AN accountancy firm and a group of business advisers have merged.

Altrincham's Milner Boardman and Northwich's Bulcock & Co f, who officially linked up earlier this month will practice in future as MBL.

Despite the merger the two firms will continue to operate and expand the combined businesses in the two towns.

Joint managing director Tony Collier said “The growth that both firms have enjoyed over recent years is largely attributable to the skills and drive of the high quality, committed professionals that we’ve been fortunate enough to attract and develop at our respective firms.

"I am confident that the merger will benefit the outcomes which all clients see from our work on an ongoing basis”.

His fellow managing director Mike Bulcock said “The ethos of both firms is that of playing a significant part in the success that our respective clients have in achieving both their business and personal aspirations. The combined practices have complementary skills that all our clients will benefit from”.

The firm will employ 27 people across the two sites and is aiming to expand rapidly, as key business sectors that both firms have historically operated in, start to bounce back from recession.