A firm of accountants has swooped to acquire the small business department of a Kent rival.

Beresfords, which has offices in Folkestone and Ashford, today confirmed the deal to take over the division of Canterbury's MHA MacIntyre Hudson.

The deal will see five members of the team transfer to the new owners, bringing Beresfords' head count to 35.

Former MHA partner Mark Minus will also be joining existing partners, Phillip Hindle, Dan Payne and Chris Dodd.

Senior partner at Beresfords, Phillip Hindle, said “This is an excellent opportunity and adds to the already successful work we have done to grow the practice, making Beresfords the biggest firm in the Folkestone area, bringing the big firm skill sets from MHA into the small business market in a firm better suited to these clients that can offer a more hands-on personal service."

In March, Beresfords moved from its previous head office in Folkestone to a new site in nearby Hawkinge.