Historic Scottish accountancy firm announces merger

Whitelaw Wells, the accountancy firm with offices in Edinburgh and Glasgow which can trace its roots back to the 19th century, has announced the firm’s imminent merger with North Berwick-based Lyle Crawford & Co.

Whitelaw Wells, which was founded in 1890 but has been known under its current name since 1971, said the move means the firm will be “significantly expanding our service to our East Lothian-based clients”.

Frank Pratt, Partner at Whitelaw Wells, said: “Bringing Lyle Crawford & Co, a well-respected and skilled firm, under the Whitelaw Wells banner will further strengthen our presence in East Lothian. The high client service standards and ethos of the two firms are well matched allowing us to add significant value to our client offering.”

Established by Lyle Crawford CA in 1985, Lyle Crawford & Co offers accountancy, payroll, business and personal tax advice to a wide range of clients across East Lothian and further afield.

Louise Presslie was welcomed as a partner in 2010.

From October 1 it will continue to operate out of the firm’s North Berwick office under the Whitelaw Wells banner.

Mr Crawford said: “Joining Whitelaw Wells is a significant opportunity for our team, and our clients. I am delighted that our clients will continue to be serviced locally but will now be able to tap into the additional services and expertise offered by Whitelaw Wells, whilst maintaining the high quality personal service and client satisfaction in which we pride ourselves, and for which Whitelaw Wells is renowned.”

Whitelaw Wells provides services designed to meet the needs of a client base founded on family businesses and now cover all compliance areas of accounts preparation for; sole traders, partnerships, limited companies, trusts and charities, and all areas of tax compliance such as income tax, corporation tax, VAT, Paye and personal tax returns and tax planning.

The firm specialises in the charity sector and has a niche in the Chinese business community.