Home Business Services Accountancy firm snaps up former rival to help continue its tradition of...

Accountancy firm snaps up former rival to help continue its tradition of excellence

(L-R) Chris Butler and Darren Gee

A quarter of a century of accounting excellence is set to continue following the retirement of a well-known industry figure.

Tilly Bailey & Irvine Law Firm has assisted Butler & Gee Accountants in taking the reins of former competitor Michael Hanby Accountants – both based in Barnard Castle – allowing Michael to retire after more than 25 years.

After a smooth acquisition, Butler & Gee Accountants will continue to provide services from its premises at 7 Newgate in the town.

Chris Butler, one of the directors at Butler & Gee, said: “We’re really are delighted Michael chose Butler & Gee to take on his clients and to look after them going forward and apply the same principles and standards that our existing clients benefit from.”


The practice is operated from both Barnard Castle and Shotley Bridge and headed by directors Chris, Darren Gee and Pauline Henderson.

The Corporate Team of North East law firm Tilly Bailey & Irvine, which recently celebrated more than 175 years in business, represented Butler & Gee Accountants in the deal.

Corporate solicitor Michael Stevens, based at the commercially-focussed Wynyard office of Tilly Bailey & Irvine, said: “It was great to work with another professional services firm based nearby to our own firm’s Barnard Castle office.

“Mr Hanby had an established bank of clients who he had worked with for a long period of time.

“The process went really smoothly and it’s great to know that those clients will get the same level of professionalism in the same locality.”

He added: “It was also fantastic to see Mr Hanby get his well-earned retirement, safe in the knowledge that his longstanding clients will be well looked after.”

For more information about the services offered by Tees Valley law firm Tilly Bailey & Irvine – with offices in Barnard Castle, Hartlepool, Stockton and Wynyard, contact 01740 646000.