A MALTON accountant is eyeing expansion after completing an extensive rebrand.

Ashby Berry Coulsons is investing a ‘substantial sum’ in renovating its Wheelgate base to accommodate ongoing growth.

Until recently the company operated as an agent for Santander, working out of premises that displayed the high street bank’s familiar red branding.

But after Santander opted to leave Malton last month, Ashby Berry Coulsons has remained in the same location and is now operating under its own name.

Accounts senior Andrew Windress, who has worked at the firm for 27 years, said Santander’s old reception had now gone and the company was renovating the shop with the aim of bringing the accountancy practice downstairs.

He said the work would leave Ashby Berry Coulsons space to employ more staff, which would soon be on the cards as the rebrand was already attracting more trade.

Mr Windress said: “Since Santander’s signage came down and ours went up, we’ve seen an upturn in people coming through the door enquiring about accountancy services.

“This bodes well for the business and we feel sure that when the work on the shop is finished and we move downstairs, our visibility on the high street will increase, leading to further enquiries.

“Of course, this also means we will have the space to recruit as the upstairs of the premises, which is where we have operated up until now, will be entirely freed up.”

Ashby Berry Coulsons was established in Savile Street in Malton in 1945.

Since that time the business has acted as an agent to building societies Bradford Equitable, Bradford & Bingley and bank Santander. It moved to its present base on Wheelgate in 1979.

The recent rebrand sees it operate under its own name in the town for the first time in 60 years.

“This is a really exciting chapter in our history,” Mr Windress said. "Next year we will have been here for 70 years and we’re looking forward to the next 70, and hopefully many more beyond that.”

Mr Windress is joined by Ian Whitham in the Malton office as well as Ashby Berry Coulsons’ directors Tim Jones and Graeme Hay, who divide their time between the firm’s offices Scarborough, Malton and Helmsley.