100 years of building trust and connecting globally for MGI founding member firm
This year is a very special year for MGI Worldwide’s founding member MGI Midgley Snelling LLP, based in Weybridge, UK, as the firm celebrates its 100th anniversary.
MGI Midgley Snelling LLP was first established in 1925 by Mr H.A.Snelling, who opened his firm in the Strand, London.
H.A Snelling went into partnership with Mr G.D Midgley in 1928, becoming Midgley Snelling & Co. with an office in Aldwych.
From its first client, Ferry Hotel (Bourne End) Ltd, to the diverse portfolio it serves today across the UK and internationally, the firm has consistently delivered excellence in family office, audit, consulting, taxation and accounting services.
The firm's history reflects one of resilience, innovation and community spirit, including the establishment of its first international partnerships in 1947.
MGI Midgley Snelling LLP’s early history
After its founding, the firm quickly established itself in London, moving from Aldwych to Chancery Lane in 1935 to be closer to the clients working in the City of London financial district. During World War II, despite offices being destroyed, work continued from partners’ homes. In 1947, the firm relocated to Ibex House, Minories, London, and in 1974, opened its Weybridge office, strategically close to international air travel, allowing it to better serve an expanding global clientele.
An unusual start to a first international partnership
MGI Midgley Snelling LLP’s first international partnership started in an extraordinary way in 1947. A London newspaper carried an advertisement from the Ghana Cocoa Marketing Board, looking for accountants to audit its operations in Ghana. Mr H.A. Snelling was the only accountant to make the journey in person. On the way, his plane crashed over the Sahara, but he managed to walk across the desert, catch another flight and eventually reach Accra. He secured the audit work and then found a qualified individual willing to relocate and be based in Ghana.
MGI Midgely Snelling LLP’s role in the founding of MGI Worldwide
The Ghanaian partnership was just the beginning of MGI Midgley Snelling LLP’s international work. Building on that success, the firm quickly established collaborations in Nigeria, Bermuda, Switzerland, the Isle of Man, Jersey, South Africa and Australia.
These early cross-border partnerships ultimately led to the creation of Midsnell Group International, now known as MGI Worldwide, connecting independent accountancy, legal and other professional independent firms around the world.
It wasn’t until the mid-1990s that MGI Worldwide (then known as Midsnell International) introduced the idea of having more than one member firm per country, opening the door to broader collaboration and regional growth.
MGI Midgley Snelling LLP has been closely involved in the network’s coordination and maintains the high-quality, cross-border service model, which now spans almost 100 countries across eight geographic regions.
As the global network’s founding member, the firm has witnessed everything from the first member newsletter back in 1979, to the first Global AGM held in London in 1983, the sponsorship of the round the island race in the 1980s and the multiple rebrands over the years.
Reflecting on 100 Years
As the firm enters its second century, the team remain proud of their heritage while focusing on the future.
“Reaching 100 years is an incredible achievement for any firm and it wouldn’t be possible without the people who have been a part of that journey. Everyone who’s worked here over the years and the clients who’ve trusted us along the way have contributed to our success. We’re proud of what we’ve built, from our first international partnerships to our role in establishing MGI Worldwide. Our mission for the next 100 years is to continue to grow, innovate and support our clients, just as we have done since 1925.”
— Sarah Squires | Partner at MGI Midgley Snelling LLP
MGI Midgley Snelling LLP would like to thank all of their fellow member firms for their support over the years. Here’s to another 100 years of collaboration and success!
To find out more visit MGI Midgley Snelling's profile page or website.
MGI Worldwide is a leading global accounting network and association with over 8,800 professionals, accountants and tax experts in some 440 locations in almost 100 countries around the world.