that partners’ disposable incomes are protected.
Repayments are linked to the additional distribution individuals receive from their investment in a firm - for example, dividends received on their recently aquired equity if they are part of a limited company. Once the loan has been repaid via this additional income, any financial benefits from investment will be the individual’s to enjoy going forward!
When we invest in a company, we are investing in their people. From the beginning of our relationship with the firm, we start to identify the next generation of partners, and work alongside current partners to determine their successors together.
Traditionally, succession planning and the handover process would be a long, drawn-out process for both parties. The successor would likely need to take out collateral with the bank, and the predecessor would need to wait for this to be approved before leaving the business.
Our model, based on friendly lending, helps new partners to buy into the business with the guarantee that their income will remain the same, reassuring existing partners that they will not lose any of their disposable income due to their exit. This ensures a smooth transaction for all involved, so that they can focus on the handover of clients and advice.
Our equity buy-in support has been a great way of helping the partners of ETL GLOBAL UK firms have an exit strategy, whilst incentivising all stakeholders in the firm to work together towards the succession and success of the firm.
We’re proud to offer
A renowned trademark with a global reach
Independent business styles
Access to specialist knowledge
Non-exclusivity regarding memberships in other associations
A collaborative, interdisciplinary approach
An environment to create common business interests through joint investments
Overall, our group provides a dynamic and interconnected approach to business; fostering innovation and achieving shared goals.
Join a top 20 ranking group
In 2023, ETL GLOBAL was ranked #20 in the Accountancy Age Top 50+50 Accountancy Firms, marking a climb of three places from #23 in 2021. ETL GLOBAL is constantly expanding, driven by the ambition to become the leading multidisciplinary professional service group in the UK.
Our member firms frequently engage in successful referrals to access clients in alternative markets, and confidently provide their own clients with expert services across our group. By joining ETL GLOBAL UK, you will become connected to leading professionals in the accounting, tax, legal and audit sectors.
Access to a wealth of centralised services
At ETL GLOBAL UK, we are committed to developing the best professional service firms within our group, helping them to stand out in an increasingly competitive market. Following great demand, our member firms now have access to a range of centralised services, helping to streamline their business processes. This includes dedicated support and resources tailored to each firm’s individual needs.
CENTRALISED SERVICES
COMPLIANCE
ETL GLOBAL UK offers a range of training solutions in finance, audit, financial awareness and business skills through Insight Training, who deliver bespoke courses to accountants and finance professionals. This includes free CPD courses for all group employees to cover core compliance and training requirements and an additional discount on other courses. They also conduct independent Hot File or Cold File audit file reviews on-site; ensuring firm compliance with regulations whilst adding insightful, up-to-date advice and improvement suggestions.
HR
Ensuring your business is compliant and up-to-date with the latest HR legislation is essential for effective operations and risk management. The HR department acts as the backbone of any organisation, managing administrative paperwork and staff relations while fostering a positive workplace culture. We take the time to understand your specific needs and provide practical support to enhance your HR function. Whether you have a specific HR project that requires expertise or you’re looking to establish a comprehensive HR framework, we offer tailored solutions that align with your unique requirements, ensuring compliance that contributes to your overall success.
INSURANCE
We aim to provide solutions for the liability risks faced every day by financial institutions. We offer expert broker support via Arthur J. Gallagher & Co, as well as a Fee Protection Service via AXA Insurance UK plc, which will protect you in relation to the professional fees you may incur in the event of an HMRC investigation. Our providers specialise in supporting firms in all aspects of insurance to ensure the most appropriate cover and protection at competitive rates, assessing your specific needs and developing insurance solutions that align with your business objectives.
CENTRALISED SERVICES CONTINUED
IT
ETL GLOBAL IT focuses on delivering personalised IT services that provide significant cost savings while fostering a collaborative environment to develop effective IT strategies across all partner firms. The aim is to offer integrated services that align with unique business needs. By taking the time to understand specific operations and challenges, ETL GLOBAL IT tailors its approach to support your digital transformation goals. Close collaboration ensures that the solutions not only address current requirements, but also position firms for future success.
LEGAL MARKETING
Today’s businesses face a variety of legal challenges, from navigating complex acquisitions to addressing employee claims and compliance issues. Having a team of expert commercial solicitors available is essential for managing these risks and ensuring smooth operations. ETL GLOBAL UK member firms can rely on a leading UK multi-service law firm for bespoke legal support tailored to their specific needs, offering comprehensive services across the UK and internationally and equipping firms to handle legal matters with confidence. Member firms receive practical advice and tailored solutions that enable them to focus on growth while ensuring they remain compliant with legal requirements, giving them the assurance that their operations are legally sound.
ETL GLOBAL Marketing provides personalised, in-house marketing services for ETL GLOBAL. The team is dedicated to developing the UK brand while offering marketing support to partner firms. Being part of ETL GLOBAL means ETL GLOBAL Marketing understands the culture and ambitions of each firm and shares a common goal of growth within the group. This collaboration results in targeted marketing strategies that effectively elevate firms’ profiles and drive their success.
OUTSOURCING
ETL GLOBAL UK offers a comprehensive outsourcing service through its UK-based partner firm, providing a range of financial services including bookkeeping, VAT management, management accounts, tax compliance and statutory account services. The team employs structured processes that are flexible and scalable, making them suitable for firms of all sizes. Each client is assigned a dedicated contact for their accounting needs, ensuring they receive personalised attention and expertise. This approach allows businesses to fulfil their financial obligations with confidence, ensuring compliance and precision in their reporting.
PAYROLL
Our dedicated payroll experts assist businesses in navigating the complexities of ever-changing rules and regulations, along with the calculations and administrative tasks required for secure payroll processing. We offer a range of services, including payslips, P45s, New Starter Forms (P60s) and Tax Year End reports, as well as secure data transfers to third-party systems and communication with HMRC. Businesses can therefore efficiently manage payroll while ensuring compliance with legislation. This support reduces the risk of errors and penalties, allowing companies to focus their time and resources on their core activities and drive their growth.
RECRUITMENT
We are committed to excellence in recruitment by partnering with professionals who specialise in recruitment across the accountancy and legal practice sectors. Collaborating with a well-established recruitment agency with over a decade of experience enhances our ability to support the talent needs of our member firms. We help firms attract new talent, develop effective retention strategies, and build a strong employer brand. This partnership empowers member firms to navigate the competitive recruitment landscape confidently and create a workplace where employees feel valued and engaged.
We may be headquartered in Bolton, but our group spans the entire UK.
Will you make your mark on the ETL GLOBAL UK map?
ETL GLOBAL UK
1 Pavilion Square, Cricketer’s Way Westhoughton, Bolton, BL5 3AJ
Accountancy Firm
Legal Service Firm
Centralised Service
CENTRALISED
Compliance Support
Insurance Brokerage
IT Services & Cyber Security
Legal Services (Full - Service Offering)
Marketing
Outsourcing
Payroll & Human Resources
Recruitment
NORTH
Calibre Sport, Hale
ETL Holdings (Head Office)
ETL LEX Holdings, Manchester
ETL Management Services, Manchester
EKW Group, Bolton
EKWilliams Accountants, Bolton
Glaisyers ETL, Liverpool
Glaisyers ETL, Manchester
Glaisyers Trust Corp, Manchester
Harold Sharp, Sale
Hill Eckersley & Co, Bolton
HRpeople Services, Bolton
Ikara Business Solutions, Sheffield
INNventory, Bolton
PAYEPeople, Bolton
Wealth Recovery Solicitors, Manchester
MIDLANDS
Clement Rabjohns, Evesham
Robert Whowell and Partners, Leicester
SOUTH
Fiander Tovell, Southampton
FT Pay, Southampton
Hopper William & Bell, Eastleigh
Naylor Accountancy, Eastleigh
Stag Gates Services, Southampton
SOUTH WEST AND WALES
Carston ETL, Cardiff
Kingscott Dix, Gloucester
SOUTH EAST AND LONDON
Ad Valorem, Milton Keynes
Ad Valorem Audit Services, Cambridge
Ad Valorem Research & Development, Milton Keynes
ETL Cambridge, Cambridge
Gerald Edelman, London
Gerald Edelman Deal Advisory, London
Gerald Edelman Network, London
Glaisyers ETL, London
GW Cox, Essex
Liric Accountants, Cambridge
Laytons ETL, London
mgr Weston Kay, London
mgr Weston Kay, Bury St Edmunds
mgr Map, London
mgr Royalties, London
mgr Bond Street Registers, London
mgr SD, London
Carston ETL, London
SRLV, London
The Contractor Co-Operative, London
The Professional Payroll, London
The Pub Experts, Essex
Wilder Coe, London
WTT Group, London
26,000+
EMPLOYEES
560,000+
CLIENTS
ETL GLOBAL is constantly growing, which offers enormous opportunities, tools and synergies for both clients and partners. In 2023, the International Accounting Bulletin (IAB) and Accountancy Age, for the first time, ranked ETL GLOBAL as the 15th largest international accounting group based on turnover and staff worldwide and no. 7 in Europe – a fantastic positioning that ETL GLOBAL has been able to hold up in the IAB ever since.
This success represents the determination of ETL GLOBAL to fulfil its own vision of becoming the leading professional services group for small and medium-sized clients.
Sara Brassington FCCA Master Partner ETL GLOBAL UK
Peter Brassington ACA FCCA
Master Partner ETL GLOBAL UK
The central coordination of UK services is overseen by Master Partners, Sara Brassington and Peter Brassington, who have achieved ongoing growth with the involvement of numerous prestigious firms and professionals since the establishment of the UK group.
The UK arm continues to go from strength to strength. With the guidance of our Master Partners, the group continues working towards its long-term vision to become the largest group of professional service firms in the UK.
Get in touch to start your journey today. Email: info@etl-uk.com
mgr has been a proud member of ETL GLOBAL UK since 2018. Being part of this group has given us the perfect platform to grow our business, both organically and through acquisitions.
We have always had a strong international focus, but ETL GLOBAL UK has greatly improved our service offering by enabling cross-border collaboration with highly skilled, like-minded professionals, all unified by a unique sense of common purpose and shared vision.
Our talent is our biggest asset, and being part of ETL GLOBAL UK has helped to increase our EVP. Our team feels part of something bigger, with enhanced career progression, diverse work, learning opportunities and social interaction, adding significant value to the business.
Nick Muir
mgr
Since joining ETL GLOBAL UK in 2015, we have enjoyed a partnership that balances our independence with their unwavering support that has been a cornerstone of our growth for a decade. We were empowered to maintain our identity, and our clients continue to receive the high-quality service they expect without the interference often seen with other groups.
Being part of ETL GLOBAL UK has also allowed us to build strong connections with like-minded firms in the group, enabling us to leverage each other’s strengths. The broader ETL GLOBAL group also provides access to international experts, broadening the services and insights we offer clients. We look forward to an exciting future together.
Kurt
Bettles
Carston ETL
More than one reason to join...
We were excited to join the ETL GLOBAL UK group as many of our clients actively trade with Europe. Building a global group therefore became increasingly important to be able to support our clients’ cross-border needs, providing them with access to international markets.
For some time, we have been looking for the right partner who can not only support our ambitious growth needs, but also provide long-term security and stability for our valued team. With ETL GLOBAL UK, we see a bright and sustainable future.
We have now given our people the best opportunity we can for professional growth and development, all while preserving our unique identity in the process. We have not only strengthened our organisation, but our people’s potential, too.
Nigel & Nikki Adams
Ad Valorem
