A NORTH-EAST accountancy practice has strengthened its team with the appointment of three tax directors.

Baldwins, an accountancy, tax and advisory firm, which last year joined CogitalGroup, has taken on the new starters to continue offering tax advisory services across the region.

Matt Sharpe, Stephen Poole and Simon Newsham are based in the firm’s Birtley office, near Chester-le-Street, having joined the firm’s North-East tax team following a rise in demand from clients.

Having worked with KPMG, leading law firms and run his own boutique tax law firm, Mr Newsham plans to bring his commercial awareness and great sense of humour to the team.

He said: “These are exciting times and I am looking forward to playing a proactive role in the future growth and expansion of the firm.”

Mr Sharpe, a qualified chartered accountant, is looking forward to bringing the knowledge he has gained over his 20 years of tax advisory experience to help the firm evolve.

He said: “I’m thrilled to be establishing, growing and maintaining strong relationships with clients.

“It’s going to be refreshing working for a firm that has ambitious plans and aspirations that are breaking the normal business model.”

Mr Poole, who has previously worked for national firms in London providing tax advice, is excited to be a part of the thriving firm.

“We have a great team here at Baldwins and I’m looking forward to seeing the opportunities that will arise from our work,” he added.

The total number of staff working from Baldwins’ North-East offices now stands at more than 230.

Dawn Walton, North-East board director, said: “The recruits have already brought a new drive into the tax team and their knowledge will enable us to attract new clients.”