Left to right: Stuart Noakes, Alan Edwards, Guy Rolliston, Daniel Chapman

Carpenter Box, part of Sumer Group, the UK’s fastest-growing mid-market accountancy practice, announced a merger with the Brighton office of Hartley Fowler, a highly respected accounting firm serving the Sussex area.

This strategic merger expands Carpenter Box’s footprint in Brighton and enhances its ability to deliver exceptional professional services to small and medium-sized enterprises in the community.

Hartley Fowler has built a strong reputation as a full-service accountancy practice, known for its commitment to client service excellence and deep regional expertise.

Guy Rolliston and Daniel Chapman will join the Carpenter Box Board as Partners, with the firm's team of 16 professionals joining Sumer Group's growing network of nearly 3,000 colleagues across more than 60 offices nationwide.

Alan Edwards, Managing Partner at Carpenter Box, said:

"We are delighted to welcome the Brighton office of Hartley Fowler to the Sumer Group family. Brighton has a strong and growing SME community, and this merger allows us to deepen our presence in the city. By combining our teams, we can offer local businesses access to a broader range of specialist services, including tax, audit and advisory, backed by the scale and expertise of the wider Sumer Group."

Guy Rolliston, Partner, added:

"Joining Carpenter Box, and the wider Sumer Group, marks an exciting new chapter for our Brighton branch. Our clients will benefit from enhanced service capabilities while maintaining the strong personal relationships and local knowledge they value. We're proud to join an organisation that shares our commitment to supporting SME businesses and the communities they serve."

The investment in the Brighton office of Hartley Fowler is part of Sumer Group's strategic expansion plan, backed by funding from Penta Capital and BlackRock. The Hartley Fowler Brighton team will join the wider Carpenter Box team in their Brighton office, ensuring continuity for clients while offering expanded capabilities and national resources.

Clients of Hartley Fowler’s Brighton office will benefit from Sumer Group's comprehensive suite of professional services, including audit, tax, advisory, and business support services, while maintaining their established relationships with the local team they trust.