A Birmingham accountancy firm has expanded into new city centre offices following a successful merger, increasing client numbers and promising deal activity.

Smith Cooper, which is currently based on New Market Street, will be moving its 15 strong team this month to offices within Livery Place, 35 Livery Street.

The compang has signed a 10-year lease on the property.

Smith Cooper engaged local professionals Mark Colder of The Wilkes Partnership solicitors and Malcolm Jones of KWB Office Property Specialists to advise on the lease.

The move follows the highly successful merger of Smith Cooper with the long established and highly respected firm Andersons KBS in the summer of 2008.

The long-term lease commitment forms part of Smith Cooper’s strategic growth plan to develop the practice within Birmingham and the West Midlands.

Despite the current difficult market conditions, Smith Cooper has experienced steady growth over the last 12 months and has secured a number of significant new clients as well as completing several high profile deals.

Jeremy Cope, partner in charge of the Birmingham office of Smith Cooper, said the move was a key part of wider expansion plans.

He said: “I am delighted that just 18 months after our merger, we are in a position to continue with our plans for expansion within the city.

“The newly-refurbished Livery Place provides the ideal environment for Smith Cooper as a progressive professional services firm and we are delighted to be showing our on-going commitment to Birmingham as a vibrant and successful professional community.

“The move marks an important development in our business and is testament to Smith Cooper’s ability to continue to grow even in the current extremely challenging business environment.

“By investing in our business now we are ensuring we meet the demands of the new commercial landscape as we emerge from recession in the future,” Mr Cope added.

Smith Cooper have nine offices across the East and West Midlands.