KNILL James - which provides accountancy services throughout the South East - has appointed four new members of staff.

The Lewes-based firm, which this year celebrates its 130th anniversary, is enjoying a period of unprecedented growth.

Donna Beddis has taken up the post of outsourcing manager, bringing with her a wealth of experience in a range of industries.

Julia Mayne, who has more than 15 years of accountancy experience working in practice and industry, joins the firm as business services manager.

Alejandra Young becomes a trainee accountant studying towards the final stages of her Association of Chartered Accountants qualification.

Bethany Walls will be working within the corporate finance team, a key growth area for the firm.

Bethany has previous experience working within the legal sector and more recently graduated from the University of Sussex with a BSc in business and management.

She joins the firm as corporate finance executive.

Senior partner, Kevin Powell said: “I am delighted to welcome Donna, Julia, Ali and Bethany and wish them every success in their new roles.

“They join us at an exciting time as we continue to attract a wealth of new clients and expand our service offer.”

Knill James has a team specialising in a variety of sectors; making it a major employer in the Lewes area.

The firm offers bespoke advisory services and strategies to help individuals and companies optimise their business and tax affairs.

In 2016 Knill James was awarded Lewes Business of the Year by the Lewes and District Round Table.

The company is a founding member of the UK200Group - the UK’s leading association of independent chartered accountants and law firms.

It has six partners and in excess of 60 staff.

The company was formed by Mr H H Knill in 1887 in London, moving to East Sussex a few years later, and has remained in the region ever since.