Growing accountancy firm moves to new city HQ

A FAMILY-RUN accountancy firm is proving its numbers stack up with a new head office in one of the North East's newest business centres.

Stafford Accountancy, which has been based in Sunderland city centre since 1994, has relocated to The Yard at Riverside Sunderland.

The move follows a successful few years for the business in which it has seen its headcount grow and expanded its client base.

Traditionally focused on serving the North of England, the rise of remote working saw the firm onboard a number of new clients from across the UK during the pandemic.

And with plans afoot to continue embracing digital innovations in the accountancy sector and the creation of more jobs, the husband and wife team behind the business, Lyndsey and Mark Everett, are excited about the future.

Lyndsey said: "The move to The Yard marks the beginning of what is an exciting new chapter for the firm.

"Situated at the heart of Riverside Sunderland, it places us right on the doorstep of a whole host of exciting developments such as the Holiday Inn, Botanist and City Hall.

"It will also see us take on a more modern, open-plan space which will not only allow us to work better as a team but also to provide a great training environment for new employees as we continue to grow."

Lyndsey and Mark took over the running of the business following the retirement of its founding partner in 2020.

Since taking over the business, the pair have made a commitment to futureproof the business by digitising its operations and this was another factor which influenced their decision to relocate.

Mark said: "One of the things we're really keen to do is move away from the traditional accountancy model and become more of a digital-first business.

"We've made great strides in achieving this over recent years but the move to The Yard - which will be right at the heart of the city's 5G roll-out - will really help us build on this as we continue to grow.

"It will see us significantly improve the quality of service we are able to offer clients, make us a greener business and allow us to create more skilled roles as we continue to grow. It's a really exciting time for the business."

Stafford Accountancy was supported in its move to The Yard - which opened its doors last year following Hanro Group's £3.5m redevelopment of the former Gilbridge Police Station - by the business investment team at Sunderland City Council.

Peter McIntyre, executive director of city development at Sunderland City Council, said: "A key part of the Riverside Sunderland development was to make this part of the city one of the region's most sought-after business addresses and this is a fantastic example of how it is fast becoming just that.

"Stafford Accountancy is a forward-thinking, progressive business which could've relocated anywhere however it has chosen to continue investing in the city and creating opportunities for local people.

"We are thrilled to welcome the team to Riverside Sunderland and look forward to following the business' journey as it continues to grow."

Laura Lloyd, head of portfolio at Hanro Group, said: "We are delighted to welcome Stafford Accountancy to The Yard. They are a well-respected, local firm and we couldn't be happier that they have chosen The Yard as their new head office location.

"There are still various units available, offering office spaces ranging from 1,500 sq ft to 14,000 sq ft, catering to different tenant requirements. Contact the agents at Savills, Greg Davison or Emma Young, for more information."