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Two firms within the ETL Global UK group have completed acquisitions to expand their geographic reach and support for small and medium-sized enterprise clients.
Tunbridge Wells-headquartered Naylor Accountancy Services has acquired Another Answer, a seven-person firm based in Bourne End, Buckinghamshire. The deal marks the fifth acquisition for the firm since 2021. The firm operates from offices in Tunbridge Wells, Crowborough, Chichester, Romsey, Southampton and London Bridge.
The acquisition provides a succession solution for Another Answer founders Sylvia and Neil Bourhill, who are retiring from the business. Naylor Accountancy Services intends to continue building a national footprint and reports a strong pipeline of opportunities for further deals this year.
In a separate move, Milton Keynes-based Ad Valorem has acquired Collett Hulance. The deal strengthens its presence across the Oxford-Cambridge growth corridor, including the region surrounding the proposed Universal Studios development in Bedfordshire.
Collett Hulance, an 80-year-old practice, will retain its name and leadership team. Directors Andrew Upton and Mark Bottomley will remain in place, and the firm has committed to its existing location for at least five years. Ad Valorem has now completed four acquisitions with the backing of ETL Global UK.
Managing director of Naylor Accountancy Services Nikolai Naylor said: “We’re building a business that helps clients go beyond compliance and really grow. This acquisition is a strong strategic fit and another step in scaling the Naylor Accountancy Services brand across the UK. With ETL’s backing, we’ve built the systems, technology and acquisition capability to move quickly, and we’re actively pursuing further opportunities.”
Director of Ad Valorem Nikki Adams said: “Our focus has always been on supporting small businesses, and this acquisition strengthens our ability to do that. Collett Hulance is a highly respected firm with deep local relationships, and keeping its name, leadership team and local presence was incredibly important. With the support of ETL, we’ve been able to invest in technology and build the infrastructure needed to grow, while still protecting the independence and culture that matter to our people and our clients.”
Managing director of ETL Global UK Sara Brassington added: “What we’re seeing across our group is a clear shift in how professional services firms are choosing to grow. Partners want the ability to scale, invest and plan for succession, without losing control of what they’ve built. These acquisitions reflect that approach in action – bringing together strong local firms, backing them with investment and infrastructure, and creating a platform for long-term, sustainable growth.”
