TC Group appoint Stephen Watts as Chief Operating Officer

TC Group are pleased to announce Stephen Watts as newly appointed Chief Operating Officer with effect from 1st January.

Stephen succeeds Grant Bartholomew who moves to Executive Chairman and will lead the development of TC Group’s long term strategic plans.

Stephen spearheaded the transaction that led to his practice, the largest practice in the group, joining TC Group in July 2023. He’s since played a key role in the expansion of TC Group’s advisory capabilities.

Speaking about his appointment, Stephen Watts said: “It is a huge privilege to be taking over as COO of TC Group at such an exciting time in our growth journey. The autonomy offered to Partners along with our equity structure allowing for future succession planning remain two of the most attractive benefits of our model and I’ve seen first hand the value of these since being part of TC Group. I’m looking forward to playing a role in the further growth that we will achieve this year.”

Commenting on his appointment, Grant Bartholomew said: “Given our significant growth last year coupled with our ambitious future plans, we felt bringing Stephen into this role was the right time given the impact he’s made, not only in successfully integrating his own practice but the role he’s played elsewhere on the wider group strategy. His first hand experience in being Managing Partner of a practice will bring real empathy to the COO role and, by working with the wider senior leadership team, will further enhance the experience of all stakeholders of being part of TC Group.”

You might be interested in...

  1. Alia Cain-Coleman

    15 Jan 2026

    Driving Client Experience Excellence

    Alia Cain-Coleman takes on new Client Experience Manager role at TC Group, working across our Leicester, Milton Keynes, Northampton, and Southampton offices.

    Learn more

    Driving Client Experience Excellence
  2. 10 Dec 2025

    TC Group progresses further in the Top 20 Accountancy Firms in the UK

    In the most recent Accountancy Age Top 50+50 rankings, TC Group has leapt from 20th to 18th place compared to last year. This reflects the incredible momentum built over the past 12 months.

    Learn more

    TC Group progresses further in the Top 20 Accountancy Firms in the UK
  3. Patrick Faughnan - Dealmaker of the Year

    11 Nov 2025

    Dealmaker of the Year award winner

    Patrick Faughnan, Head of Corporate Finance at TC Group, has been named 'Dealmaker of the Year' at the Insider Media Central and East Dealmakers Awards 2025.

    Learn more

    Dealmaker of the Year award winner
  4. 07 Mar 2025

    International Women’s Day 2025 Conversations: Laura Hughes

    As we mark International Women’s Day on 8 March, we sat down with Laura Hughes, Senior Tax Manager at TC East, to hear about her journey in the accountancy profession and her experiences balancing a career with motherhood.

    Learn more

    International Women’s Day 2025 Conversations: Laura Hughes