Martin Aitken & Co (MACO) has strengthened its status as one of  Glasgow's largest mid-tier accountancy firms by merging with Clydebank firm Miller Colquhoun.

The merger, Martin Aitken's sixth in sixteen years, was effective on June 1.

The move brings Miller Colquhoun partners Russell McGowan, Liam McKenna, Tricia Halliday and 12 staff to MACO's Kinning Park offices, taking the annual turnover of the enlarged firm, including its Financial Services subsidiary Martin Aitken Financial Services Ltd,  to well over £4m.

It also increases the firm's general practice client bank by 40% and means Martin Aitken & Co. now has 10 partners and 70 staff.

Adrienne Airlie, Martin Aitken's Senior Partner, said: "We are delighted that this merger unites two well-established and respected accounting practices. It was clear from the outset that we share many common values.

"The merger is consistent with our strategy of steady, careful growth. It underscores our position as one of Glasgow's largest mid-tier firms and gives us greater critical mass in the wider Scottish marketplace. The enlarged firm now gives SMEs , charities and the not-for-profit sector a first-class alternative to the expensive Big Four as well as excellent corporate and individual financial planning advice."

Miller Colquhoun, formerly known as Livingstone McGowan McKenna, was established in Glasgow city centre in 1981 and re-located to Clydebank in 1984.

Russell McGowan said: "Our strengths are complementary to MACO's and we share the same philosophy of providing outstanding personal service.

"MACO's client base, like ours, includes professional firms from all sectors including property-related companies and a wide range of family-owned businesses, all areas in which both firms have significant strengths, experience and to which we can bring much added value.

"The merger also means our existing clients now have access to specialist in-house advice, such as charities and business consultancy."

STAFF at Martin Aitken & Co have selected the Prince & Princess of Wales Hospice as their designated charity for the next twenty-four months.

The firm asked staff to nominate a charity and a majority opted to support the Hospice from May 1.

The Prince & Princess of Wales Hospice, located beside the River Clyde, provides specialist palliative care for people with life-limiting illnesses, usually cancer, and support for their families and carers. It brings comfort and peace of mind to those for whom cure is no longer possible and also offers practical and emotional support to families and carers.  
MACo Partner Elaine Dyer said: "We are delighted to support the Hospice. Our staff have supported Yorkhill Hospital over the last two years and have raised in excess of £10,000, so I am confident we can raise a similar sum for the Hospice which does such important work.
"Our first fundraising effort involves taking part in the charity's first-ever Midnight Walk on Saturday 15 May. This is a 5k or 10k walk along the Clydeside, crossing six of Glasgow's bridges and passing the Hospice on the way.
"We plan to open our offices in Seaward Street on the evening of May 15 so  the entire MACo team can meet and set off together for the start point at the SECC, returning to the office at the end of the event for some refreshments.
"It promises to be a thoroughly rewarding and fun night which will enable the Hospice to help terminally-ill patients face their own personal challenges and make the most of the time they have remaining."
And now that the decision has been taken to support the charity, Martin Aitken Chairman Jim McInroy revealed for the first time the connection between the two organisations.

"Many of our current staff probably don't know that Martin Aitken was instrumental in the whole setting up of the Hospice in the early 1980s. My partner, then Hugh Cosgrove, helped our then largest client McGavigan Group's Chairman Mr McGavigan to get the whole Hospice going.

"We were the accountants and Hugh was the treasurer for many years. He left MACO in 1993 so the relationship is strong and enduring.

"I'm delighted that we will support the Hospice; I didn't say anything during the selection process in order not to sway any decision."

Martin Aitken & Co are pleased to advise that we have selected The Prince & Princess of Wales Hospice as our new charity from 1 May 2010.

The Hospice is located not far from our office at Carlton Place and provides fully integrated specialist care to terminally ill patients and support for their families.

The Hospice was formed in the early 1980's and was the brainchild of 5 individuals - 3 medics, a minister and an accountant. The accountant was Mr Hugh Cosgrove, a Partner in Martin Aitken & Co.

Given this relationship, we are delighted to work with The Hospice once again.

As part  of their fundraising, the charity has organised a midnight walk on Sat 15 May. This is a 5k or 10k walk along the Clydeside crossing 6 of Glasgow's bridges and passing the Hospice on the way.

The Partners of Martin Aitken & Co are hoping that as many staff, clients and contacts  as possible will enter this event and raise money for the charity via  sponsorship.
Registration for the event costs £20 and requires to be done on an individual basis. The Registration fee includes a t-shirt and medal.

The easiest way to register for this event is online at www.ppwh.org.uk/midnightwalk
Please  let us know if we can expect to see you, on what promises to be a thoroughly rewarding and fun challenge!