Newcastle’s Robson Laidler makes biggest acquisition in near 100-year history

Accountancy and business advisory firm Robson Laidler has become a £4m-turnover business after making its biggest acquisition since launching almost 100 years ago.

The Newcastle-based company, which will rebrand following the deal, has snapped up Chester-le-Street’s Straughans Chartered Accountants.

Robson Laidler said it acquired Straughans due to the firm’s long-standing reputation and solid client base across Durham and Sunderland.

Completed for an undisclosed sum, the transaction means Robson Laidler now employs around 80 people.

Straughans founders Mike Fleming and Mike Tait will stay on to help the two businesses integrate.

Both companies, it was confirmed, will continue to trade under their own names for the foreseeable future.

Graham Purvis, managing director of Robson Laidler, said: “A crucial part of our work is advising clients on building their businesses and wealth and this acquisition is about being entrepreneurial in our own right.

“We have made a few acquisitions over the years, nothing as significant or substantial as Straughans, but this forms an important part of our overall growth and investment strategy in the business.”

He continued: “Mike and Mike have built up a fantastic business over a great many years in the South of the region and share very similar values to us, in terms of building long term relationships with clients as their trusted advisors, looking after our staff and caring about our communities.

“They are just a fantastic fit for us in terms of values and geographically so we are thrilled they have chosen to join us.”

As part of the rebrand, Robson Laidler’s financial planning arm has changed its trading name to Robson Laidler Wealth and taken on Amanda Cowie as a director.

Elsewhere Robson Laidler, whose director David Wiseman retired at the end of the financial year after 36 years of service, has promoted Michael Smith and Amy Park to the role of director.

Mike Tait, a co-founder of Straughans, commented: “Robson Laidler were clear with Mike and I from the outset that they perceive us, both the firm and our people, to have a great many strengths and that they were keen to build on these.

“We will both learn from each other, look to share knowledge, processes and best practice but we all believe our businesses are stronger together and look forward to working together.”

Straughans and its existing 20-strong staff base will continue to operate from the firm’s Hadrian House premises in Chester-Le-Street.

Newcastle law firm Hay & Kilner provided Straughans with legal advice on the acquisition. Gordon Brown of Chester-le- Street acted for Straughans.

Mark Adams, corporate partner at Hay & Kilner, said: “We were delighted to work with the management team at Robson Laidler on this strategic deal. We wish them every success with their future plans.”

Newcastle-based creative agency Hedley McEwan has been appointed to create Robson Laidler’s new brand.

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