South East accountants and Financial Planning firm Carpenter Box is to merge with East Sussex-based accountancy firm Clarke Brownscombe.

Clark Brownscombe will continue to operate from its office in Lewes and will adopt the Carpenter Box brand later this year.

Clarke Brownscombe clients will be offered Financial Planning services provided by Carpenter Box as well as their usual services.

Carpenter Box provides clients with advice on taxation, later life and estate planning, pensions and investments.

The firm’s Financial Planning arm, Carpenter Box Financial Advisers, was set up in 2008 and previously known as MHA Carpenter Box Wealth Management, changing its name in 2020.

Clarke Brownscombe directors Robert Scrivins and Vicky Anderson will become partners at Carpenter Box following the merger, which will see six members of staff join the firm.

Alan Edwards, managing partner at Carpenter Box, said: “I’m thrilled to announce this merger with Clark Brownscombe and delighted to welcome the firm into the Carpenter Box team. They are a perfect fit for our growth strategy, helping us to expand into East Sussex with a Lewes office.

“Together, we bring nearly 200 years of combined experience in tax planning, advisory services and financial planning and share the same customer service ethos.”

Robert Scrivins, partner at Clarke Brownscome, said one of the main attractions of the merger was the additional knowledge and resources that the combined company could bring, including the specialist Financial Planning services.

He said: “This merger is a significant milestone in our journey. We currently have expertise in business, charity and individual accounting and taxation matters and by joining with Carpenter Box, we will unlock additional resources and services that will directly benefit our clients through access to specialist knowledge.”

Carpenter Box is no stranger to mergers, having previously merged is south coast operations with Jones Avens last year.

Carpenter Box is a firm of chartered accountants, tax specialists, business advisers and Financial Planners. It has 23 partners and over 250 members across the south east and London.