prabhu
The West Midlands is experiencing a wave of economic activity, with significant developments in the accountancy and industrial sectors. Nicklin, a Halesowen-based accountancy firm with a 90-year legacy, has been acquired by DJH, a fast-growing, private equity-backed finance and business advisory group. Concurrently, the Spark industrial park near Walsall has reached a key construction milestone, promising to transform a long-dormant site into a hub for jobs and industry. These initiatives underscore the region’s growing prominence as a center for professional services and industrial investment.
DJH Acquires Nicklin: Expanding in the West Midlands
Deal Overview
DJH, a Stoke-on-Trent-based finance and business advisory group, has acquired Nicklin, a respected Halesowen accountancy practice, as part of its strategy to become one of the UK’s top 20 accountancy firms. Announced on June 10, 2025, the acquisition strengthens DJH’s West Midlands presence, where it already operates an office in Walsall alongside 10 other locations across England. The financial terms were not disclosed, but the deal integrates Nicklin’s 38 employees into DJH’s 600-strong workforce, 230 of whom are based in the West Midlands.
Nicklin, founded over 90 years ago, has built a strong reputation serving small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), owner-managed businesses, and GP surgeries in the Black Country. The firm offers audit, accounting, tax, and business advisory services, with specialised expertise in wealth management and medical accounting through its membership in the Association of Independent Specialist Medical Accountants (AISMA).
Benefits for Clients and Staff
Mark Howell, Nicklin’s managing director, highlighted the acquisition’s advantages, stating, “Joining DJH enhances our ability to deliver transparent financial support to our clients while maintaining our local focus.” The partnership grants Nicklin’s clients access to DJH’s broader services, including corporate finance, commercial funding, HR, and private client planning, such as wills and probates. Howell emphasised that DJH’s infrastructure allows Nicklin’s 38 accountants to focus more on client relationships, saying, “The additional operational support frees our team to spend more time with clients, helping them grow and create jobs.”
DJH’s CEO, Scott Heath, underscored the strategic fit, noting, “Nicklin’s reputation as one of the Black Country’s most respected firms made this a compelling opportunity. Continuity is vital, and we’re delighted that Nicklin’s senior leadership will stay on to guide its next chapter.” This ensures Nicklin retains its community-focused identity while leveraging DJH’s national resources and private equity backing from Tenzing, which has driven 12 acquisitions in four years.
Regional Significance
The acquisition aligns with the West Midlands’ economic priorities, particularly supporting SMEs and job creation. Nicklin’s history of excellence, including winning the ICAEW Small Accountancy Firm of the Year award in 2010 and 2011, enhances DJH’s regional credibility. The deal reflects broader trends in the UK accountancy sector, where private equity-backed firms like DJH, BK Plus, and Cooper Parry are consolidating to compete with larger players. By integrating Nicklin’s niche expertise, DJH strengthens its ability to serve diverse clients, from startups to high-net-worth individuals, in a region known for its vibrant business ecosystem.
Spark Industrial Park: A Construction Milestone
Project Progress
The £110 million Spark industrial park near Walsall has reached a significant milestone with the completion of structural steel for its first two buildings. Located on a 44-acre brownfield site at the former James Bridge Copper Works near junction nine of the M6, the project is being developed by Origin, a joint venture between HBD and Feldberg Capital. Contractor Bowmer + Kirkland is managing construction, with the first phase—two warehouses—set for completion in autumn 2025 and occupancy by year-end.
The park will provide 620,000 square feet of warehousing space, with units ranging from 18,000 to 250,000 square feet, designed for manufacturing and logistics businesses. A planning application for the second phase, which includes three additional units, has been submitted, with construction slated to begin in January 2026 and conclude by autumn 2026. Once fully operational, Spark is expected to create 1,000 jobs, delivering substantial economic benefits to the region.
Community and Economic Impact
Vivienne Clements, executive director at HBD, described Spark as “a pivotal project for both the local community and the wider region.” The site, unused for 20 years, required extensive remediation, completed in collaboration with Walsall Council, Homes England, Black Country LEP, and West Midlands Combined Authority. Jamie Acheson, managing director of Feldberg Capital, added, “Spark addresses a critical shortage of industrial space in a prime location, bringing jobs and social benefits to the area.”
Cllr Adrian Andrew, acting leader of Walsall Council, expressed excitement, stating, “Seeing the buildings rise is a testament to years of planning and collaboration.” The park’s proximity to the M6 enhances its appeal for logistics and manufacturing firms, addressing the West Midlands’ undersupply of modern industrial facilities. The project aligns with national priorities for brownfield regeneration and economic levelling up, supported by regional partnerships.
Market Context
The Spark development taps into strong demand for industrial space in the West Midlands, where proximity to major transport routes and a skilled workforce make it a prime location. The region’s industrial market is tightening, with logistics and e-commerce driving demand for warehouses. Similar projects, such as the Peddimore development in Birmingham, highlight the area’s attractiveness for large-scale investments. Spark’s job creation and infrastructure improvements position it as a flagship project for economic growth.
Opportunities and Challenges in the West Midlands
Accountancy Sector Growth
DJH’s acquisition of Nicklin reflects the consolidation trend in UK accountancy, where firms are scaling to offer comprehensive services. Private equity backing, as seen with DJH and competitors like Dains, provides capital for acquisitions but requires careful integration to maintain client trust. Nicklin’s focus on medical accounting and SMEs complements DJH’s portfolio, enhancing its ability to serve the West Midlands’ diverse business community. However, rising costs from recent budget changes, including tax and wage increases, could challenge profitability unless offset by operational efficiencies.
Industrial Sector Dynamics
Spark’s progress highlights the West Midlands’ industrial potential, but challenges remain. Construction timelines, tenant acquisition, and economic uncertainties, such as supply chain disruptions, could impact the project’s success. The region’s low vacancy rates for industrial space, reported at under 5% in recent market analyses, underscore the demand Spark aims to meet. Its strategic location and job creation potential position it to attract major occupiers, but competition from other regional developments requires proactive marketing and flexible leasing terms.
Regional Synergy
Together, DJH’s expansion and Spark’s development illustrate the West Midlands’ economic vitality. The accountancy sector supports businesses navigating growth, while industrial projects like Spark provide the infrastructure for job creation and investment. Both initiatives benefit from the region’s connectivity, skilled workforce, and supportive public-private partnerships, positioning the West Midlands as a hub for professional services and industrial innovation.
A Bright Future
The acquisition of Nicklin by DJH and the advancement of the Spark industrial park mark significant steps for the West Midlands. DJH’s growth strengthens its ability to deliver tailored financial services, while Spark’s regeneration of a brownfield site promises jobs and economic vitality. These developments reflect the region’s ability to blend heritage with ambition, fostering a dynamic environment for businesses and communities alike.
