Future-ready accounting with a traditional touch

Poole Waterfield Limited can trace its origins back to the 1950s.

R T Poole & Co was founded in the early 1950s and occupied offices at 186 Wolverhampton Street, Dudley.

The practice shared the building with an insurance broker and the two worked together on a regular basis. The business relationships formed at this time remain to this day.

In the late 1950s John Waterfield joined R T Poole and Co. At his previous employers, where he was an Articled Clerk,  he recalled visiting clients on his bike to deliver accounts in and around Dudley.

In 1968 the practice moved a short distance to Wolverton Road, Dudley. Where Poole Waterfield remained for the next 40 years.  During this time the business expanded and staff were recruited, some of whom are still with us today!

Sadly in 1983 Mr Poole passed away. Through this difficult time,  Mr Waterfield continued to run the practice, and with the support of his wife Helen, key managers and staff the business continued to grow.

The late 1980s and early 1990s saw more changes when Mr Waterfield’s two children, William and Helen joined the practice.  Both worked in the auditing and accounts department.

In 2004 John Waterfield’s son in law David Gibbens joined the practice from the Law Society.  The experience he had gained meant that the practice was able  to attract a healthy portfolio of solicitor firms.

After extensive refurbishment Poole Waterfield moved into the property in 2008 and occupied it for 12 years.

With the financial crisis underway the provision of management accounts and quarterly consultancy meetings became critical to many clients. Our focus being to support our clients through the difficult times.

In early 2020 the practice, under the leadership of  the next generation – William Waterfield,  Helen Gibbens and David Gibbens, the practice moved to Custom House on the Waterfront Brierley Hill, the site of the former Round Oak Steel works.  It would have been hard to believe when Mr. Waterfield and Mr. Poole started out in business in the 1950s that this is where our offices would be.

Little did we know that within two weeks of moving in the Covid pandemic meant we had to ‘Stay Home’. Poole Waterfield once again found itself adjusting to working from home.

Adapting quickly to the situation we remained open ‘virtually’ for the next six months and continued to deliver the service and support our clients needed throughout this unprecedented time.

And here we are……after more than 70 years, we are still here for our clients offering the ‘over and above’ service we are known for.

We are now focused on continuing the long  tradition of offering a service to clients,  to build upon the legacy of Ron Poole, John Waterfield and David Gibbens.