AN accountancy firm has expanded with three new appointments.

Stockton-based Anderson Barrowcliff, has recruited Jeanette Muir, Jean Springett and Mhairi Charlton to provide enhanced tax planning, accountancy and payroll services.

Nick Upton, a partner in the firm, said: “As the Treasury ploughs more and more cash into the banks and the economy, the Government is introducing new rules on tax and increasing National Insurance payments to help bolster revenue. As a result, we have experienced a real increase in demand for proactive tax planning.”

GOOD NEWS: Nearly 700 jobs were created in the North-East’s process industries in the past year.

Large companies in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, speciality, polymer and rubber, petrochemical and commodity chemical sectors, have continued to recruit new staff, the industry group North East Process Industry Cluster said.

GOING FLAT: Grolsch and Peroni brewer SAB Miller yesterday said faltering consumer demand had sent lager volumes into reverse in the final quarter of its financial year. The firm, which also makes Pilsner Urquell and Miller Genuine Draft, said organic volumes fell one per cent in the three months to March 31 and were flat over the year.

NEW STORE: Jeweller HPJ is to open the first UK branch of its Jewel Nation outlet in The Bridges shopping centre, in Sunderland. HPJ has been trading for 30 years, and Jewel Nation is its latest image. The Bridges, owned by Land Securites, now includes more than 100 shops.