Begbies is one of the oldest independent accountants in England and perhaps the oldest firm in continuous existence which still uses its founder's name.

The firm traces its roots back to 1837 when the practice was established by George Coryndon Begbie at 63 Coleman Street in the City of London. He worked in practice until shortly before his death in 1874 at the age of 84. George Robinson, the stepson of a business friend, joined Begbie and was taken into partnership in 1855. He later became a founder member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England when it was incorporated by Royal Charter in 1880.

One of its clients has been with the firm since the 1840s.

In 2002 Begbies merged with Everett Chettle & Co to become Begbies Everett Chettle and in 2006, the firm merged with Hope Agar to become Begbies Chettle Agar, relocating from Gray's Inn to the City of London.  The mergers in August 2010 with central London firm Shooter Greene and Co, and in January 2011 with Kent based Playfoot & Company, have further contributed to the firm's growth and success.

The firm will celebrate its 175th anniversary in 2012.