Nationwide financial services provider Streets has merged with Colchester-based Whittles to form Streets Whittles Chartered Accountants for an undisclosed sum.
The merger will see the combined company have 19 offices across the UK.
It offers an array of services including personal financial planning, Wills and trusts, estate planning, tax advice and retirement advice.
Rachel Skells, lead partner for Whittles, said: “This merger is a great match, both in terms of client focus and cultural fit and we are very much looking forward to working with, and getting to know, our new colleagues.
“Myself and my fellow partners made the decision to merge the firm with Streets because we believe it is in the best interests for all concerned. In terms of size, a three-partner firm has the benefits of a boutique firm but also a number of underlying challenges. Now that Whittles is part of a wider thriving practice, we can confidently promise greater continuity of service to our clients and greatly improved career prospects for our team.
“We also believe our clients may potentially benefit in that the combined firm will also be able to offer a wider range of services including areas of specialist corporate and private client tax planning, international advice and personal financial planning.”
Top 20 UK practice
Paul Tutin, managing partner at Streets, added: “While we considered opening a new office in the county, we really wanted to join up with another likeminded firm. We were therefore delighted to enter into a conversation with the Whittles partners, Rachel Skells, Michael Greene and Dan Insley.
“Very early on in our discussion it was clear that we shared the same vision and values for the profession and for supporting our clients. This certainly made the process of merging much easier, even enjoyable. A great start to our new future together.
“By coming together both Whittles and ourselves will be able to capitalise on our respective expertise and will be better placed to grow and develop to support the needs of both existing and future clients. We also feel that the merger brings exciting opportunities for our team members and for new recruits who can join a progressive and expanding practice.
“Whilst many large firms have moved to more regional models, Streets remains committed to and focused on looking after clients that live, work and operate businesses in the local area. This approach is very much at the heart of our strategic focus for growth, which is likely to include further mergers of likeminded firms. Our aspiration is to become a top 20 UK practice by 2030.”
