A LEADING accountancy firm is launching its banking and finance service in the North-East after four years of growth.

Since Baldwins Accountants launched the Midlands-based service in 2013 it has helped to develop hundreds of businesses and, after experiencing a 50 per cent growth in revenue year-on-year, it is expanding into new territory.

The new service follows the company’s recent expansion in to the region after acquiring North-East accountancy firms Rowlands, Evolution, SV Bye and CTC in locations including Tees Valley, Tyne & Wear, Northumberland and County Durham.

Baldwins’ banking and finance service provides advice on funding structures and pricing, writing business plans, reviewing bank documentation, sourcing grants and a variety of other banking and finance related matters.

A new banking and finance director has also been appointed to develop the service in the North-East.

Phil Empson has joined Baldwins after more than 25 years with Yorkshire Bank and is responsible for helping local businesses with their funding requirements.

The banking and finance department was originally set up by Martyn Shakespear in 2013, who has been promoted to head of banking and finance at Baldwins.

Martin Barber, head of Evolution and North East Board member for Baldwins, said: “This service is unique across the accountancy industry not least because we have highly experienced former bank managers with inside industry knowledge.

“If a client has a funding requirement, Phil will be on hand to help in advising where to borrow from and compare costs for that borrowing.

“Phil can also call on his wider team which currently has seven members with over 150 years of banking experience between them. This will stand our clients in good stead both for the service delivered and collective breadth of banking relationships.”