LEXCEL REACCREDIATION 2023

Thursday 23 March 2023

H F T Gough & Co continues to maintain a sound Lexcel standard.

Standards of Client Care are high, and people take a pride in the quality of service provided to Clients.

HFT Gough & Co has a very effective, modern management structure that is flat and streamlined. Directors lead by example, teamworking is the norm and all work well collaboratively.
Communications are strong, directors and managers are very open, and people feel they are both kept up to date on and involved in any developments.
Whilst people have largely returned to office based working, the firm has always been flexible in helping people meet work and home life balance needs and requests to work from home.

Case files were consistently structured according to the firm’s file management procedures.

Since last assessment the management structure of the firm has been strengthened with the appointment of two new directors, improving succession planning and enabling the newly appointed directors to acquire management skills necessary for the continued development and success of the firm.
Although HFT Gough & Co is a long established firm, it has a modern management culture. The directors and managers lead by example and have high standards of work, not only procedurally but in terms of providing high quality service to clients. More of the firm’s work is increasingly fixed fee, or requiring payments in advance and regular payments for, e.g., family work. Over 80% of the firm’s clients are either repeat clients or recommendations from existing clients.
People continue to be recruited into entry level positions and developed as they progress, acquiring necessary qualifications with the support of the firm. Directors and line managers are thought to be very effective – good at coaching and knowledge sharing.
Communications have continued to work very well, and people feel they are kept informed of general developments and any wider business issues.
Compliance and risk management are strong, with people feeling well supported by their line managers and by colleagues generally.
It is clear from this assessment that HFT Gough & Co continues to maintain a sound Lexcel standard. The standard was assessed in full, and the firm was found to meet the standard without any non-compliances.