R&D tax specialist completes first acquisition in Scottish swoop
Birkenhead-based R&D tax specialist, Access2Funding, has completed its first acquisition with the purchase of Edinburgh-based chartered tax advisers and accountants George & Co (Scotland) Limited, for an undisclosed sum.
The move will allow the firm to combine its expertise with that of the accountants, to expand the service offerings of both businesses.
The independent Edinburgh-based chartered tax advisers and accountants firm will now sit under the umbrella brand being ‘powered by Access2Funding’. The acquisition is Access2Funding’s first, after undergoing business expansion in the past 18 months.
All six members of the George & Co team will remain in their roles and will still be based at their office in Rutland House on Rutland Street. Existing and new clients can expect to be able to access their usual services from the business, plus additional services from Access2Funding’s in-house specialists.
Access2Funding CEO, Dawn Coker, said: “George & Co’s reputation in Edinburgh speaks for itself and this acquisition seemed like a natural fit that is beneficial to all parties, including both businesses’ client base.
“We always strive to provide the best possible service for clients and by working alongside the team at George & Co we will now be able to offer an extended service and combine our expertise, which once again firmly solidifies Access2Funding as a leader in the R&D field.”
George & Co has provided tax advice and accountancy services for more than 25 years.
Linda Leaworthy, director at George & Co, said: “This acquisition has secured the future of the business for colleagues and clients and the future looks bright for the firm. It will be business as usual here at George & Co and we are excited to have Access2Funding as an extension of the team.”
The announcement of the purchase comes after Access2Funding onboarded a new chief financial officer, Don Haymes, while Dawn Coker stepped into the role of chief executive officer. The business was also recently awarded silver status by Investors in People, becoming one of just 15% of businesses to hold this accreditation.
Access2Funding says it is the fastest growing R&D specialist in the UK. It has so far claimed back more than £44m of R&D tax credits for businesses and has offices across the country, from the Scottish Highlands, to Wales and south to Kent. The business has more than quadrupled its workforce in the past year and increased turnover by 119%.
