Pete Wilmer
Senior Partner & Head of Corporate Finance
The numbers are in, and they tell a strong story. HLB International, the global advisory and accounting network of which Hawsons is a proud member, has reported 12% growth for the financial year ending 31 December 2025. The results are drawn from HLB’s newly published Global Annual Review and confirm the network’s continued momentum across 158 countries and more than 29,000 professionals.
Pete Wilmer, Managing Partner at Hawsons, said:
“This is exactly what we are hearing from businesses across South Yorkshire and the East Midlands. Compliance will always matter, but clients want more from their accountants now. They want someone who understands their sector, challenges their thinking and helps them plan with confidence. Being part of HLB means we can bring that broader perspective to every client conversation, with the weight of an international network behind us.”
What makes these results particularly interesting is where the growth is coming from. Advisory services now account for 29% of combined network revenue, making it the largest single segment ahead of Audit and Assurance at 27%. That shift matters. It tells you something real about what business owners and leadership teams are asking for right now: less of the rear-view mirror, more of someone sitting alongside them as they make decisions that count.
Marco Donzelli, Global CEO of HLB, said:
“Delivering 12% growth in a year defined by ongoing uncertainty demonstrates the strength and resilience of our global network. We are seeing a clear shift towards more integrated, advisory-led support, particularly in areas such as AI, transformation and risk.”
View the full HLB Global Annual Review 2025.
About Hawsons
Founded in Sheffield in 1854, Hawsons is one of the UK’s longest-standing independent chartered accountancy practices. With offices in Sheffield, Doncaster and Northampton, the firm advises owner-managed businesses, private individuals and organisations across a wide range of sectors. As a member of HLB International, Hawsons combines local knowledge with genuine global reach. Visit hawsons.co.uk to find out more.
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