The deal further solidifies MHA MacIntyre Hudson’s position in the region, creating a larger office of nearly 100 partners and professional staff. Keens Shay Keens MK LLP (Keens) is an accountancy practice based in Milton Keynes with fee income of £3.4m, five partners and 45 staff.

Three partners will be joining the merged practice, Paul Davis, Mark Rayner and Liz Newell, and Simon Gill will be a director. A fifth director of Keens, Paul Whiteley, who was a sleeping partner, retired some time ago.

Steve Moore, partner at MHA MacIntyre Hudson, said: ‘This is a very important time for us, as we look to further expand our expertise and presence in Milton Keynes - which is central to the Cambridge–Oxford corridor.

‘This strategic merger with Keens will bring development opportunities for the newly combined team, as well as giving Keens’ clients access to our range of specialists. We’re very pleased to be working alongside them.’

Paul Davis, senior partner at Keens Shay Keens MK, said: ‘We're excited to join forces with MHA, given their reputation and growing position in the industry, through their offering a wide range of services to individuals and companies of all sizes. Both firms share the same ethos and culture.

‘This agreement will enhance our capability to support our existing clients and unlock new potential together, within the MHA group and the Baker Tilly International connections. We look forward to a successful collaboration and a great future together.”

MHA MacIntyre Hudson is ranked 16th in the Accountancy Daily Top 75 Firms Survey with annual fee income of £59.8m, and 49 partners and 740 staff.