A YORK accountancy firm has merged with a smaller Leeds practice in a move aimed at expanding its services to the charity and not-for-profit sector.

Garbutt + Elliott, based at Monks Cross and Leeds, has taken over charity specialist Ian Pickup & Co, and its team of six staff.

The merger will create a new 15-strong department at Garbutt + Elliott dedicated to the charity sector, and headed by partner Nigel Shaw, to served the enlarged client portfolio of more than 100 charities and not-for-profit organisations across the north of England.

Mr Shaw said: "This merger takes us to a new level and provides a springboard for more success and continued growth moving forward.

"Ian Pickup was approached by a number of our competitors but was confident that Garbutt + Elliott provided the best fit for his clients and staff in terms of sharing the same values and culture, which is a testament to the people we have in our business."

Ian Pickup and his team of five employees will relocate to Garbutt + Elliott’s Leeds office in Park Place in October.

Mr Pickup, who will join Garbutt + Elliott as partner, said: "Merging with Garbutt + Elliott will allow our clients to access the full range of accounting services and expertise that they now require and demand, in order to operate more effectively and efficiently.

"It was important that our chosen partner had the same interest and belief in the charity sector and was committed to helping our clients achieve their aspirations going forward. Having spoken to a number of other practices, I am happy that Garbutt + Elliott have the best fit with our practice."

Garbutt + Elliott launched its charity team three years ago and has since seen year-on-year growth. In the firm’s last financial year, its client roster has doubled and fees have increased more than 25 per cent.

Recent client wins include Yorkshire Agricultural Society, York Blind and Partially Sighted Society, Square Chapel Trust, Marie Collins Foundation, Northcall and the Human Relief Foundation.