Ashgates aligns under DJH branding following merger

Derby audit and advisory firm Ashgates has officially rebranded. Going ahead it will adopt the corporate identity of DJH, following the firms’ 2024 merger.

Steve Martin, director of DJH Derby, said, “We have had an excellent twelve months since joining the group, making it an easy step to take on the DJH name in our second year. Our existing clients have experienced a seamless transition, and we have also attracted a number of new owner-managed businesses as a result of the complementary services we can offer.”

In July 2024, professional services firm DJH expanded its presence to the East Midlands, by acquiring Ashgates. Founded in 1991, the Derby-based firm was seen as a “progressive, proactive and friendly team, they provide a wide range of accountancy, audit, tax and business advisory services” by DJH.

In the first year since the deal, Ashgates has more than lived up to that, too. It enjoyed the best year in its history, with £6 million in annual revenues, and growing demand for its additional in-house services, including specialist R&D and capital allowance support.

Looking ahead, Ashgates has become DJH Derby, as part of its transition into the professional services group. DJH now has 16 offices and employs over 750 people across England and Ireland. DJH is also a B Corp certified firm, scoring 83.5 points as part of its review by B Lab Goal on its social and environmental performance, accountability and transparency.

Speaking on the future, Martin added, “We are very excited about what the future holds and making full use of the DJH name and the shared expertise and resources of a group that is now in the top 30 accountancy firms in the UK. Make no mistake though, we are still very much an accountancy practice committed to the East Midlands region helping local entrepreneurs and SMEs who rely on us to guide them through a whole range of business and finance support – providing advice as well as compliance services.”