By Julian Whittle

Published at 15:26, Friday, 07 December 2012

Accountancy firm Armstrong Watson has taken over the Penrith office of one of its competitors, O’Reilly Chartered Accountants.

Armstrong Watson already has a Penrith office, next door to O’Reilly in Duke Street.

Sixteen staff from O’Reilly joined Armstrong Watson at the end of last week.

The enlarged Penrith operation is headed by Armstrong Watson’s Margaret Hill and Steve Pinguey who are both partners in the firm.

Mrs Hill said: “O’Reilly is an incredibly well respected firm locally and the combination of our skills will continue to strengthen Armstrong Watson’s position in Penrith and Cumbria.

“Combining two offices will see a greater potential to deliver our services to current and future clients.

“Our sector specialisms will benefit from the synergies of our combined professional team allowing us to provide businesses with sound financial advice.”

Armstrong Watson, which is based in Carlisle, acquired O’Reilly’s Carlisle office last year.

The acquisition of Penrith means that O’Reilly no longer has a presence in Cumbria although it still has branches in North Yorkshire.

Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk