Thu, 06 Aug 2026 | BUSINESS SALE
Philip Barnes, a Staffordshire-based accountancy firm, has joined Sumer Group in a deal that will involve its two offices merging with a pair of businesses within the group. Philip Barnes, which has offices in Uttoxeter and Tamworth, provides accountancy services including payroll, tax compliance, accounting systems and business start-up.
The firm’s integration into the Sumer Group will see Philip Barnes’ Tamworth office join Sumer Group company Jerroms, while its Uttoxeter office will merge with Stoke-on-Trent-based DPC Accountants.
DPC Managing Partner Michelle Coates said that the addition of Philip Barnes’ Uttoxeter office “brings deep community relationships that complement DPC's existing strengths”, as well as a “strong agricultural presence”.
Coates added: "Joining forces allows us to expand the services available to clients while preserving the local expertise they rely on."
Stephen Eardley, director, Philip Barnes, Uttoxeter Office, said that joining DPC would enable the office to “enhance the support we provide to clients, particularly in areas where additional expertise and resources will make a meaningful difference.”
Barnes continued: "We're proud of our roots being embedded as a community practice in Uttoxeter, and this move ensures we can continue delivering high-quality local advice backed by the strength of a national firm."
The addition of Philip Barnes’ Tamworth office is aimed at strengthening Jerroms’ offering of professional services to small and medium-sized enterprises.
Jerroms director Lucas Markou said that the office’s “strong local reputation and client-first approach align closely with our own values, and together we'll be able to offer an even broader range of services and specialist support.”
He added: "This partnership strengthens our presence in the region and reinforces our commitment to delivering high-quality advice with genuine local insight."
John Clark, director, Philip Barnes, Tamworth Office, said that the deal would provide clients with “access to wider specialist capability while allowing us to maintain the personal, local service they value”, adding that the partnership was “a natural next step in our growth”.
Read more about M&A trends in the UK accountancy sector
Working with a prominent client in the investment banking industry, the company delivers turnkey project management services to support its client’s real-estate programme.
A renowned East London practice, established for over 35 years, boasts a high-quality, relationship-led service with a strong portfolio of limited company clients, each generating average fees over £4,000.
This North London practice presents an exceptional opportunity with a loyal client base primarily comprising limited companies and a profit margin of approximately 40%, promising a swift return on investment.
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