Mid-tier accounting firm ROCG Perth has expanded with the acquisition of specialist research and development tax consultants Insight Business.
Insight has had a sole focus on R&D tax claims since 2009, servicing companies in the engineering, medical technology, renewable energy, mining, construction and other sectors.
Its 12 staff members, including director Martin Reed, have moved into ROCG’s West Perth office.
The acquisition means ROCG Perth will have six directors and 20 accountants.
It’s the second expansion by ROCG this year, after Osborne Park audit firm Alessandrino Scivolo joined the national alliance in July, trading as ROCG Stirling.
ROCG Perth managing director Stewart Blizard said both moves built upon established relationships.
The Osborne Park practice, which has about 20 staff, had been the auditor for ROCG Perth, and Insight Business had provided advice to clients on tax claims.
Mr Blizard said ROCG would enable Mr Reed to accelerate his east coast presence, adding to the one person he already employs in Sydney.
“They approached us,” Mr Blizard said.
“He has wanted to expand east for some time, but can’t do it on his own.”
ROCG Asia Pacific has east coast offices in Sydney, Melbourne and Mornington, and is seeking a Brisbane firm to join the network.
Insight Business is the second specialist tax firm in Perth to change hands this year.
KD Johns & Co joined Deloitte’s private practice, from October 1.
Mr Blizard said R&D tax claims were an invaluable means of incentivising businesses, which could qualify for tax breaks and even cash refunds.
“In an environment where many mining service providers, construction industries and others are being challenged to innovate, the services are very much in demand,” he said.
The new acquisition dovetails neatly with ROCG’s legal trading entity, the Insight Group.
It already operates as Insight Business Partners, Insight Financial Partners and Insight Consulting Partners.
