Specialist Chartered Accountants based in East Anglia

Lovewell Blake Chartered Accountants

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Business merger sees the end of Hartleys name

29 January 2010

Lovewell Blake, the firm of chartered accountants with branches across Norfolk and north Suffolk, has acquired Lowestoft firm Hartley & Co.

The tie-up means the end of the Hartleys name, with all 10 Hartleys staff moving from their Surrey Street office into Lovewell Blake's Oulton Broad premises.

"I have entrusted my clients to a firm with the same ethos as ours and I am looking forward to remaining as a consultant to provide a valuable insight into each and every client's activities," said Hartleys principal Ivan Rudd.

I am confident that my staff will soon be integrated into their new surroundings in Oulton Broad, and that they will be valued members of Lovewell Blake's team."

The earliest recorded Hartleys client dates back to 1879, and the firm has dealt with some clients for more than a century.

Douglas Young, Lovewell Blake managing partner, said: "We are delighted to be merging with Hartleys, which has had a strong practice in the town and a reputation built over several generations.

"We have known Ivan Rudd for many years. His team has now joined us and we look forward to meeting his clients."

Mr Young added: "The merger represents a significant addition to our firm as we develop the business for the future."

Lovewell Blake was founded in Great Yarmouth in 1858. As well as Oulton Broad and Yarmouth, it has offices in Norwich, Halesworth, Thetford, Aylsham, Diss and North Walsham.