The Hove-based business recovery specialist Morley & Scott has joined forces with Chantrey Vellacott in a move that will give it nationwide representation.

The firm in Boundary Road, Hove, will join a network with branches from Croydon to Northampton and will take on the Chantry Vellacott name.

The Morley & Scott office in Marlow is also included in the merger and will give the enlarged firm a total of six partners and 50 staff.

The business recovery division is part of Chantrey Vellacott DFK, a top 20 firm of chartered accountants with 56 partners and 300 staff.

Ken Touhey, partner at the Hove office, said: "Our emphasis will be positioning ourselves further up the ladder in the world of business recovery and turnaround work.

"This will strengthen our departmental skills and our industry specialisms, including property, pharmaceuticals, engineering, entertainment, transport, distribution, financial services and a special interest in the legal sector.

"During the past nine years of expanding the business recovery division of Morley & Scott, many changes have occurred in our profession.

"Quality and change are at the forefront and our move will provide dynamic resources to ensure continued advancement of our growth plans.

"We look forward to working with our new colleagues, which will create a fresh platform to ensure our continued growth."