Stafford Accountancy eyeing growth after Sunderland head office switch

A family-run accountancy firm has unveiled growth plans following a head office move.

Stafford Accountancy has switched to The Yard, in Sunderland.

Bosses say the venture will allow it to create more jobs and further roll out a digital-first operating model.

Based in Sunderland city centre since 1994, the company has grown in recent years, with the rise of remote working helping attract a number of new clients.

And husband and wife team Mark and Lyndsey Everett, who took over the business following its founding partner’s retirement in 2020, say its move has opened an “exciting new chapter”.

Lyndsey said: “The Yard places us right on the doorstep of a whole host of exciting developments, and will allow us to work better as a team and provide a great training environment for new employees.”

Mark added: “We’re really keen to move away from the traditional accountancy model and become more of a digital-first business.

“We’ve made great strides over recent years, and the move to The Yard will really help us build on that.

“It will see us significantly improve quality of service, make us a greener business and allow us to create more skilled roles.”

The firm was supported by Sunderland City Council’s business investment team.

Peter McIntyre, the authority’s executive director of city development, said: “A key part of Riverside Sunderland was to make this part of the city one of the region’s most sought-after business addresses.

“And Stafford Accountancy’s move is a fantastic example of how it is fast becoming just that.”

The Yard opened last year following the £3.5 million redevelopment of Gilbridge Police Station by Hanro Group.

Laura Lloyd, Hanro Group’s head of portfolio, added: “We couldn’t be happier Stafford Accountancy has chosen The Yard for its new head office.”