(Image: Elliot Nichol Photo)
An ambitious accountancy firm is preparing for further growth after relocating to larger premises to support its expanding workforce and future recruitment plans.
Stafford Accountancy, led by husband-and-wife team Mark and Lyndsey Everett, has doubled its headcount in recent years and now operates from The Yard, part of the transforming Riverside Sunderland.
The open-plan workspace is designed to accommodate the firm’s continued expansion.
Lyndsey Everett, partner at Stafford Accountancy, said: "We’re delighted with the progress we have made in recent years, more than doubling the size of our team since the move to the Yard.
Husband and wife Lyndsey and Mark Everett
(Image: Elliot Nichol Photo)
"The move to the Yard has placed us at the heart of Sunderland’s new business district, and our bright, open plan office has lifted our profile within the city and beyond.
"We were based in a townhouse previously and while it was a characterful building, it simply didn’t give us the scope to expand."
The firm now benefits from modern shared facilities, meeting rooms, informal meeting space in the reception area, and ample parking for clients.
Ms Everett said: "Although it’s difficult to quantify the impact that the move has had on the business, we have seen revenues grow since our relocation and have found recruitment far easier than it has been in the past.
"We also now have the space to continue growing over the coming years."
Stafford Accountancy has steadily grown since Mark Everett took over the business following a management buy-out in 2020, having joined the business as a client manager in 2011.
The firm has since built a strong reputation and expanded its client base, employing a team of chartered accountants, certified accountants, and chartered tax advisors.
Despite its growth, the firm remains focused on delivering the same expert, personalised service it has become known for.
Mark Everett, managing partner, said: "We want to continue growing our revenues, broadening our service lines and investing in our team, ensuring that the business is well-placed to support and sustain further growth over the coming years.
"We’re ambitious and our move to The Yard demonstrates that.
"We’re looking forward to seeing what the future holds."
A key element of the firm’s approach is assigning dedicated leads to each client, allowing the team to offer tailored advice and build long-term relationships.
The Yard is now home to one of eight companies operating from The Yard, with only the basement and top floor of the building still vacant.
Laura O’Driscoll, property director at the Hanro Group, which owns and operates The Yard, said: "It’s wonderful to see the impact Stafford’s move to our fabulous building has had on the firm.
"We knew that The Yard had potential to attract a great range of ambitious businesses, and it’s done just that.
"I have no doubt Stafford will continue to go from strength-to-strength."
The company’s location in Sunderland’s emerging business district also offers staff access to a growing selection of bars, restaurants, and cafes—something Ms Everett believes supports a positive work-life balance.
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She said: "Being in the heart of the city centre with lots of lovely bars, restaurants and cafes to enjoy means we are able to offer a great work-life balance to our team."
Stafford Accountancy traces its roots back to the 1990s.
Lyndsey Everett joined the practice as a partner in 2020 after a successful career with the global accountancy firm RSM.