Azets, the Top 10 UK Accountancy firm, has announced six senior promotions across the Yorkshire region.
Becky Maguire and Claire Needham have been appointed Office Managing Partners of Leeds and York, respectively, whilst Nick Barker, Stephen Garbett, Jessica Lawrence and Chris Blackburn, are promoted from Director to Partner.
Becky Maguire, Head of Tax for the Yorkshire region, will now also oversee the 120-strong Leeds office in her new role. Claire Needham, who leads the Technical Accounting and Valuations team who help clients with more complex needs for various transactions such as initial public offerings (IPO), de-listings, mergers and acquisitions, will now also manage the team of 140 in York.
The appointment of new Office Managing Partners comes at a time of continued growth and opportunity for the York and Leeds offices of Azets and is recognition of the leading presence the firm has in each city.
Within the Corporate Finance team, both Nick and Stephen have been promoted from Director to Partner. Nick Barker has 20 years’ experience working on a variety of transactions for owner-managed businesses, including business sales and acquisitions, MBOs and MBIs, and fundraising projects across several different sectors, including financial services, manufacturing, transport, veterinary and healthcare, retail, food and hospitality.
Stephen Garbett focuses on mergers and acquisitions, as well as private equity and finance raising transactions. His experience spans a range of sectors including renewable energy, manufacturing, healthcare, IT, arts and leisure.
Jessica Lawrence has been promoted to Partner in the firm’s growing audit team. Working with a wide range of clients, from owner-managed start-up businesses to large corporate entities, she also leads the region’s audit work for the charity and not-for-profit sectors, bringing together a multi-disciplinary team to service client needs.
Working within the Accounts and Business Advisory Services team, Chris Blackburn specialises in providing advice to owner managed businesses in the hospitality sector. Within his new role as Partner, Chris will continue to also provide specialist compliance and advisory services to the equine sector, including horse trainers, breeders and owners.
Russell Turner, Regional Managing Director, commented: “These promotions are truly well deserved and demonstrate the breadth of talent we have across our region, together with our ongoing commitment to develop and support our own talent within Azets. A huge congratulations to Becky, Claire, Jessica, Chris, Nick and Stephen, they will make a significant contribution to this region’s growth and its future success. I wish them all the best in their new roles.”
