A merger between two well-established accounting firms, bridges the gap between Nelson and Marlborough and provides local businesses with a wider scope of business resources and tools, and an enhanced range of specialist skills.

Since 1998, the Strawbridge accounting and advisory team in Nelson, has grown a business built on a high level of service and good communication.

It’s something that forms the basis of their client service philosophy to this day.

Now, to prepare for the changing future needs of their clients, Strawbridge and Associates, with directors Ross Strawbridge, Ross Stevenson, Amanda Creswell and newly appointed director Amy Martin, have joined forces with WK, another long-established, well-regarded firm of advisors and accountants with offices in Blenheim and Christchurch.

WK is a South Island-based chartered accountant and business advisory firm that has been proudly supporting local businesses and the community for more than 40 years.

Named a “global thought leader” by Xero founder Rod Drury, WK – like Strawbridge – has adapted to business in the fast-changing digital world, to help make clients’ operations more secure, efficient and connected.

WK Strawbridge founding director Ross Strawbridge says through the merger, WK Strawbridge will be able to actively play a growing role in the Nelson community.

“This merger gives our clients access to strengthened capabilities, more resources and tools, and an enhanced range of specialist skills – including a tax specialist,” Mr Strawbridge says.

“WK Strawbridge is now even better placed to help Nelson businesses untangle complex business challenges and help drive local business forward.”

Where some things may change, others remain the same. WK Strawbridge clients can still expect the same excellent service from the same dedicated team they already know and trust, Mr Strawbridge says.

“It’s business as usual – only better, as we move with our clients into the future, providing advice based on strong relationships and smart solutions to maximise their business potential.

“Amy, Amanda, Ross and I very much look forward to the future as WK Strawbridge.”

WK’s move into Nelson, is another step for the growth-focused company, says WK director Hamish Morrow.

“After expanding to Christchurch, we’ve become even more aware that what we do for our clients is very well regarded, and we wanted to create further opportunities for our great team to deliver to more clients,” Mr Morrow says.

“Joining forces with Ross Strawbridge and his extremely adept team in Nelson, where we already have an existing client-base, is a natural progression for us.

“Our vision is to have the single biggest effect for our clients, our people and the communities where we operate, and we look forward to extending our innovative range of business advisory services, resources and tools to more businesses in the Tasman district.”