Azets, the Top 10 UK Accountancy firm, has announced three senior hires in the Forensic Accounting and Valuations team.

Partners David Houghton and Kate Beckett, and Director Aaron Pegg join from DSW Bridge Houghton Forensic. The appointments form part of Azets’ ambitious plans to scale the national forensic accounting team, in response to growing demand for expert evidence, independent analysis and advice across a variety of legal claims.

With expertise ranging from loss of profits evaluation to preparation and presentation of financial and accounting evidence in relation to criminal prosecutions and regulatory investigations, the trio’s experience spans a variety of sectors from energy and transport, to FMCG and construction. In their new roles, they’ll be advising new and existing clients across the UK, with Kate Beckett being based in Azets’ Leeds office, and David Houghton and Aaron Pegg being based in Azets’ Manchester office.

Commenting on the growth of the team, James Hamilton, Head of Forensic Accounting at Azets said: “The appointments of David, Kate and Aaron sees us expand our presence and deepen our forensic and valuation expertise. We’re looking forward to embedding all three new experts into the existing Azets’ Forensic and Valuations team, allowing us to continue delivering exceptional results for our clients, and further establishing ourselves as a market leader in the North of England. The wealth of knowledge that they bring with them provides a material step change forward in the profile of our national practice, in line with our ambitious growth plans.”

Prior to the merger with DSW Bridge Houghton Forensic, David Houghton founded and was the senior partner of Bridge Houghton LLP, a specialist chartered accountancy practice which was established in 2011. David has specialist expertise in the valuation of private company shareholdings, litigation support and forensic accounting. He was appointed to the ICAEW Presidents Panel for Expert Determination and is one of a very small number of accountants in the UK to have been granted the Forensic Accountancy Accreditation by the ICAEW. He has experience working as Expert Witness for Appellant and Respondent and appearing in Court as Single Party and Single Joint Expert in the Family Court, High Court and Tier 1 Tax Tribunal. 

With over 20 years’ experience, Kate Beckett has developed a wide variety of forensic accounting skills and worked across a broad range of forensic assignments. As well as working in multiple accountancy firm forensic teams, Kate has also spent time in industry where she managed the process of collating and analysing information using forensic technology processes and implementing enhanced anti-money laundering processes at a large financial institution.

Having held a number of positions at BDO, the Serious Fraud Office and DSW Bridge Houghton Forensic, Aaron Pegg has extensive forensic accounting and valuation skills, incorporating loss of profits claims, fraud investigations and complex valuations.

Newly appointed David Houghton added: “We are delighted to be joining forces with Azets; having built a successful practice with DSW, the opportunity to come together with the Azets Forensic and Valuations team allows us to take the business to the next level, creating one of the largest forensic accounting and valuation offerings in the North of England. The quality and reach of the national team will provide opportunities for us to further enhance the services that we have provided to our clients, and we are really looking forward to working with great colleagues throughout Azets.”