MORE jobs are on the cards following the merger of two accounting firms with offices in Kent. The combining of HLB Kidsons and Baker Tilly on April 1 will create the eighth largest practice in the country.

HLB Kidsons, with an office in Tunbridge Wells, and Baker Tilly, Bromley, are set to be part of a national operation with annual fees of more than £150 million. Senior partners for both firms insisted that the jobs of 130 partners and staff working for both firms in the county were safe.

Adrian Hollands, managing partner of Baker Tilly’s Bromley office, said it should create more opportunities and the expanded firm would probably need more staff.

He did not expect any cuts in the present workforce at either location. “It’s good news. In fact, we’re hoping to attract more staff. We see great opportunities.” There was a good natural fit between the two firms, he said. “We’re both open for business and hoping to cover the whole of Kent.

“I can’t really see any changes at all. What we hope to do is offer more services on a local basis that neither of us do at the present time. There are certain specialisms that exist in Tunbridge Wells which we do not have in Bromley and vice-versa. Between us, we will have all the services that anyone could want in Kent.”

The merger takes effect from April 1 and the new firm will operate under the Baker Tilly name. Nationwide, it will employ more than 2,000 people, including nearly 300 partners. Ray Greatorex, national managing partner with HLB Kidsons, becomes executive chairman, and Baker Tilly’s Lawrence Longe will continue in his role as national managing partner.