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It has been 2 ½ years since my last blog and whilst a lot has changed from a business perspective over that time, the last 3 months have definitely been the biggest change I have seen in my lifetime, well since having children anyway!

Following 3 successful local takeovers, in 2018 we took the decision to spread our wings further and set up another branch in Norfolk. We targeted an accountancy firm that would meet these aspirations and ultimately align itself with our current way of working and team that we had in place.

On 1 July 2018, the deal was complete, and we acquired Deardens Accountants and set up a new subsidiary of our group called Gascoynes and Deardens Limited. The firm was based in Long Stratton and all staff together with the previous owner, Gwen Dearden, moved to the new business.

Over the last 2 years, we have concentrated our efforts in changing their previous systems and software to fully align with how Gascoynes runs as well as obviously managing the clients and trying to ensure that the changes were well received and as smooth as possible.

Running 2 offices has certainly not been as easy as I originally envisaged and without a doubt, if and when we open another branch, a permanent member of staff will be tasked to dedicate themselves to the takeover. I took the decision to spread the work across a small team, including myself which did bring its own challenges but with our Bury St Edmunds office growing fast, I was mindful there should be as little disruption to this as possible.

After the first year, we made the decision to move premises and Louise (Hollands) found Turnpike Business Centre in Wymondham which fitted our requirements perfectly as a fully serviced office, closer to the majority of the clients as well as the staff in place and A11 Norwich corridor which should greatly assist with future growth.

Since moving to Gascoynes, Louise has become a key member of our management team. Louise has been in practice for over 20 years and qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 2004 and I am delighted that she will be taking over the management of our Norfolk branch from 1 July.

Louise’s recent experiences with lockdown and her thoughts re our Norfolk branch can be seen at https://gascoynes.co.uk/defining-times-accountancy-in-the-time-of-coronavirus-and-beyond/

After 2 years of consolidation, I feel that we are now in a great position to develop and grow our presence in Norfolk.