Two Brighton accountancy firms, with numerous small and medium-sized businesses on their books, have announced a merger.
Carpenter Box, part of Sumer Group, Britain’s fastest-growing mid-market accountancy practice, said that it was merging with the Brighton office of Hartley Fowler, a firm of accountants serving the Sussex area.
Carpenter Box said: “This strategic merger expands Carpenter Box’s footprint in Brighton and enhances its ability to deliver exceptional professional services to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the community.
“Hartley Fowler has built a strong reputation as a full-service accountancy practice, known for its commitment to client service excellence and deep regional expertise.
“Guy Rolliston and Daniel Chapman will join the Carpenter Box board as partners, with the firm’s team of 16 professionals joining Sumer Group’s growing network of nearly 3,000 colleagues across more than 60 offices nationwide.”
Carpenter Box managing partner Alan Edwards said: “We are delighted to welcome the Brighton office of Hartley Fowler to the Sumer Group family.
“Brighton has a strong and growing SME community and this merger allows us to deepen our presence in the city.
“By combining our teams, we can offer local businesses access to a broader range of specialist services, including tax, audit and advisory, backed by the scale and expertise of the wider Sumer Group.”
Mr Rolliston said: “Joining Carpenter Box, and the wider Sumer Group, marks an exciting new chapter for our Brighton branch.
“Our clients will benefit from enhanced service capabilities while maintaining the strong personal relationships and local knowledge they value.
“We’re proud to join an organisation that shares our commitment to supporting SME businesses and the communities they serve.”
Carpenter Box, founded in 1923, has absorbed a number of local firms including Clark Brownscombe, in Lewes, and Victor Boorman and Co, a chartered accountancy established in Hove in 1978.
Sumer Group said that its investment in the Brighton office of Hartley Fowler was part of a strategic expansion plan, backed by funding from private equity firms Penta Capital and BlackRock.
The Hartley Fowler Brighton team will join the wider Carpenter Box team in their Brighton office, aiming to ensure continuity for clients while offering expanded capabilities and national resources.
As part of the Sumer Group, now a top 12 UK practice, Carpenter Box has expanded its office in Stroudley Road, Brighton, as the practice continues to grow.
The firm of chartered accountants, auditors and tax advisers also has offices in Worthing, Crawley, Chichester, Portsmouth, Lewes and London, serving business and private clients.
The Sumer Group said that it had grown rapidly through acquisition and organic growth and now employed more than 3,000 people in more than 60 offices, generating annual revenues exceeding £265 million.
Carpenter Box is also an independent member of the GGI Global Alliance, one of the world’s top ten international accounting, consulting and law firm alliances.
Good old venture capital, buying up and ruining well run small businesses.