Accountancy firm moves into new city offices

The final office at a new development in Coventry has been occupied by a historic name in regional accountancy.

Francis Webbs Chartered Accountants has taken the final office at Scala, which is part of a multi-million pound regeneration project in Far Gosford Street, after it was marketed by commercial property experts Shortland Penn + Moore.

The Francis Webbs name has been established in Coventry for more than 50 years and the firm was acquired in 2010 by another accountancy firm based in Leamington called Broadsides.

But because of the history behind the Coventry firm, they opted to keep the Francis Webbs name and now have offices in the city and Leamington, with eight people working in the business.

Richard Condon and David Dickinson are co-owners of the company and Richard said it was a positive move for the firm.

He said: “When we acquired the Coventry practice in 2010, the lease on the former building in Walsgrave Road came with it.

“But we were looking to move and when the offices came up at Scala, it was too good an opportunity to miss. There is a great deal of investment going into Far Gosford Street and it will hopefully become a thriving business community.

“We are looking to grow – not dramatically – but manageably and this move is all part of a positive future for the company building on the back of a strong history.”

James Compton, of Shortland Penn + Moore, helped developers CDP to let the final office at Scala.

He said: “There is great investment being made at Far Gosford Street and we are delighted to have attracted Francis Webbs to the development.

“It is part of wider improvements to the city centre and should make a great base for the company.”