Simpson Wood has a long established history as you
can see from the timeline below. The firm is proud of its
reputation and how it has continued to evolve into the modern
practice which it is today. Our strength has always been the
quality and experience of our
staff and the importance we place on direct communication with
our clients. We have extremely high retention rates of both clients
and our team of skilled and experienced staff who care passionately
about doing their best for our
clients.
Chartered Accountants’ Hall at Moorgate Place
1880
Fred Lockwood founded the firm in the same year that the ICAEW
was founded by Royal Charter, originally practising from
Moldgreen.
One pound note issued by Huddersfield Bank
1909
Fred Lockwood retired and Henry V Wood became a partner, joined
by Ralph Turner and George Lockwood resulting in the firm's name
being changed to Lockwood Turner & Wood.
Bank Chambers – the home of Simpson Wood
1913
The firm moved into its current premises at Bank Chambers,
Market Street which also became the site of the Huddersfield Stock
Exchange, shortly before George Lockwood was called up for military
service in 1914.
Image provided by the Kirklees Image Archive.
Huddersfield Stock Exchange’s Roll of Honour
1939
The Second World War resulted in some staff enlisting, whilst
others took on duties at home, including having to remain in Bank
Chambers overnight.
Harold Simpson and Raymond Wood
1954
The firm's name changed to Simpson Wood & Co when the two
partners of the firm were Harold Simpson and Raymond Wood, and has
remained virtually unchanged since then reflecting the history of
the two families' involvement in the firm which stretched over 90
years.
Huddersfield’s old Market Hall which closed in 1970
1970
Simpson Wood & Co merged with Wood & Hoyle which brought
back John Hoyle and Frank Laycock, who had both
previously worked at Simpson Wood, and now returned as
partners.
Image provided by the Kirklees Image Archive.
Entrance to Bank Chambers
1980
The firm celebrated its centenary which coincided with the
retirement of Raymond Wood. It also opened an office in Penistone
and its name was changed to Simpson Wood.
2003
The firm set up Simpson Wood (Financial Services) Limited with
Neil Duthie as managing director, to deal with the increasing work
in this area in order to expand the services we were able to offer
clients.
Today
The latest partnership line continues to expand and improve the
services provided to clients, including tax planning, will writing,
academy schools, and a relaunched website to incorporate the
movement towards social media communication.
1880
1909
1913
1939
1954
1970
1980
2003
Today