SMH Group appoints Jonathon Dickens as CEO, James Hartley steps into Chairman role

Yorkshire and Derbyshire based accounting and business services firm, SMH Group (“SMH”) today announces the appointment of Jonathon Dickens as CEO of the business, with James Hartley moving to the role of Chairman, effective immediately.

Having been at the firm for almost 20 years after joining as an apprentice in 2005, Jonathon has been instrumental alongside James in the firm’s strategic growth in recent years, completing multiple acquisitions since 2017 and expanding the group’s service offering to include commercial finance, mortgage brokering and wealth management.

With these changes, SMH is doubling down on its already successful growth strategy and its vision of becoming the leading accounting and business adviser in the region. Key to this is continuing to attract and retain the best talent, making it the partner of choice for clients in the region, and continuing its current growth trajectory through a combination of organic growth and future M&A activity.

Jonathon Dickens, CEO said:

“Our people are what makes SMH such a fantastic place to work and an equally trusted advisor to our clients. I hope to carry on the great work James and I have done together by continuing our growth trajectory into 2025 and beyond.

On a personal note, I’d also like to thank James for being an inspirational figure, a true mentor and friend during our time to date at SMH and beyond.”

James Hartley will be moving to a strategic advisory position in his new role as Chairman of SMH Limited.

James Hartley, Chairman added:

“Over the last 22 years, SMH has become a business we can truly be proud of, with an incredible team and clients. I look forward to supporting the business in a strategic capacity in my new role as Chairman.”