The deal establishes a new Cowgills office in Preston, giving the firm a base in the heart of Lancashire – a key target location within its ongoing growth strategy. Cowgills is part of Sumer Group and has made a series of acquisitions since joining the private equity backed firm, and now has over 300 staff.

Haleys Business Advisers Limited was set up in 1994 based in Preston and has a client base of owner-managed businesses and SMEs offering accountancy, tax and business advisory services. It has 16 staff including directors, who will all be joining Cowgills, including Tim Haley, founder and managing director, and directors Martin Cuerden, Michael Lucas, Paul Stringer and Joanna MacDonald.