Swindon accountants Banks and BHG are merging to form a larger practice with the aim of being the number one accountancy firm for the area.
The merged firm – to be called Banks BHG Chartered Accountants – will have three directors, 30 staff and a turnover of more than £2m. 
It will be based in Banks’ Stratton offices and headed by Banks directors Richard Mathews and Neil Elsden, along with BHG founder Bernard Harrington. BHG’s office on the Shrivenham Hundred Business Park will close and all staff transfered to Stratton. The merger will take effect June 30.
Pictured, from left: Neil Elsden, Bernard Harrington and Richard Mathews
Richard Mathews said: “We are very excited about this merger, which we believe will further our ambition to be the number one accountancy firm in Swindon.
“When we moved into our Stratton offices two years ago, it was with the strong aim of growing the businesses. When the opportunity arose to merge with BHG we jumped at the chance because Bernard’s way of working is very similar to our own and by joining forces we can offer a better, more comprehensive service to both our clients and BHG’s.”
Bernard said: “Banks shares our dynamism and philosophy, so the two firms make an excellent fit. As well as this, we have specialisms in different areas, which means we can give our clients access to a greater range of services, and the same is true for Banks’ clients.”
BHG has expertise in insolvency and business turnaround while Banks has a well-established payroll and bookkeeping service. Core services of the merged firm will include taxation, auditing, accountancy and planning.
Banks this year celebrates its 10th anniversary under the directorship of Neil and Richard. BHG was founded by Bernard in 1999, specialising in advising small and medium-sized owner-managed businesses and private wealth clients. Last year it was a finalist in the British Accountancy Awards.
