CHARTERED accountancy firm Hayward Wright has strengthened its senior team with the appointment of management accountant and business finance specialist Gareth Wood.

Mr Wood, who is 29, will join as client manager and has established links across Worcestershire’s business community. He will work closely with the firm’s clients, advising on a variety of areas including management accounts and tax planning. He will also guide new and expanding businesses, providing them with accountancy and commercial advice.

Alistair Hayward-Wright, founder and managing director of Hayward Wright Chartered Accountants, which has offices in Worcester and Redditch, said: “Gareth is a talented accountant and is already making an impact internally, and with our clients. He is commercially aware and his business expertise adds another dimension to our already strong client offering. Part of Gareth’s role is also to open new doors for us in the county’s business community and develop our existing relations with large and small organisations. He is a first-rate addition to the team.”

Mr Wood added: “I have known Alistair and the team at Hayward Wright for a number of years and have always been impressed by their honest, friendly approach and how the team is encouraged to develop the practice. Joining a firm with that approach, especially during such an exciting period of growth, is fantastic. I hope to bring a fresh outlook to the table and the ability to work closely alongside clients as an extension of their business.”

Born in Redditch, Mr Wood is a member of AAT, the professional body for accounting technicians. His appointment comes only two months after the privately-owned firm, which employs a team of 13, unveiled its new £180,000 Redditch headquarters.