A FIRM of accountants is celebrating the promotion of three staff members to become partners following a management buy-out.

Thorne Widgery, an independent firm of chartered accountants in Hereford, has decided to restructure and develop the business in response to what it sees as an increasing demand for integrated financial services.

The Bridge Street firm has operated in Hereford for more than 60 years, employs more than 20 staff and is looking forward to further expansion

"We're absolutely delighted that the new structure brings Thorne Widgery back into local ownership," said Stephen Smallwood, who remains managing partner.

Mr Smallwood, John Baldwin and Peter Lewis will be joined as partners by Alison Smallwood, Kevin Tong, and Vanda Williams.

The firm will retain the Thorne Widgery name and continue to build on its strong agricultural and country estate client base, particularly through the provision of succession planning and trust advice.

It aims to expand in the commercial sector, which, over the past few years has grown substantially.

In addition, there has been significant growth in the demand for management accounting and payroll out-sourcing.