BDO Stoy Hayward has beefed up its presence in southern England after merging with Leach Bright, Guildford’s largest independent firm of chartered accountants, writes Hamish Champ.
Leach Bright managing partner Stuart Bosley said the move, which followed 18 months of negotiations, was a ‘natural progression’ for his firm: ‘We were attracted to BDO by its federal partnership structure.’ Bosley was confident his firm would retain its local focus and independence, and confirmed he would remain managing partner.
Leach Bright, with 14 partners and 85 staff in offices based in Guildford, Fleet and Shepperton, will continue to trade under the Leach Bright name until 1 July, when it changes to BDO Stoy Hayward. Bosley said the firm had ‘no plans’ to close any offices following the deal.
BDO managing partner Adrian Martin said the tie-up was ‘less a merger, more a strategic alliance’. The two firms shared a common culture, along with a mutual focus on advising growing businesses, he said. ‘This development will further strengthen our services to entrepreneurs in Surrey and Hampshire,’ he added.
BDO announced the election of Chris Swinson as senior partner from 1 July. Paul Hipps stood down after the maximum of two three-year terms.
Adrian Martin has been re-elected for a third and final term as managing partner. Both appointments are for three years.