GATESHEAD-based accountants Richardson Hall Kennedy & Co. (RHK) is preparing to move into its new office after receiving the keys from Cameron Builders.

RHK has been based in the area for almost 80 years, but the expansion of the business and the growth of the client base meant that the company was beginning to struggle for space. Plans for a custom-built office have been in development for the past five years, but were finally given the go-ahead earlier this year.

The new offices have been designed to provide an up-to-date, open working area, which the company hopes will enhance communication between departments.

Brad Thomas, tax partner at RHK, said: "Inter-departmental communication is vital in an accountancy office, and we have worked with the architects to design an open environment which perfectly accentuates this.

"We are investing in the future of the practice by equipping the offices with a new software package, providing us with the latest in IT technology. We are also developing our e-commerce capabilities to ensure that we are constantly giving our clients the best possible advice."

RHK has built a solid reputation in the region, due to the success of its many services