Carpenter Box completes Brighton merger

A Sussex accountancy firm is strengthening its local offer after completing a strategic merger.

Carpenter Box, part of Sumer Group, has merged with the Brighton office of Hartley Fowler, extending its footprint in the city and adding to its regional expertise. 

Bosses say the move brings Hartley Fowler’s team of 16 professionals into Sumer Group’s national network of nearly 3000 colleagues across more than 60 offices, with the team integrating into Carpenter Box’s existing Brighton office to ensure continuity for clients while offering access to a wider range of services.

They add the merger forms part of Sumer Group’s broader growth strategy, backed by investment from Penta Capital and BlackRock, helping enhance Carpenter Box’s ability to deliver audit, tax, advisory and business support services across Sussex and beyond.

As part of the deal, Guy Rolliston and Daniel Chapman join the Carpenter Box board as partners. 

Alan Edwards, managing partner at Carpenter Box, said: “We are delighted to welcome the Brighton office of Hartley Fowler to the Sumer Group family. 

“Brighton has a strong and growing SME community, and this merger allows us to deepen our presence in the city. 

“By combining our teams, we can offer local businesses access to a broader range of specialist services, including tax, audit and advisory, backed by the scale and expertise of the wider Sumer Group.”

Guy added: “Joining Carpenter Box, and the wider Sumer Group, marks an exciting new chapter for our Brighton branch. 

“Our clients will benefit from enhanced service capabilities while maintaining the strong 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.”

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