Evolution, chartered accountants and business advisors that has offices in Newcastle and Wynyard, has become part of the Baldwins Accountancy Group, which now has over 550 members of staff.

This follows a deal with another North East accountancy firm, Rowlands Accountants, who joined their seven offices with Baldwins Accountancy Group earlier this year.

John Baldwin, Director at Baldwins said: ‘We’re thrilled to be joining forces with Evolution in the North East, this give us greater opportunity to utilise our specialist services across the region. We now have around 200 staff in seven offices across the region from Alnwick in the North to Wynyard in the South.

‘By having such a varied geographical spread, we are developing an invaluable network that will enable businesses in and around surrounding areas to connect with other entrepreneurs further afield in the region.

 ‘We are looking to invest further in the area in the coming months which underlines our faith in the strong business community and local economy.’

Martin Barber, Managing Partner at Evolution, said:  ‘Since Evolution was created six years ago from a management buyout we have grown consistently and doubled our workforce, and becoming part of the Baldwins Group will allow us to bring our fresh, dynamic approach to an even wider audience.

‘This is very much the next chapter in the development of our business. Our clients will get access to an even broader range of business advisers and we will be able to connect them to even more potential customers and suppliers across the UK.  Our people will also have a broader range of career options to look forward to. ‘