FOUR new partners have been created at East Anglia-based mid-tier accountancy and business advisory firm Baker Tilly.The firm's tax partner, Gareth Watkins, transfers from the firm's Milton Keynes office to take charge of its tax department, which now comprises three partners and 25 staff.

FOUR new partners have been created at East Anglia-based mid-tier accountancy and business advisory firm Baker Tilly.

The firm's tax partner, Gareth Watkins, transfers from the firm's Milton Keynes office to take charge of its tax department, which now comprises three partners and 25 staff.

He will be supported by partner, Jonathan Penn, head of private client services, as well as the new head of business tax, Melanie Orriss, who has been promoted to partner.

In her new role, she will head up 14 tax specialists and will continue to concentrate on providing tax solutions to family and owner-managed businesses.

Joining her will be new audit partner Claire Sutherland, who is now part of a team of five audit partners and 25 staff.

She will focus on large corporations, including listed companies, as well as owner manager businesses. Her sector specialisms include manufacturing, construction and distribution.

Clare Devlin, who joined the firm last year from Deloitte in Cambridge, has also been promoted to partner. She will continue to advise owner managers on growth, strategy and succession as well as dealing with issues specific to family businesses and the agriculture sector.

Baker Tilly's East Anglia managing partner Stephen Duffety said: “Our partners thoroughly deserve their promotions and I have every confidence that all will play a significant role in Baker Tilly's future growth plans.”