Accountants and insurance brokers firm Scrutton Bland, which has been based in Museum Street, Ipswich, for more than 80 years, is to relocate to Crown Street later this year.

Its new home, previously occupied by insurance company Churchill, is undergoing a £1million refurbishment to create 13,500sq ft of open plan office space for Scrutton Bland.

Partner Jason Fayers, said: “We have been growing out of our current buildings very quickly and have been very keen, for a while now, to get everyone under one roof.

“The new offices give us the perfect balance of a modern working environment for our existing staff, combined with scope for expansion as we continue to grow all aspects of our business.”

He continued: “The move within Ipswich town centre sends out strong signals. We operate from two large offices – one in Ipswich and the other in Colchester.

“We have always seen the two markets as distinct and considered it extremely important that we maintain a strong presence in both towns.

“We’re firmly rooted in Ipswich, as we are in Colchester. Our clients appreciate being able to visit, park and deal through a local office.

“This is the right move for us following our very successful move to Colchester Business Park a few years ago,”added Mr Fayers.