We’re pleased to share that bk plus has expanded its presence in the North East with the acquisition of Read Milburn, a respected accountancy practice based in North Shields.

Read Milburn has built a trusted reputation in the region, supporting a wide range of businesses and charitable organisations. Their team is known for maintaining close client relationships and providing tailored advice across accounting, taxation, payroll, and company secretarial services. With strong roots in the local community and deep experience in the voluntary sector, they are an ideal fit for our growing firm.

This acquisition enhances what we can offer to clients in the region. Read Milburn’s clients will continue to receive the same personal, practical support they’re used to – now with access to an even broader range of services. From Corporate Finance to specialist tax planning and business advisory support, our growing team is here to meet the evolving needs of local businesses.

Nick Liley, Partner at Read Milburn, shared:

“Our clients have trusted us for years because we know their businesses inside out. Joining bk plus means we can keep delivering the same personal service but with the added strength of a national firm behind us. It opens up new opportunities for our clients and our team, and we’re excited about what this means for the future.”

This move builds on our existing presence in Jesmond, Newcastle, where we opened one of our first regional offices outside the Midlands. Over the coming months, the Read Milburn team will join us in our Jesmond office, creating a stronger hub for SMEs across the North East.

Dawn Walton, Partner at bk plus, commented:

“Read Milburn is exactly the type of firm we want to work with. They have great relationships with their clients, they know their region, and they deliver the kind of advice that makes a real difference to business owners. Together, we can offer even more support to SMEs across the North East, while keeping what matters most – local people delivering local services in local offices.”

From a single office, we’ve grown to 30 locations in just four years, becoming one of the UK’s fastest-growing accountancy firms. But our pace of growth is not just about size – it’s about ensuring that businesses across the country have access to trusted advice, delivered with care and understanding.

With over 600 staff nationally, including more than 140 in Scotland alone, we continue to invest in like-minded firms and build strong regional teams. Our model ensures that SMEs, whether in city centres or rural communities, benefit from the same high-quality service, always delivered with a personal touch by someone who truly understands their business.

We remain committed to supporting more SMEs across the UK by combining local expertise with the strength of our national network.