Xeinadin has acquired three accountancy practices in the South of England—Marden and Co, Mackenzies Accountants Limited, and TaxAgility—bringing its total acquisitions to 23 in two years. This move follows a survey indicating significant SME growth in the region. The firms will continue to operate under their current leadership. Xeinadin CEO Derry Crowley highlighted the acquisitions’ alignment with the firm’s mission to provide personalised business advice to SMEs. Leaders from the acquired firms expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, emphasising the benefits of shared knowledge, resources, and enhanced service offerings for their clients.
R T Marke and Co Chartered Accountants has acquired Exeter-based Kirk Hills, expanding its presence in Devon and Cornwall. Founded in 1985 and part of the Sumer Group, R T Marke completed the acquisition on June 1. Kirk Hills’ partners and team will continue serving existing clients, benefiting from career development opportunities across Bideford and Exeter offices. Kirk Hills’ David Kirk emphasised the benefits to clients and the proactive business advisory approach. Neil Marke, MD of R T Marke, noted the increasing SME support demand and the complementary client mix enhancing their service capabilities. Sumer Group champions SMEs with 40 offices and over 1,300 colleagues.
EY has appointed Ryan Squires as the new managing partner for its Southampton office, succeeding Dave Hales, who is retiring after nearly 40 years with the firm. Squires joined EY in 2004, became an audit partner in 2019, and has experience with multinational companies, including secondments in the US and Australia. He specialises in aerospace, defence, and consumer products. Squires aims to continue Hales’ focus on diversity, inclusion, and community engagement. Hales, who joined EY in 1986, praised the diverse skills of EY’s team and expressed confidence in Squires’ leadership for the Southampton office.
Northern Ireland’s ASM Chartered Accountants is expanding into Derry, opening a new office in the Ulster Bank building at the Da Vinci Complex. Founded in 1995, ASM offers services such as tax advice, corporate finance, and insolvency. Managing director Michael McAllister emphasised the firm’s growth and commitment to the North West. Derry Chamber of Commerce CEO Anna Doherty welcomed ASM’s move, highlighting the region’s business attractiveness and potential for economic improvement. ASM’s expansion is seen as a positive development for local businesses and the regional economy.
