Belfast accountancy firm ASM in key merger

Sumer Northern Ireland managing director Brian Clerkin and Warren Mead, chief executive at Sumer, with some of the directors of the newly-merged practice

The Belfast office of one of the north’s largest accountancy firms ASM Chartered Accountants is joining the prestigious Sumer Group at the end of June and will become Sumer Northern Ireland.

The move doesn’t impact the firm’s other offices in Magherafelt, Dungannon, Newry and Dundalk, which will continue trading under the ASM brand

Sumer is a leading mid-market accountancy practice and a top 15 UK accountancy practice on a mission to champion SME businesses.

Led by managing director Brian Clerkin, Sumer Northern Ireland (www.sumerni.co.uk), with 10 directors and 100 staff, will provide a range of services including audit and accounting, corporate finance, insolvency, forensic accounting, internal audit and tax services to a portfolio of public, private and not-for-profit sector clients.

“This represents an exciting new chapter for us, and we’re confident the strategic partnership will not only enhance our growth prospects, but will expand the range of services and expertise we can offer,” Brian said.

“The Sumer Group and our firm share the same ethos of dedication and commitment to providing an excellent client-focussed service, so this partnership is a perfect fit.

“The business landscape is constantly evolving and our clients are subject to an array of economic challenges and opportunities. We believe this move will enable us to tap into a wealth of knowledge and resources across the Sumer Group and leverage additional technology to assist our clients.

“And over the coming months, a further twenty members of staff will join our team which will further enhance our service offering.”

Warren Mead, chief executive at Sumer, added: “This partnership is exciting for both parties as it signals a time of expansion, and it also marks the opening of our first office in Northern Ireland.

“Brian and his team have a stellar reputation in the industry, and we have no doubt that this will continue as Sumer Northern Ireland grows and that their clients will continue to be serviced with the integrity and excellence that they’ve become accustomed to.

“The establishment of Sumer Northern Ireland will open up numerous opportunities for future expansion, and further acquisitions, driving our growth in the region.”

Michael McAllister, founder at ASM Chartered Accountants, said: “We are grateful for the contributions of our Belfast team and wish them well in this new endeavour.

“ASM believes that remaining a fully independent firm allows us to better serve clients, ensuring they have access to senior and experienced individuals at all times.

“We have built our business using this model and have a clear growth trajectory for the company going forward, emphasised by our recent expansion into the north west in our new Derry offices.”