Gravita joins forces with Oxford-based Critchleys to expand regional footprint
Gravita, the tech-enabled accountancy firm for growth businesses, has joined forces with Critchleys, an Oxford-based firm with nearly 120 years’ experience working with clients in the Thames Valley. Gravita will bring its own significant expertise in life sciences and fast-growth businesses to Oxford and the wider region, while enabling Critchleys to scale its sector specialisms across the UK.
Critchleys has played a vital role in Oxford and the wider Thames Valley business ecosystem for over a hundred years, with clients including many University of Oxford colleges and leading independent schools. Its success has been driven by exceptional practitioners with deep understanding of the sectors they operate in and strong client relationships. Some of Critchleys’ clients have stayed with the company since it was founded in 1906.
Today, Critchleys employs 85 people and serves over 1,000 businesses in Oxfordshire, across the UK and overseas. It has 1,500 private clients and a strong stable of over 250 clients in the charity and education sectors.
The partnership means Critchleys will benefit from Gravita’s tech-enabled approach as regulatory and compliance obligations increase, enabling the firm to focus on providing hands-on advisory and consultancy services. Gravita’s expertise in listed markets, and specialist areas in tax and compliance, will now support growth businesses across the Thames Valley.
This announcement follows the integration of Davis Grant and Carter Backer Winter (CBW) in 2023 and Arram Berlyn Gardner (ABG) and Propel – formerly part of Deloitte – in 2022. Backed by private equity investor Tenzing, Gravita is now one of the UK’s top 30 accountancy firms with a headcount of over 400. It has offices in London, Oxford and Essex and will continue to expand its regional footprint in the UK.
Caroline Plumb, CEO at Gravita, said: “From our earliest conversations, it was clear the team at Critchleys are exceptional and well respected by clients, with relationships often going back decades. Both firms share the view that investing in people is paramount to long-term success, and we’re focused on offering a platform to take team training, development and overall employee experience to the next level. We’re also delighted to establish a presence in Oxfordshire, with its innovative growth businesses and expertise in life sciences and emerging technologies.
Gravita’s ambition is to pioneer the next generation of accountancy firms, embracing technology to deliver for clients, drive efficiency and be a leading employer for our people. We are incredibly excited about this partnership and warmly welcome the team and its clients to Gravita.”
Robert Kirtland, senior partner at Critchleys, said: “For more than 100 years, Critchleys has been a fundamental part of the Oxford ecosystem as a flourishing independent business. Choosing a partner who really understands our approach and the value we bring to clients was at the heart of our decision to partner with Gravita. As the accountancy sector evolves at pace, Gravita’s tech-enabled approach will allow us to continue to grow while maintaining the culture that has driven our success to date. In Gravita, we have found kindred spirits who share our vision for the future”.
Rob Jones, investment director at Tenzing, said: “Critchleys is an exceptional firm which fits well with the Gravita philosophy. Its deep roots in Oxfordshire will expand Gravita’s regional reach as the brand continues to grow across the UK, and it is committed to offering the best service for SMEs. As consolidation continues apace in the UK accountancy sector, it is testament to Gravita’s reputation that the business continues to attract the highest quality partners as it scales.”