Firms merge to boost business

TWO Yorkshire accountancy firms, Broadhead Peel Rhodes and Heaton Lumb Lisle, have merged to meet ambitious growth plans.

The new firm will operate under the name BPR Heaton, employing 40 staff at its base in Pudsey, West Yorkshire, including seven directors.

Christian Peace of Leeds solicitors Shulmans facilitated the move, which is hoped will enable BPR Heaton to compete directly with mid-sized stalwarts in Leeds and Bradford.

BPR’s managing director, Robert Brook, said: “We have firm ambitions for further growth and our combined reach gives us the opportunity to open up the market, providing a genuine alternative to the mid-sized city stalwarts.

“We’re delighted to have merged with another established firm in the region and Shulmans handled the whole process in a very efficient, sensitive way.”

Heaton Lumb Lisle’s senior partner, David Lewis, said he believes the separate firms already shared many of the same values.

He said: “The firms share many values, in particular the importance placed on the quality and longevity of client relationships, many of which have been built up and maintained over a number of generations”.

Shulmans’ Chris Peace said: “It’s fantastic to work with two inspirational businesses with such rich histories; growing a business in this economic climate is no mean feat so it’s a real testament to their dedication and vigour.”

Both practices share a proud heritage in Pudsey. Heaton Lumb Lisle was formed shortly after World War II, with partners George Lisle and Jack Heaton having served on active duty during the war before joining William Lumb. Broadhead Peel Rhodes was formed in the 1970s by founding partners Graham Broadhead, Mike Peel and David Rhodes, followed shortly afterwards by the acquisition of AV Hood & Co.