New chapter for accountancy practice following takeover

Accountancy firm The Chartwell Practice has been acquired by a multidisciplinary professional services organisation.

The firm has been taken over by WLR Group – but will continue to operate from Chartwell House,  in Burton, with its directors and team remaining in place.

Martin Chilver and Steven Bourne, directors at The Chartwell Practice, have both welcomed the transaction.

In a joint statement, they said: “Throughout this process, our priority has always been our clients, our team and the long-term future of the business.

“WLR shares our belief that professional services are ultimately about people, relationships and trust.

“The opportunities this creates for our clients and our colleagues are significant, while preserving the culture and service standards that have made Chartwell successful.

“We are excited about the future and look forward to working closely with the wider WLR team as we begin the next chapter of the practice.”

The move for The Chartwell Practice follows WLR Group’s recent acquisition of Tamar Accounting in Plymouth, Barnes Clark Family Law in Yorkshire and Blackwell Bate in Cornwall.

Martin Collins, chief executive of WLR Group, said: “The Chartwell Practice has built an excellent reputation in Burton and across the Midlands by doing what every great professional services firm should do: putting clients first, delivering high-quality advice and building lasting relationships.

“This acquisition is not about changing what makes Chartwell successful. It is about investing in that success, supporting the team and creating additional opportunities for clients and colleagues alike.

“From our earliest conversations with Martin Chilver, Steven Bourne and the wider team, it was clear there was strong alignment in values, culture and ambition.

“We believe professional services should be personal, proactive and built around long-term relationships, and that philosophy exists strongly within Chartwell.

“We are continuing with our long-term commitment to the business, to Burton and the Midlands and to the people who have helped build its reputation. We are excited about what comes next.”