Tue, 25 Aug 2026 | MERGER
Scottish accountancy firm EQ, part of the Sumer Group, has expanded its presence in the North of Scotland after merging with a practice operating across Inverness and Livingstone. According to EQ Group, the merger with Innes & Partners will enhance the support the firm can provide to clients, while enabling continued investment in its services.
Innes & Partners is described as a firm that has developed a strong reputation for providing professional services to individuals, business owners and non-profit organisations, including charities, charitable trusts and social enterprises.
Post-merger, the company’s 20-strong team will join the wider Sumer Group network of regional accounting practices, which now spans over 3,000 colleagues working from more than 70 offices across the UK.
In addition to helping EQ expand into the North of Scotland, the deal increases the firm’s headcount by 7 per cent, taking its team from 290 to 310 colleagues.
Craig Nicol, CEO at EQ (pictured above, right, with Jonathan Innes of Innes & Partners), commented: “Innes & Partners excellent reputation and strong client relationships in Inverness and Livingston perfectly complement our mission to champion SMEs throughout the UK. This merger represents another significant step in our ambitious growth strategy and we welcome them on board enthusiastically.”
Innes & Partners director Jonathan Innes added: “Joining EQ, and the Sumer Group, marks an exciting new chapter for our firm. Our clients will benefit from enhanced service capabilities while maintaining the personal relationships and local knowledge they value.”
“We’re proud to join an organisation that shares our commitment to supporting SME businesses and the communities they serve, alongside continuing to support all the not for profit work that we currently do and more.”
Jonathan Innes, who will continue to play a key role as a partner in the Inverness-based team, added that the firm would continue to operate from its existing Inverness and Livingston locations, ensuring continuity for clients, as well as an expanded service offering and increased resources.
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