An accountancy firm is launching a new corporate finance arm in the county.

Wilkins Kennedy will set up the team in Maidstone after taking over the business and offices of Day Smith & Hunter in the town in October.

It has appointed David Ellis from the Tunbridge Wells practice of Crowe Clark Whitehill to lead the unit, who will be joined by Reece Wootten from Wilkins Kennedy’s corporate finance department in London.

The company, which has a turnover of about £50 million, also has offices in Ashford and Canterbury.

Head of corporate finance Andy Coghlan said: “Our corporate finance team has a long-standing association with businesses in Kent and has advised on several major deals.

“However, the creation of a local delivery team is a particularly exciting opportunity as it strengthens our relationship with the county’s business communities.”