ONE of the region's best known accountancy firms is celebrating its 30th birthday having taken on ten new members of staff over the year.

Clive Owen & Co LLP, which has offices in Durham, Darlington and York, has spent the last three decades giving accountancy and business advice to clients in sectors, from manufacturing to education.

The firm was started by senior partner Clive Owen in 1983 with two members of staff, in Darlington.

It has seen demand for other services has seen growth in many areas including: helping dozens of schools convert to academies; helping North-East clients access more than £50m of the Government's Regional Growth Fund and advising the Government on a national best practice document for issues such as Real Time Information. 

The firm has also extended its IT services and launched Clive Owen Technology Services last year to capitalise on the demand for firms wanting greater IT support, built in with their accountancy and business advice.

Its growth has led to the increase in staff, including six trainee accountants appointed this year.

Mr Owen, said: "Having started 30 years ago with a smaller office in Cockerton, Darlington, I am extremely proud of where we are today. It has been enjoyable helping so many businesses and to have seen our client base grow and develop in such a variety of sectors. 

"Over the years we have developed our business in line with clients' requirements and made it a priority to keep up with advances in technology.  We are now focused on the future with both our clients and our team."