Stacey & Partners has joined forces with Knights Lowe to become the biggest independent accountancy firm in Bury St Edmunds with over fifty staff.

Knights Lowe chairman, Paul Knights said the merger is the first strategic decision of the new management team at the 25-year old firm, which was promoted from within the business last year.

'This compliments the aims of both businesses by expanding our breadth of knowledge and securing the succession of Stacey& Partners. We will continue to grow and prosper and, most importantly, provide the kind of proactive, hands-on service we know clients value,' Knight said.

The name Knights Lowe will continue and Stacey & Partners will become a trading division of Knights Lowe Ltd operating from offices in Bury St Edmunds, Thetford and Newmarket.

Stacey & Partners managing partner, Mark Wallace said: 'One of the first benefits for clients of the larger firm will be the creation of a new specialist tax team and our combined strengths will mean a broader range of skills and experience.'