Hebden Bridge turns out to celebrate 125 years of Cresswells
Friday, 20 March 2015
Over 100 business owners, predominantly from the Calder Valley joined the partners and staff of Cresswells accountants last night as they celebrated one and a quarter centuries in business.
Businesses from Hebden Bridge and beyond gathered for a drinks reception at the Old Gate Bar & Restaurant as part of Cresswells' 125 year celebrations.
Left: the Mayor is talking to David Fletcher of Innovation. Photo: Craig Shaw
The guest list comprised of many Cresswells clients, including Kevin Baldwin of Mytholmroyd Land Rover outfitters MUD-UK Ltd. Kevin is a descendant of Cressweller Crabtree, whose father first established the accountancy practice in the 1880s.
Cresswells began trading from premises on Market Street in Hebden Bridge in the 1880s, becoming an incorporated business in the summer of 1889. Since then, the firm has evolved from a provincial practice serving a handful of local traders to one of the most dynamic and innovative firms of chartered accountants in the north of England.
During a history which spans in excess of 32,000 days of trading, the firm has witnessed many faces at its helm. Like many businesses, Cresswells fell victim to the devastating floods of 2012 but, after the clear up, the practice continued to thrive, joining other businesses in the town to welcome last year's Stage 2 of the Tour de France.
The present team of partners comprises auditor Graham Roper, who joined the firm in 1996, taxation specialist Paul Vine (1996) and start-up expert John Dakin (2005). In recent years, the firm has developed a growing reputation with clients in the medical sector. Today Cresswells is the only large firm of Chartered Accountants in Hebden Bridge.
Photo: Craig Shaw
Housing a 22-strong team, Cresswells offers specialisms ranging from auditing and account management, taxation and payroll to equity extraction and succession planning. Their diverse UK-wide client base includes farmers, property developers, retailers and standup comedians as well as leading oil fuel suppliers Craggs Energy and the internationally recognised British documentary photographer and photojournalist Martin Parr.
Partner John Dakin said,"Cresswells has been serving the people and businesses of Hebden Bridge since penny farthings graced the streets. Today, whilst we work with companies throughout the UK, we value the loyalty of many local businesses that have trusted the Cresswells name for decades and we wanted them to share in our success."
As part of the celebrations, guests received a gift box of Cresswells' 125 year celebration real ale, crafted by renowned local real ale producers, Little Valley Brewery.
Cresswells recently announced it had signed a deal to sponsor the Street Sundae event at this year's Hebden Bridge Arts Festival.
The success of the accountancy practice means that it plans to extend its presence on Market Street shortly and open a satellite office in Halifax later this year. For further information visit www.cresswells.co.uk