[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]A NORTH East accountancy firm is celebrating after scooping a national award at a glittering award ceremony in London.

Bailey Group Chartered Accountants beat out tough competition to claim the Fastest Growing Firm of the Year award at the inaugural IRIS Customer Awards on 9 October at Twickenham Stadium.

This award comes after a period of huge growth for the Bailey Group, who are one of the largest independent accountancy practices in the North East.

The firm recently hit the £3 million turnover mark and has seen client numbers grow by more than 20 per cent over the past 12 months.

The Bailey Group started as a single practice in Peterlee, but now has offices in Gateshead, Sedgefield, Consett, Redcar and recently expanded into the South with the purchase of a practice in St Albans.

The business employs more than 50 members of staff with the majority based in the North East.

The Fastest Growing Firm of the Year award recognises the firm that has shown the most growth over the past 12-months and the Bailey Group beat out two established firms from Wales and Scotland to claim the prize.

Chris Bailey CEO of the Bailey Group said: “We are delighted to receive this award, we have worked really hard over the past couple of years to grow the group and it’s fantastic to receive national recognition.

“We’re also proud that we are able to bring this award back to the North East, we work a lot of businesses North East and are delighted to advocate for businesses in our region.

“This award is a testament to the hard work our staff has put in over the past couple of years, and hopefully we can keep growing!”

Sion Lewis, CEO of IRIS Accountancy Solutions said: “We are delighted the Bailey Group has won the Fastest Growing Firm of the Year at the IRIS Customer Awards. Its innovative use of technology, and a growth strategy of organic client development combined with acquisitions, has demonstrated the Group’s tenacity in the industry. IRIS works tirelessly to help customers grow and evolve, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with the Bailey Group in years to come.”

The IRIS Customer Awards are hosted by IRIS Accountancy Solutions –the leading accountancy software provider in the UK. The awards celebrate the best of the accountancy profession and included categories for Firm of the Year and Accountant of the Year.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]