Spofforths, the South East accountancy firm, will trade as Kreston Reeves from January following the merger of the two businesses this summer.

The two businesses joined forces to create an auditor with more than 50 partners and 450 staff across 10 locations in London, Kent and Sussex

Canterbury-based Kreston Reeves, which also has offices in Chatham and Sandwich, has a turnover of more than £30 million following the deal.

Managing partner Nigel Fright said: “We are delighted to progress to this significant milestone and we are proud that we have achieved it working with partners who share our business values and are committed to retaining the level of expertise and service that all our business and personal clients expect.

“This added depth of resource and breadth of service also enables us to expand our international reach.”

Richard Spofforth, formerly managing partner of Spofforths and a member of the management board at Kreston Reeves, said: “Although the Spofforths name will change, the values, expertise and commitment the firm has always represented will not.

“This merger builds one firm for the future and, importantly, one which respects both of our particularly deep connections to the interests of those who entrust their financial affairs to us.”