Hackney decides to go it alone

Sep 17 2008 by Tony McDonough, Liverpool Daily Post

ONE of Liverpool’s best- known accountants is resigning his partnership at Grant Thornton to set up his own venture.

Howard Hackney has been with GT for more than 30 years but has now decided to set up a boutique practice of his own, starting in October.

He will continue, with the Grant Thornton’s full support, to advise many of his existing clients who will also remain as clients of the firm.

“Howard has made a fantastic contribution to the establishment of our market-leading position in Liverpool and leaves with our gratitude, supp-ort and good wishes for this new chapter in his career,” said Neil Sturmey, the managing partner of Grant Thornton Liverpool.

Mr Hackney will offer a range of strategic and business advice to the wider market, including Grant Thornton clients.

He said: “Now is the right time to do what I have been tempted to do in the past and I’m ready for a new challenge.

“I will continue to work alongside my many friends and colleagues in the Liverpool office but accountancy is like many other professional services – there is a clear trend towards greater specialisation.’’

Mr Hackney added: “At this stage of my career I prefer to have freedom to work in a broader-based way and it’s much easier to do that as an independent.”