A growing North East accountancy company has joined forces with a Durham business five months after becoming part of a national group.

RMT Accountants & Business Advisors has acquired Ribchesters Chartered Accountants to create RMT Ribchesters, a move to boost both firms’ client services across the North East and beyond, which includes audit and accounting, recovery and insolvency, specialist tax, business advice and corporate finance.

The move comes after Gosforth based RMT became part of national group Sumer in February, a top 15 Ƶ accountancy group which invests in successful accountancy firms across the Ƶ to create regional hubs championing the SME market. With Sumer’s backing, the Ribchesters team will continue delivering its range of services to corporates, owner-managed businesses and individuals, while RMT will be able to tap into its expertise in the charity, education and legal sectors.

Together, the combined practice will include ten directors and a team more than 120 employees.

Mike Pott, managing director at RMT Accountants, said: “The unification of our practices reflects our shared commitment to provide top-tier professional services, with a personal touch. Ribchesters’ renowned expertise will boost our ability to deliver specialised solutions to clients, both existing and new, across a much broader area.”

Ribchesters can trace its roots back to advising the merchants, tradesmen and professionals of Durham City in the late 19th Century.

Today, it works with hi-tech, progressive, national and international businesses and large charities across the North East and the wider Ƶ.

David Holloway, director at RMT Ribchesters, said: “Joining RMT and the wider Sumer Group will enable us to leverage the firm’s strength and reputation as we expand our footprint across the North East. We remain committed to providing a personal service to our clients, now further enhanced by support from the expansive Sumer network.”

Rob Ribchester, director at RMT Ribchesters added “Beyond sharing a business model, this is also a union of mutual values and ambitions, promising a brighter, more innovative future for both clients and team members.”

Sumer now has 11 regional accountancy hubs, with more than 40 offices, and over 1,300 colleagues. Hubs launched so far include Carpenter Box, Cowgills, DPC Accountants, EQ Chartered Accountants, Jerroms, Monahans, RMT Accountants & Business Advisors, R.T. Marke & Co Ltd, Scrutton Bland, Simmons Gainsford Group and Sumer Northern Ireland.

Sumer Law was also launched in June, offering legal services to its SME client base, focusing on corporate, commercial, and employment advice.