Sumer Northern Ireland has announced a series of promotions across its Innovation Tax Relief and Forensic Accounting functions.

With this move, the Belfast-based accountancy practice intends to respond to rising demand for specialist advisory work.

The company’s Innovation Tax Relief unit works largely with small and medium-sized enterprises. The team now leads the group’s work on research and development and Patent Box tax services across the UK.

Under the latest round of promotions, Dr Phil Chambers was appointed as associate partner of the unit. His background spans multiple industries, including pharmaceuticals, aerospace and software.

He will work alongside Adam Stuart, who has been promoted to senior manager, bringing experience in software and information technology.

Together with their colleagues in Innovation Tax Relief, they will assist companies with compiling and filing R&D tax claims, while helping clients understand available incentives and pinpoint potential projects linked to expansion and innovation.

In the Forensic Accounting arm of the firm, Aoife Morgan has been promoted to associate partner. She will continue to work with clients on the assessment and quantification of financial losses, including loss of earnings, pensions and related impacts in cases involving personal injury, medical negligence and dependency.

Sumer Northern Ireland managing partner Brian Clerkin said: “These appointments are a clear reflection of the calibre of our staff, alongside the sustained growth we are seeing across the firm and increasing demand from the marketplace.

“At Sumer Northern Ireland we place great emphasis on nurturing talent and creating clear pathways for progression.

“We’re committed to investing in our people and in supporting them to develop deep technical expertise while building long-term careers within the firm.”

The practice became part of the Sumer Group nearly two years ago. It now has 120 employees in various positions.