The proposed merger between South West accountancy practices Francis Clark and Winter Rule announced in May has now been completed.
The new business creates a practice with 45 partners and over 330 staff spread through seven offices in Truro, Plymouth, Tavistock, Exeter, Torquay, Taunton and Salisbury.
The merger is the result of lengthy discussions between the two firms with Francis Clark’s ambition to expand into Cornwall and Winter Rule’s desire to expand the range of expertise and services offered to clients acting as the catalysts in completing the transaction.
Recognising the heritage and reputation of Winter Rule in Cornwall the Truro office will trade as ‘Francis Clark with Winter Rule’ for the foreseeable future. The Truro office, with 100 staff, will be similar in size to the firm’s Exeter and Torquay offices.
Les Burnett, managing partner of the new firm, said the practice would not change its mission or its values.
“We are all committed to bringing the very best professional accountancy service and tax advice to clients of all sizes throughout the South and South West of England including individuals, partnerships, SMEs and larger incorporated businesses and PLCs.
“Our aim is to continue to offer best practice, cost-effective advice and to be recognised not only as the region’s leading accountancy practice but as a firm that has a major role to play in the regional economy.”
Winter Rule chairman John Mitchell said: “This merger will enhance the range of services we provide our clients, grow our specialist sectors and offer more career development opportunities for our staff, helping us to attract high calibre people to meet client needs.
For Winter Rule clients it is very much business as usual. They will be dealing with the same team here in Truro and we in turn will have access to a greater range of in-house expertise. The culture and values in both firms were very similar before the merger which is why we believe that it will be such a success going forward.”
The combined skill sets of the two firms are seen as very complementary. As well as increasing the range of quality resources available to clients, both firms provide specialist expertise across a range of sectors.
Winter Rule is particularly strong in advising the legal profession, medical practitioners, farmers, tourism businesses and charities, while Francis Clark’s specialist strengths include energy and renewables, grants advisory, leisure and tourism and the construction industry.