Oxford: Ridgefield Consulting completes third acquisition with funding from Santander

Oxford-based Ridgefield Consulting, a family-owned chartered accountancy business, has acquired local firm Hunter Marshall & Co following a funding package from Santander Corporate & Commercial.

The acquisition will see the existing business triple in size with the combined entity set to trade under the new name Hunter Thomas & Co at the existing offices in Botley.

The new acquisition, the third since incorporation in 2010, will allow the business to broaden the range of services and support that it offers to Oxford businesses.

All staff of the combined business will be retained with further investment set to be made in training and infrastructure developments.

The privately-owned firm of chartered accountants has strong links with Oxford Entrepreneurs at the Said Business School and is an active supporter of the local start-up community.

Simon Thomas, the driving force behind Ridgefield Consulting, has deep sector experience having worked in local firms following training at one of the UK’s big four accountancy firms. His father, Brian Thomas, is also involved with the business and brings specific regional expertise following a 40-year career in practice and compliance as well as involvement with the training of accountancy students at several Oxford colleges.

Simon Thomas said: “We look forward to working closely with the team at Santander Corporate & Commercial and Hunter Marshall & Co as we broaden the range of services we offer to the local business community. Hunter Marshall & Co had a strong business reputation in the area and we are excited to demonstrate to our existing clients the benefits the merger will bring.”

Kevin Farrell, relationship director at Santander Corporate & Commercial, said: “Simon Thomas and his father Brian have significant industry experience which has been a major contributing factor to the success of the business to date. Trading under the name Hunter Thomas & Co, the business will be able to build on its exemplary track record and ensure that the Oxford-based businesses are able to realise their future ambitions.”