Legal & Professional

Joanna DeBiase, Managing Partner of IBB Law

IBB Law to merge with Owen White Solicitors

Two law firms operating in the Thames Valley are merging.

IBB Law will join forces with Slough-based Owen White Solicitors to form a 36-partner, 110-lawyer business with a £24 million turnover.

The companies will be known as IBB Law LLP and IBB Owen White for a transitionary period and Owen White’s staff will integrate into IBB Law’s existing Uxbridge office and a newly-expanded Reading office.

Joanna DeBiase, Managing Partner of IBB Law, said: “I am absolutely delighted Jane Masih (Managing Partner of Owen White) and her partners have decided to join us on our journey to become a regional heavyweight firm.

“We are looking forward to working with Owen White’s team and clients from this month. We are going to work hard together to make sure we can offer all our clients a wider range of services.”

Joanna will continue as managing partner for the merged firm and Jane will join the main Board of IBB Law LLP.

Jane said: “We are confident that the values and culture of IBB Law are a perfect fit for our firm.”

The new-look Gatwick office of RSM UK

RSM’S GATWICK OFFICE UNDERGOES MAJOR REVAMP

The Gatwick office of audit, tax and consulting firm RSM UK has undergone a major refurbishment to better reflect future working patterns.

The 24,500 sq ft space at Portland in Crawley now comprises of open plan working areas, a dedicated client suite, a modern breakout area for the team to enjoy and flexible working and meeting spaces.

Bill Farren, RSM’s Office Managing Partner in Gatwick, said: “Our investment in this significant refurbishment has transformed our working environment. It also demonstrates our commitment to the Gatwick Diamond and wider region.” The town centre building has strong green credentials, receiving an “excellent” BREEAM rating for its sustainability.

The refurbishment is designed to support the office’s flexible, hybrid working approach and to create a more collaborative environment for the 220-strong Gatwick team as well as for clients and other visitors.

Bill added: “Our priority has been to fully encompass the hybrid working structure for the benefit of our teams, while creating a more contemporary environment for our clients – a big step towards better reflecting the future workplace.”

AAB Group acquires St Albans accountancy firm May Figures

AAB Group has announced a key acquisition to expand its R&D tax credit service with its acquisition of Hertfordshire accountancy and tax firm May Figures Ltd.

The St Albans company is a professional consultancy subject to Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) regulation and a leading source of information on R&D tax credits.

May Figures founder Julia May said: “Joining AAB Group is a perfect fit for us as we have shared values in a number of key areas including client prioritisation, excellent service delivery, work ethos and team support, training and progression.”

Following an investment from August Equity a year ago, the AAB Group has been developing strong regional hubs around the UK and Ireland, partnering with companies that share its values and ethos.