ClearSky acquires historical Wheatley Pearce firm

ONE OF THE UK’s most historic accountancy firms has been snapped up and incorporated into the ClearSky brand.

Dorest-based Wheatley Pearce has been acquired for an undisclosed sum by business and freelance support provider Optionis. Wheatley Pearce was established in 1881, with its founder Colonel Wheatley one of the original members of the ICAEW.

The firm will become part of ClearSky, with its owners Ken Butcher and Greg Bemment staying on full-time. It is the third firm to be placed under the ClearSky brand in the last year, following Greater Manchester-based Michael Brookers & Co and Dorset-based Lofts & Co.

In addition to accountancy, ClearSky Business now offers small firms fixed-fee support and advice on business functions including tax, payroll, human resources and employment law. It was shortlisted for the British Accountancy Awards Mid-Tier Firm of the Year in 2012.

Optionis managing director Derek Kelly said: “This latest acquisition will enhance even further the range of services that we offer small and medium-sized businesses.

“Wheatley Pearce is a prestigious accountancy practice with a long and proud history that stretches back more than 130 years.

“It has a proven track record of providing strategic and pro-active advice to growing businesses, which is why it’s a perfect fit for ClearSky and Optionis.”
Wheatley Pearce co-owner Ken Butcher said: “Greg and I are extremely excited to become part of the ClearSky success story.

“It really will be a case of business as usual, but with the added benefit that we will now be able to offer our clients access to a wider range of services.”

The Optionis Group operates under Clearsky Business, Clearsky Contractor Accounting, employment services provider Parasol and cloud-based performance management software Silverline – with group turnover forecast at £335m for the current financial year.