News | Jolliffe Cork expand their services through merger with SMH Chartered Accountants

One of the largest independent accountants in West Yorkshire, Jolliffe Cork, have merged with South Yorkshire-based Sutton McGrath Hartley (SMH). The merger took place in May 2021, with Jolliffe Cork becoming SMH Jolliffe Cork and continuing to operate out of their existing premises on George Street, Wakefield.

SMH Jolliffe Cork will continue to deliver a full range of tax, accounting and business services across Yorkshire and nationally. The merger will provide a significant enhancement to the services they will be able to offer in-house, encompassing business and personal financial services.

Claire Lawton, Partner at Jolliffe Cork, comments: “For some time now, we have been looking to identify a business partner that reflects our culture and values. It was essential that we were able to keep our clients at the centre of everything we do. This merger means we can continue to offer the same exceptional service whilst also enhancing our service offering.

“We now have the ability to offer new services in-house, whereas previously we had to signpost our clients elsewhere. This means we can now provide a much more holistic service. We believe this merger with SMH will benefit our clients greatly. We are looking forward to the future for our new company.”

This is the latest in a series of mergers undertaken by SMH, who already operate from offices in Sheffield, Chesterfield, Rotherham, Buxton and Knaresborough.

James Hartley, Managing Partner of SMH comments: “We are delighted to welcome everyone associated with Jolliffe Cork into the SMH Group. This is a fantastic opportunity for both firms to grow to the next level, enabling SMH to establish its position in the West Yorkshire region whilst strengthening Jolliffe Cork’s offering.

“Jolliffe Cork clients will now have access to enhanced services including pension and investment advice, mortgage advice, commercial finance and assistance with wills and probate.

“For me personally, it feels like things have gone full circle after qualifying at Jolliffe Cork over 20 years ago and now being back again. It’s great to see so many familiar faces still in place since my time there.

“Retaining the loyalty of staff and clients is testament to how well Claire Lawton and her senior colleagues have led the firm and we are looking forward to enhancing Jolliffe Cork’s services further as we move forward together.”

As a result of the merger, the SMH Group now has over 100 employees across 8 offices in Yorkshire and Derbyshire.

Photo: ‘The Directors at SMH Jolliffe Cork, from left to right: James Hartley, Jonathon Dickens, Mark Bardwell, Jane Crossley and Claire Lawton’