TWO west Suffolk accountancy firms are to merger from the start of next month.

Jacobs Allen and Paul Donno & Co a jointing forces with effect from March 1, with the enlarged firm retaining the Jacobs Allen trading name and operating from offices in Bury St Edmunds and Haverhill.

Keith Senior, director at Jacobs Allen, which was established in 1992, qualified as a Chartered Accountant and Chartered Tax Adviser, specialising in tax with one of the UK’s top four accountancy firms and then ran a tax consultancy business for some years before acquiring the Bury St Edmunds practice in 2006.

The firm quickly outgrew its former premises and moved to its existing offices above Caf� Rouge in 2007, providing tax planning and accountancy services to clients local and national.

Paul Donno is a Fellow of the Association of Accounting Technicians and founded Paul Donno & Co in 1993. The business, which is a specialist in Sage accountancy, payroll and CRM software solutions, has grown significantly over the last 18 years, serving clients across the region from offices in Glemsford and Haverhill.

The two firms say that bringing together Jacobs Allen’s specialism in tax planning and wealth creation with Paul Donno & Co’s Sage knowledge and marketing skills will enable the enlarged business to improve the efficiency of routine accounts and tax returns and deliver more value in tax planning and business strategy advice.

Mr Senior said: “We have developed a close working relationship with Paul Donno & Co over the years. As registered auditors we have been able to offer independent help to some of their clients and we have worked with them to deliver some more advanced tax solutions.

“We have a lot of respect and mutual appreciation of each other’s skills. Merging the two businesses presents a fantastic commercial opportunity to combine our complementary skill sets.

“Clients will benefit from this great launch pad that enables us to streamline our operations, deliver an even more effective service to them and give strategic focus to help them prosper.”

Mr Donno added: “I am really excited about the merger and the huge potential it presents. Our core values are very similar; we focus on the client, take time to listen, find out what is going on in their business and understand their needs and objectives. It is only by doing this that we can add value through the advice and support we give.

“Our whole team is thrilled to be part of this exciting endeavour, looking forward to the new opportunities working together will bring and consolidating our office presence to Bury St Edmunds and Haverhill, taking with us fond memories of Glemsford.”

The 20-strong team will be celebrating with clients and guests at an official “Leap-Year Launch” event in the Apex, Bury St Edmunds, on Wednesday, February 29. Local businesses are invited to the event, which starts at 5.30pm. If you would like to attend, email ask@jacobsallen.co.uk .