AN accountancy firm has added to its numbers with the launch of a Chester city centre office.

Summit Accountants has acquired permanent premises in Duke Street after securing six-figure funding from NatWest.

Headquartered in Manchester’s MediaCityUK, the company has now purchased a second office space in Chester.

Over the last year and a half, the team has more than doubled in size from three to seven staff, outgrowing its current head office.

The new 700 sq ft premises will provide space for up to an additional 10 members of staff, future proofing for further growth.

It also includes a kitchen, four individual offices and storage space.

From its Manchester and Chester bases, Summit Accountants will continue to expand and offer a wider range of services to clients across the North West and North Wales.

Recruitment for an additional accountant to join the seven-strong team is under way, with plans to recruit a further two to three members of staff over the next 24 months.

Founded in 2018 by managing director Glyn Jelley and his business partner Sarah Tyson, Summit Accountants offers a full range of accountancy work from start-up, through to on-going bookkeeping, VAT, tax and annual accounting for clients across a range of sectors.

Glyn said: “We are a young firm but rapid growth meant that we had outgrown our existing premises in Manchester.

"Thanks to the funding from NatWest, we have been able to expand our footprint across the North, positioning the business for future client and staff growth, and encouraging apprenticeships and career development.”

Sarah added: “Our new location in Chester is ideal for us, with great accessibility to clients across the North West and Wales and we look forward to continuing to support local businesses.”

The deal was referred to Steven Darbyshire, broker development manager at NatWest, from FAS Pathstone Limited. It was then assigned to Sarah Bailey, relationship manager at NatWest.

Sarah said: “The funding we have provided has enabled Glyn, Sarah and their team to move into a new office space from which they can continue to grow the business. We will continue to support Summit Accountants as it establishes itself in Chester and expands over the coming years.”