IN Accountancy joins Cowgills

North West accountancy firm Cowgills, part of the Sumer Group, has strengthened its footprint in the region with the addition of Hazel Grove-based IN Accountancy.

The deal enhances Cowgills’ presence in the region with a Stockport location, complementing existing offices in Bolton, Manchester, Liverpool and Wigan, and increasing its team to 300 professionals in the region.

Led by Sarah Harkness and Andrew Tyler, IN Accountancy has built a strong reputation for supporting owner-managed businesses, SMEs and growing companies across Stockport and the surrounding areas. Founded in 2012, the firm was established to move away from traditional compliance-heavy models, recognising a gap in the market for a more commercial, advisory-led approach.

Joining Cowgills will enable IN Accountancy clients to benefit from the additional services and resources a larger firm can offer. The two firms also share similar values, culture and entrepreneurial spirit when working with owner-managed businesses.

Both Sarah and Andy, and all staff will continue to work in the business from their office at Rhino Court, Hazel Grove, with the IN Accountancy name changing to Cowgills from 1st July 2026.

Cowgills joined the Sumer Group in early 2024, gaining the backing to execute an ambitious growth strategy, focusing on firms that align with its entrepreneurial ethos and dynamic culture. IN Accountancy’s team of professionals will join Sumer Group’s growing team of over 3,000 colleagues across more than 60+ offices nationwide.

Paul Stringer, managing partner at Cowgills, commented:

“Our priority has always been to work with firms that complement our culture and bring real commercial strength to the business. IN Accountancy is a strong fit on both fronts, their deep understanding of owner-managed businesses and their established presence in Stockport make them a natural partner.

“With Stockport now recognised as one of the fastest-growing economies in the North West and at the centre of one of the UK’s largest regeneration programmes, this move significantly strengthens our position in a key growth market and we’re incredibly excited to welcome them to Cowgills.”

Sarah Harkness, IN Accountancy’s Managing Director, added:

“We’ve built IN Accountancy around close relationships with our clients and a real understanding of the businesses we support across Stockport. It was important to us that any partnership enhanced that, not changed it. From our first conversations, it was clear that Cowgills shares that same mindset.

“This next step allows us to continue delivering the service our clients value, while opening up exciting new opportunities for our colleagues to develop and progress their careers within a larger firm.”

IN Accountancy was advised by Manchester based Lockett Loveday McMahon, and Cowgills Vialex.

Pictured: (L-R) IN Accountancy Professional Services Director, Andrew Tyler; IN Accountancy Managing Director, Sarah Harkness; Cowgills Managing Partner, Paul Stringer; and IN Accountancy Tax Director, Paul Brown.