A FIRM is celebrating its 80th birthday.

And staff at Pierce Group, Ainsworth Street, Blackburn, are even happier after surviving the recession.

The accountancy and advisory company, which was founded in Accrington, has witnessed first hand how East Lancashire businesses have struggled during the downturn.

Chief executive John Green said: “Everyone at Pierce is very proud to be celebrating this milestone with our clients and partners.

“We’ve come a long way since starting out in a single room in an office in Accrington 80 years ago.

“These past 12 months have been among the hardest of the last eight decades. No one knows more than Pierce just how difficult it has been for businesses of East Lancashire - we act for a large number of them, although we’re always looking for more.

“It’s been quite strange that in our 80th year, a milestone worth celebrating for any business, we’ve hardly reflected on this.”

Mr Green said he felt optimistic 2010 would be a better year for business.

He said: “Confidence is returning, albeit gradually. Lancashire has some best brands in the world and many ‘silent giants’ - those leading businesses who prefer to keep their light under a bushel.”