Mersey R&D specialist acquires Scottish firm
Birkenhead-based Access2Funding helps firms secure tax relief through the R&D tax relief scheme and has completed its first acquisition. Tony McDonough reports
Merseyside research and development (R&D) tax specialist Access2Funding has acquired a Scottish accountancy firm.
Based in Birkenhead, and with offices in Liverpool and Manchester, Access2Funding helps firms secure tax relief through the Government’s R&D tax relief scheme. In 2020, the firm secured £23m for its clients.
Now it has completed its first acquisition with the purchase of Edinburgh-based chartered tax advisers and accountants George & Co (Scotland) for an undisclosed sum. George & Co will now sit under the main Access2Funding umbrella brand.
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 in the Scottish capital. Existing and new clients can expect to be able to access their usual services from the business, plus addition services from Access2Funding’s in-house specialists.
Access2Funding chief executive 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 business’s 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. Director Linda Leaworthy 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 hired a new chief financial officer, Don Haymes, while Dawn Coker stepped into the role of chief executive.