A YORK accountancy firm which dates back more than 150 years has undergone a rebrand as part of the first phase of a new expansion strategy.

Garbutt & Elliott, which has offices at Monks Cross as well as Leeds, has become Garbutt + Elliot as the firm launches a new website follow a review of the company's positioning within the regional marketplace.

After acquiring more than 300 new clients over the past year, Garbutt + Elliott is now looking to grow further through a strategy including acquisitions and continued organic growth.

Russell Turner, managing partner at Garbutt + Elliott, which employs a team of 104 people, including eight partners, said: "We have a clear strategy which includes organic growth combined with acquisition of niche practices which complement our offer.

"We have high calibre sector specialists working for us and want to be able to continue to provide our clients with a dedicated team that truly understand their business and the markets they operate in. Our recruitment and acquisitions will be driven by that need."

Mr Turner said he wanted to communicate the firm's approach "with greater clarity", so refreshed the firms "visual identity" by replacing the ampersand in its logo with a plus sign.

He said: "We chose this symbol as it both demonstrates we are more than just accountants and illustrates the positive impact we deliver. With the new brand and website we are ideally placed to begin our controlled growth strategy."

Working predominantly with owner-managed businesses based throughout Yorkshire, Garbutt + Elliott operates across a range of sectors including retail, manufacturing, food, brewing, creative arts, property, construction and horse racing, with clients including York Racecourse, Bill Plant Driving School, Kennedy’s Bar & Restaurant and concrete block and block paving manufacturer Plasmor.