Azets appoints Corporate Finance Associate Director
International accountancy and business advisory group Azets has strengthened its Corporate Finance team in Yorkshire with the appointment of Ben Hick as Associate Director in its Leeds office.
Ben joins Azets with a decade of experience at PwC and KPMG Corporate Finance advising privately owned and private equity businesses across a variety of sectors including business services, industrials and technology, media and telecoms (TMT).
His most recent role was as Corporate Development Director at a large private equity (PE) backed business supporting its national and international expansion plans.
Ben’s expertise includes advice about private equity investment and trade exits, cross-border deals, carve-outs and growth capital raises.
He will support a range of businesses at different points in their journey, in Yorkshire, nationwide and cross-border.
UK Head of Corporate Finance Lee Humble said: “Ben will further strengthen the expertise and depth of our team so we can continue to provide best in class service.
“He joins after an exceptional year for our team in 2025, which has seen us recognised in the North East, Yorkshire and nationally as one of the leading providers of Corporate Finance advice and support, and will be the first of many hires we make this year as we look expand the team to fulfil growing demand.
“I am confident that he will make a major contribution to another great year ahead as we continue to support clients in multiple industries, across the UK and internationally.”
Ben, who is based in Azets’ Leeds office, is the firm’s first Corporate Finance team hire of 2026.
In 2025, four new partners joined and there were 18 promotions. New hires included Iffy Hussein as a Corporate Finance Partner in Azets’ Leeds office, who will be working alongside Ben.
Ben said: “I am thrilled to be joining a formidable corporate finance team with such an excellent reputation.
“With its national strength and local focus, Azets has a reputation for delivering high quality advice and building long-lasting relationships. I look forward to working with the team and playing my part in providing that support while contributing to the continued growth of Azets.”
Azets’ UK Corporate Finance team advised on 124 disclosed deals in 2025, with an even split between buy side and sell side work.
The team was also shortlisted for 24 awards across the UK, winning both the Yorkshire Dealmakers ‘Deal of the Year – up to £5m’ award for the Acquisition of DDH Services by Hollybank Trust, and the South Coast Deals Awards ‘Deal of the Year’ award in the £10m to £50m category for advising the shareholder of L&S Waste Management on its sale to Biffa.
Azets’ Corporate Finance experts specialise in M&A advisory, capital raising and transaction services for all types of businesses.
The firm – one of the top 10 UK accountancy and business advisors in the UK – provides independent, trusted advice with a proactive, partner-led, dedicated and bespoke service for clients.
Azets has three offices in Yorkshire – Leeds, Bradford and York – and more than 70 offices nationwide. It employs 335 people in Yorkshire.
Image Caption (above): WARM WELCOME: Accountancy and business advisory group Azets has strengthened its corporate finance team in Yorkshire with the appointment of Ben Hick as associate director in its Leeds office. (February 2026)