As we celebrate our 100th birthday this year, we thought it would be fun to look back at the history of HB Accountants. Here’s Chapter 1 – our birth!
Our founders… welcome to the original Team HB, Mr Hardcastle and Mr Burton. Beevor de Vic Hardcastle, a first world war hero who was wounded in Arras, France in 1918, and Frederick William Burton, who served in the short-lived Accountancy Corps – first met as clerks. They decided to establish B de V Hardcastle Burton Co in New Bond Street, London on 5th February, 1921 but it didn’t take long for them to move to Coventry House, also in the City, and for Beevor to set up a satellite office in Northwood, near to his home.
They both loved being accountants. Beevor wrote to his father saying “Accountancy is just my cup of tea. Plenty of variety, visiting clients who give me nice teas and other meals and regard me as an expert accountant before I know much!”
The two partners complemented each other – Beevor was a modern day business development whizz who was very successful with attracting clients. Fred was the brainy, quiet one with a calming personality and a zest for problem solving. The combination of personalities worked perfectly.
At this time, a qualified accountant did well to earn £250 per annum although Hardcastle & Burton did significantly better, earning enough to privately educate their children, afford a live-in cook and nanny as well as running a car and enjoying summer holidays – their hard work rewarded them.
Interestingly, Beevor remained a partner of HB until his death aged 91 in 1973! Sadly, Fred was beset with ill health and passed in 1962 at 76 years.
Fast forward to HB Accountants present day and employee retention remains high! John Neighbour wins gold with 45 years’ service, Colin Wilkinson scoops silver with 41 years’ service and our Director Keith Grover takes bronze with 35 years’ service.
Chapter 2 to follow soon…
Remember that we are here to help: giving you access to experienced accountants and useful information and support no matter your business size or sector. If you would like a no obligation discussion about how we can help you and your business, please feel free to contact the team on 01992 444466. We’re accountants for business and we’re here to help you grow.
Visit our COVID19 Business Hub for more information
View our Latest Blogs
- What does the ‘Roadmap to Recovery’ announced by Boris Johnson mean for my business?
- Construction Industry Reverse Charge Rules New Legislation… are you confused?
- Monitored CCTV camera system rolled out in Hoddesdon town centre
- Tax-Saving Strategies to Implement before 5 April Year End
- VAT Deferral New Payment Scheme
HB Accountants are not your usual accountants… see what we have been doing on Instagram @hbahoddesdon and connect with us there
The information contained above is for general guidance purposes only. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the contents are accurate, please note that each individual has different circumstances and it is essential that you seek appropriate professional advice before you act on any of the information contained herein. HB Accountants can accept no liability for any errors or omission or for any person acting on or refraining from acting on the information provided in the above
