ACCOUNTANCY firm Deloitte says its Liverpool office has increased its head count to 75, after revenues grew in the past year despite the continuing economic downturn.

Nine graduates started at the office last month, including several University of Liverpool alumni.

Six employees from commercial property consultancy Drivers Jonas Deloitte, including director Barry Crichton, are also now based in Merseyside as a result of Deloitte’s takeover of Drivers Jonas last year.

Five Deloitte partners now work at the firm’s Liverpool office in Exchange Flags – senior partner Sean Beech, Jane Boardman, Mark Lawrie, Myles Duckworth, and Phil Holt. Scott Bayne has been promoted to audit director.

Mr Beech said: “We are committed to investing in the best people for the future of our business, and to ensure we can better serve our clients in the region.

“We are proud of the fact that we are bringing aboard a record number of graduates this year, and that our colleagues at Drivers Jonas Deloitte will be able to deliver a full range of property consultancy services for our Merseyside clients.

“We aim to strengthen the talent in the firm at every level by providing the necessary mentoring and support to help our people develop and flourish in their career.”