WLR Group Strengthens South West Presence with Acquisition of Blackwell Bate
Added by Love Business East Midlands | 2 June 2026
UPDATED: 3 June 2026
WLR Group has completed the acquisition of Blackwell Bate, the respected Saltash-based accountancy practice, marking a significant milestone in the Group’s continued growth and investment across the South West.
Following the Groups acquisition in the summer of 2025 of Tamar Accountancy, this acquisition brings together organisations that share a strong commitment to client service, trusted advice, and long-term relationship building. Blackwell Bate will continue to operate from its existing Saltash office, with the existing team remaining in place and clients continuing to work with the people they know and trust.
The transaction forms part of WLR Group’s broader strategy to build a national professional services organisation capable of supporting business owners, families, and entrepreneurs through every stage of their journey. The Group now comprises specialist businesses across accountancy, legal services, finance, insurance, and strategic advisory, supported by its Signature Concierge model which esnures clients access the right expertise at the right time.
For Blackwell Bate clients, the immediate focus will be continuity and stability. Existing relationships, service delivery, and day-to-day contacts remain unchanged. Clients will now in addition benefit from access to a wider range of specialist services and expertise available across the Group.
Martin Collins, CEO of WLR Group, said:
“Blackwell Bate has built an excellent reputation throughout Cornwall and the South West by doing what every great professional services firm should do – putting clients first, delivering high-quality advice, and building lasting relationships.
This acquisition is not about changing what makes Blackwell Bate successful. It is about investing in that success, supporting the team, and creating additional opportunities for clients and colleagues alike.
From our earliest conversations with Alex, Graham and the wider team, it was clear there was strong alignment in values, culture, and ambition. We believe professional services should be personal, proactive, and built around long-term relationships, and that philosophy exists strongly within Blackwell Bate.
We are making a long-term commitment to the business, to the region, and to the people who have helped build its reputation. We are excited about what comes next.”
The acquisition also creates new development opportunities for the existing Blackwell Bate team, with WLR investing heavily in leadership development, technology, professional growth, and service expansion across all areas of the business.
As part of that commitment, the Group has announced the promotion of a key member of the Blackwell Bate Management team, Amy Wise, to Director – WLR South West.
Amy has played a significant role in the continued success of Blackwell Bate and has earned widespread respect from clients and colleagues alike through her professionalism, integrity, technical expertise, and commitment to exceptional client service.
Martin Collins added:
“Amy embodies the values we look for in future leaders. She is trusted by clients, respected by her colleagues, and consistently demonstrates the professionalism, integrity, and commitment that define great advisers.
Her promotion reflects both her contribution to date and our confidence in the future. Amy will play a key role in helping us continue to grow and develop our South West presence whilst maintaining the outstanding service standards that clients expect.”
Blackwell Bate Partners Alex Blackwell and Graham Roberts welcomed the transaction and the opportunities it creates for both clients and colleagues.
They commented:
“Throughout this process, our priority has always been our clients, our team, and the long-term future of the business.
WLR shares our belief that professional services are ultimately about people, relationships, and trust. The opportunities this creates for our clients and our colleagues are significant, whilst preserving the culture and service standards that have made Blackwell Bate successful.
We are excited about the future and look forward to working closely with the wider WLR team as we begin the next chapter of the business.”
The acquisition further strengthens WLR’s position within the accountancy sector and continues the Group’s strategy of partnering with high-quality regional firms that share its commitment to client service, technical excellence, and long-term growth.
