1968
John Fleet Hornby qualifies as a chartered accountant, heralding the start of a career that more than 50 years later shows no signs of slowing down.
1994
After almost three decades in accountancy and having held a number of board-level positions, John makes the decision to go it alone. JF Hornby is established.
2000
Paul Hornby joins the family business. He is charged with shaping a vision for the future.
2002
The company expands with the acquisition of GR Page and Co – the first of a number of buyouts that would expand the firm’s footprint.
2005
The company moves to its iconic Tower HQ – a building in the heart of Ulverston with space to accommodate ambitious expansion plans.
2015
JF Hornby & Co are named UK Accountancy Firm of the Year at the prestigious British Accountancy Awards – a title the business would retain the following year.
2015
Intent on making a positive difference to the communities it serves, the business launches the JF Hornby Foundation, donating upwards of £100k to good causes in its first five years.
2015
Beverley Hornby becomes a director of the business, bringing her wealth of knowledge in taxation to the top table and deepening the Hornby family’s commitment to the business.
2015
Tom Southward becomes a Divisional Director in 2015 after spending eight years with the firm, having joined from a UK Top 50 accountancy practice.
2016
The company takes its brand to the next level by entering into a shirt sponsorship deal with Barrow AFC.
2016
Ambitious plans to grow see JF Hornby & Co acquire local accountancy firm, AB Mercer and Co.
2017
As the UK’s high street banks continue to withdraw from the high street, Hornby Commercial is launched to offer a personal approach to business lending.
2017
After nine years with JF Hornby & Co, Mark Leadly is appointed as a Divisional Director, bringing his calm and measured approach to the top table.
2018
JF Hornby invests in Barrow AFC and MD Paul becomes Chairman leading the club to its best run of form in a decade.
2019
The business marks its 25th anniversary by commissioning a piece of artwork from local illustrator Amy Wheelan which celebrates the local area. It has pride of place at The Tower.
2019
The breadth of services offered by the JF Hornby & Co family widens with the launch of sister business, Harwood Financial Services – a financial advice and wealth management company.
2020
Through its continued support of Barrow AFC through shirt sponsorship, the JF Hornby & Co brand goes global as Barrow secure promotion – and feature in the newest FIFA computer game.
2023
A gap in the market for the provision of private equity funding with a personal touch is identified and Decentralised Capital is launched.
