Carpenter Box, the accountancy firm within the nearly 3,000-strong Sumer Group, has completed a merger with the Brighton office of Hartley Fowler, a full-service practice operating across Sussex. This strategic move deepens Carpenter Box’s presence in the city and broadens its suite of professional services for local clients.

The merger sees Hartley Fowler’s team join Carpenter Box’s Brighton office, with partners Guy Rolliston and Daniel Chapman remaining in senior roles.

Carpenter Box highlighted that the integration will allow local SMEs to access a broader range of specialist services, including tax, audit and advisory, backed by the scale and expertise of the wider Sumer Group.

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.”

Guy Rolliston 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 deal aligns with Carpenter Box’s growth strategy under Sumer Group, which is backed by Penta Capital and BlackRock, enabling the combined firm to leverage resources, expertise, and technological infrastructure while providing a more comprehensive service offering for SMEs across the region.

Explore how Carpenter Box’s Brighton merger strengthens local accountancy services and expands capabilities for SMEs in Susse