Clive Owen LLP celebrates 40th anniversary

Clive Owen Accountants is celebrating 40 years since it opened its first office in Darlington.

To mark its landmark anniversary, the firm has launched a series of celebratory events for partners, alumni, clients and intermediaries which are planned across the year.

It has also introduced a team ’40 challenge’ where staff are encouraged to pick something with a 40 theme as a challenge to themselves – such as reading 40 books, visiting 40 beaches or swimming 40km.

The partnership was started by Clive Owen when, after working for a Big Four firm and then gaining some industry experience, he realised that there was a gap in the market for an independent firm with a range of specialisms, offering exceptional client service.

Initially, Clive set up at home in 1983 and then opened his first office in Cockerton in 1984. The firm grew to a team of 10 and moved to offices in Blackwell Lane in April 1988.

The firm now operates from Darlington, York, Durham and Middlesbrough with 13 partners and 128 staff.

Gary Ellis, managing partner said: “Although much has happened over the last 40 years and the client base and range of services provided has widened, the firm’s core offering of working with growing, entrepreneurial businesses and private individuals delivering exceptional service remains unchanged.

“The way we work has been revolutionised through technology, the internet and cloud-based accounting, leaving us more time to focus on advisory work that helps us to help our clients achieve their business and financial goals.”

He added: “We are building on these advancements with new services that cater for the needs of businesses and individuals. The firm has ambitious plans for the future, including further expansion.

“As a commercially focussed organisation, we are very proud of what our team has achieved within the regional business community. As trusted advisers, we have developed robust, long-term relationships with our clients which has been the key to our success.”