Hexham-based Patricia J Arnold & Co has joined forces with Armstrong Watson, which already has bases in Hexham. The merger sees Armstrong Watson continue to strengthen its position across the North-East following the expansion of its Newcastle office to larger premises in November - just two years after opening an office in the city - and the acquisition of Eura Audit in Northallerton last February. In the past 12 months the firm has also moved its west Cumbria offices from Workington to Cockermouth. Patricia Arnold has joined Armstrong Watson as a consultant and makes the move to the firm’s Hexham Business Park office along with 14 staff who will continue to provide tax and accounting services to their existing clients.