Yorkshire Building Society partners with Plain Numbers to improve customer understanding
Yorkshire Building Society has entered a new partnership with Plain Numbers, an organisation dedicated to helping companies communicate numbers clearly and effectively. The partnership is designed to make life easier for members and customers by improving how the Society explains financial information — particularly for those who may find numbers challenging or overwhelming. Plain Numbers is…
Schofield Sweeney strengthens team with new appointments and promotions
Yorkshire law firm Schofield Sweeney has expanded its team through a series of promotions and senior appointments, broadening its service offering and strengthening its company culture. The firm has recruited three new senior team members and promoted three employees in the business. The new hires include Dorrien Peters, who joins the firm from Knights as…
AAB acquires fractional finance support business to strengthen support for start-ups and scale-ups
Leading professional services firm, AAB, has today announced the acquisition of RORA, a specialist finance support business focused on start-ups and scale-ups. London-based RORA provides fractional finance leadership to early-stage and high-growth businesses, operating as their dedicated finance team or as specialist support to existing in-house finance functions. The acquisition further strengthens AAB’s capability to…
Manufacturer of frying ranges for fish and chips shops saved
Sale of Henry Nuttall, founded in 1865, by joint administrators Azets, with all jobs saved A manufacturer of frying ranges for fish and chip shops across Great Britain, that traces its roots back to Victorian times, has been saved after running into financial difficulties. Henry Nuttall, founded 161 years ago in Rochdale, Greater Manchester, is…
Switalskis invests in inclusive qualification routes
Law firm Switalskis is investing in training programmes that support colleagues to train and qualify through a range of routes, enabling them to choose pathways that suit their circumstances. Switalskis has recently supported solicitor Catherine Cain to qualify through the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) while continuing her work in family law. The firm provided adjusted…
Three-sy doesn’t do it for small parcel exporters to EU
Why Yorkshire businesses need to prepare for July: €3 tariff duty is being applied to each small parcel sent to the EU with a value below €150 Businesses in Yorkshire which export small parcels to the EU with a value below €150 per an item face a €3 duty for each one from July. They…
Law firm cements sports portfolio with five Rugby League club partnerships
Chadwick Lawrence Solicitors continues to strengthen its presence across professional Rugby League in Yorkshire, with five club partnerships for the 2026 season. The firm has long-standing relationships with Leeds Rhinos, Bradford Bulls and Wakefield Trinity, and in recent years has built on this through partnerships with Huddersfield Giants and Castleford Tigers. This year, the firm…
Businesses in Yorkshire with payroll should prepare for April 6 – R-Day
From then, businesses must keep accurate records of holiday entitlement, holiday pay calculations and annual leave processed through payroll for six years. It’s being called R-Day – and every business with payroll systems in Yorkshire could face criminal prosecution if they fail to abide with strict new compliance rules. From April 6, dubbed Records-Day, they…
AAB announce deal with Kreston Reeves creating a £200m+ group
Leading professional services firms, AAB and Kreston Reeves, have today announced a landmark deal that will take the combined business beyond £200 million in annual revenue, marking a significant step in both firms’ long-term growth strategy. The combined business will employ more than 1,800 people across 23 locations in the UK and Ireland. AAB has…
Events launched to help Yorkshire businesses navigate payroll shake-up
Employers in Yorkshire are being urged to get to grips with major payroll changes that are hurtling down the tracks. A raft of strict new regulations are coming into force under the April 6 overhaul, which includes the potential for significant enforcement action for non‑compliance. Azets, a UK top 10 accountancy and business advisory firm…
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…
Calls for £2 billion Patent Box tax relief to be unwrapped for far more companies
Is this Britain’s most complicated business tax relief? …with a handful of large corporations getting the lion’s share A complicated tax relief aimed at encouraging companies to commercialise their innovations within the UK is in dire need of reform because it favours the few, it emerged today. Reform of the Patent Box scheme is said to…
York residents urged to maximise their income as part of York Talk Money fortnight
York residents are being urged to find out whether they could be eligible for extra income as part of next week’s York Talk Money fortnight (2-15 February). Run by City of York Council and partners across the city, including Citizens Advice, Peasholme Charity, Age UK, York Energy Advice and OCAY, the regular event aims to…
Product Partnership Ltd acquires Think Compliance
Retail compliance expert Product Partnerships Ltd (PPL) has bought a majority stake in Think Compliance, a specialist consultancy which provides compliance support and Regulatory Data Reporting services to Consumer Credit and Claims Management regulated firms across the UK. Rebecca Wilson, shareholder of Leeds-based Think Compliance, was advised on the acquisition by Yorkshire-based commercial law firm Schofield…
Huddersfield’s BM Packaging acquired by global operator
BM Packaging Ltd, the Holmfirth-based manufacturer and supplier of corrugated packaging, has been acquired by Nova Paper & Packaging B.V, part of the global Eren Holding. The family-owned business, which was established in 1990 and provides packaging solutions for a variety of businesses and industries as well as offering bespoke corrugated cases and die-cut packaging,…
Annual insolvency stats – Yorkshire accountants warn ‘no respite on horizon’
2025 insolvency stats for England and Wales – Azets response There were 23,938 corporate insolvencies in 2025 – 0.2% more than in 2024 (23,880) and 4.9% fewer than in 2023 (25,164) Richard Oddy, a partner, licensed insolvency practitioner and business restructuring, turnaround and rescue expert at accountancy and business advisory group Azets in Yorkshire, said:…
New leadership structure positions AAB for continued audit growth
Leading professional services firm, AAB, has strengthened its senior leadership team with the appointment of Gary Harding as Head of Audit, as the firm continues its rapid growth journey. Gary joins AAB with significant experience as Audit Partner having held roles at EY, BDO and Grant Thornton. In his new role, he will be responsible…
Azets’ five cashflow management tips for SMEs – Keeping tab of supplier/creditor payments
Swapping credit cards with virtual replacements could help Yorkshire SMEs improve their cashflow, a senior finance professional has advised. Matthew Grant, Yorkshire head of accounts and business advisory at international business advisory group Azets, said that removing traditional cards for orders, expenses and other expenditure gives a business greater control. It is one of five…
Another Partner joins Andrew Jackson’s Commercial & IP Department
Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP has welcomed James Peel as a partner into the commercial and intellectual property (IP) department, strengthening further its offering in this area across the region and beyond. James specialises in commercial contracts and data protection, advising clients on practical, tailored contractual solutions to support their day-to-day operations and longer-term objectives. James’s…
Inheritance tax threshold increase announced
Welcome news for the rural sector and family businesses In a surprise announcement just before Christmas, the Government confirmed a significant change to the upcoming inheritance tax (IHT) reforms. The threshold for 100% IHT relief on qualifying business and agricultural assets – originally to be set at £1 million per individual – will now be…
Get ready for new employment rights enforcement agency, Azets warns
The clock is ticking for firms in Yorkshire to get ready for the introduction of the Fair Work Agency (FWA), according to experts from business and advisory group Azets. Hannah-Jane (HJ) Dobbie and Julie Gunnell have warned that employers in the county could face a number of consequences, including fines, if they don’t comply with…
Law firm knits 150 twiddle muffs for people in Yorkshire living with dementia in annual Christmas gift drive
Chadwick Lawrence Solicitors has donated over 300 gifts, including 150 twiddle muffs, as part of its annual festive gift drive in support of local care and healthcare units. This marks the firm’s largest festive gift drive to date, with colleagues donating or hand-making gifts for people living with dementia, homeless and vulnerable individuals, children in…
Azets’ five cashflow management tips for SMEs: Turn over new leaf on stock and inventory
Be ruthless with stock management to improve cashflow – that is the message for SMEs in Yorkshire from international accountancy and business advisory group Azets. Matthew Grant, Yorkshire head of accountancy and business advisory, urged businesses to think more strategically to tighten up their stock and inventory processes. He has offered five key tips for…
Blacks Solicitors is ‘movin’ on up’ with major office move in Leeds
Reflecting its growth, ambition and investment in its people, Blacks Solicitors has today announced that the firm is ‘movin’ on up’, relocating its Leeds headquarters at 29 King Street from the second floor to the newly acquired fourth and fifth floors. The move will increase the firm’s workspace from 11,500 sq ft to 17,000 sq…
Andrew Jackson Solicitors advises on acquisition of historic ocean fish group by Fortuna Ltd
Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP announces that it has advised Falkland Islands-based fishing business Fortuna Ltd on its acquisition of Ocean Fish Group, a long-established fishing and processing business whose heritage dates back to 1740. Ocean Fish is one of Cornwall’s oldest fishing and seafood processing groups, supplying UK and European wholesale, retail and, more recently,…
AAB reinforces Yorkshire audit capability with appointment of Abdullah Daji as Audit Partner in Leeds
Leading professional services firm, AAB has announced the appointment of Abdullah Daji as Audit Partner in its Leeds office, further strengthening the firm’s presence and audit capability across Yorkshire. Abdullah will be based in Leeds, joining a 140 strong team, where he will focus on managing a diverse audit client portfolio while playing a key…
Don’t fall foul of the Tipping Act, Azets warns businesses
Hospitality and service industry businesses in Yorkshire could face fines and the prospect of an employment tribunal if they don’t comply with the Tipping Act, two experts have warned. The Employment (Allocation of Tips) Act 2023 rules that employers must pass on all tips, gratuities and service charges to workers without deductions. This act impacts…
Further growth for Andrew Jackson’s family law practice
Regional law firm Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP has welcomed solicitor Holly Ackroyd to its family team, marking further growth for the firm’s highly regarded family law practice. Holly will assist on financial and children’s issues arising from relationship breakdown. In addition to managing her own matters, she will also work alongside other members of the…
Head of Strategic Partnerships reacts to Autumn Budget
Andy Clarke, Head of Strategic Partnerships at Ahead Partnership: “We welcome the additional information provided around the Youth Guarantee in today’s budget. With more than one million young people currently NEET and national productivity still lagging, this type of targeted investment is essential. The Prime Minister has talked about putting apprenticeships on an equal footing…
Andrew Jackson welcomes another solicitor to its contentious probate practice
Regional law firm Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP is pleased to announce that solicitor Ben Naylor has joined its contentious probate practice, strengthening the existing team and client offering across the region. Ben brings extensive experience and receives instructions in relation to claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975, probate actions, and…
Azets’ five cashflow management tips for SMEs
Small changes to policies and processes could help Yorkshire SMEs improve their cashflow levels, a senior finance professional has said. Matthew Grant, Yorkshire head of accountancy and business advisory at international accountancy and business advisory group Azets, is encouraging business owners to think strategically about their terms of trade and customer relationships, and review their…
Kiril Mischeff Group acquires Minster Fine Foods Ltd
Kiril Mischeff, a leading food and beverage supplier, has acquired South-Lincolnshire based Minster Fine Foods Ltd, further strengthening its growing portfolio. Kiril Mischeff, one of Europe’s leading food and ingredient suppliers to the food and beverage manufacturing, foodservice and retail sectors, was advised on the acquisition by Yorkshire-based commercial law firm Schofield Sweeney. Minster Fine…
Postmasters warned time is running out for compensation claims
Despite widespread publicity and a number of recent high-profile settlements in the Post Office Horizon scandal, a leading lawyer is urging postmasters who have yet to lodge or appeal a claim to take action, as the deadlines rapidly approach. Sir Alan Bates, who led the campaign for justice, and the oldest victim, Betty Brown, have…
Autumn Budget 2025: prediction and policy pitfalls
Fairness, Feasibility, and the Fragile Art of Fiscal Balance Dr Giray Gozgor is an Associate Professor of Economics and Finance at the School of Management, University of Bradford As Chancellor Rachel Reeves prepares to deliver the Autumn Budget on 26 November, a University of Bradford economist warns that the challenge is “not just fiscal, but…
Dear Chancellor, how the following policy changes would boost hard-hit businesses in Yorkshire
A savvy wish-list of seven policies to boost hard-hit SMEs in Yorkshire has been sent to the Chancellor by UK top 10 accountancy and business advisory firm Azets. With offices in Leeds, Bradford and York, the firm specialises in SME advice and support for more than 80,000 clients nationwide. Praveen Gupta, Azets’ UK head of…
Bridging the gap: Law Society President visits Leeds Beckett to support aspiring students
Law students at Leeds Beckett University had the opportunity to hear from leading legal professionals at a special Law Society Aspiring Solicitors event on Tuesday 12 November, focusing on social mobility and widening access to the legal profession. The event welcomed guest speakers Mark Evans, President of the Law Society of England and Wales, alongside…
Taxing time for company directors over dividends reporting requirements
Company directors and shareholders in Yorkshire face new mandatory reporting requirements for the first time when it comes to declaring dividends from profits for owner-managed and family-run ‘close’ companies. Close companies are usually privately owned limited companies controlled by five or fewer participants, including shareholder directors. The reporting for the compliance ruling by HMRC starts…
Andrew Jackson appoints Chris Booth as partner and head of employment
Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP has strengthened its employment law practice for clients across the region with the appointment of Chris Booth as partner and head of employment. Jonathan Dale, who has led the firm’s employment team since 2007, has recruited Chris to the team to focus on the continued growth of the firm’s employment offering, and to…
Azets announces Yorkshire promotions
Azets, the international accountancy and business advisory group, has announced 42 promotions across its Yorkshire business. The firm, one of the top ten accountants in the UK, has offices in Leeds, Bradford and York where it employs 335 people. There have been 26 promotions in its York office, 13 in Leeds and three in Bradford….
Race on to protect wealth from inheritance taxes
Families in Yorkshire considering how to protect up to 40% of their wealth from being handed over in inheritance tax to the Treasury now only have a small window left to act. Azets, the UK top 10 accountancy and business advisory with three offices in Yorkshire, has been inundated with enquiries following the government’s overhaul…
Andrew Jackson Solicitors advises Falkland Islands Government on £109 million new port development
Regional law firm Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP has advised the Falkland Islands Government (FIG) on the signing of key contracts for the design, construction, and delivery of a substantial £109 million port facility at Stanley, which is one of the most significant infrastructure investments in the Islands’ history. The new port will replace the ageing…
Schofield Sweeney focuses on emerging talent
Leading commercial law firm Schofield Sweeney has underlined its commitment to emerging talent and retention, with the appointments of newly qualified staff, trainees, and four new apprentices. The new appointments follow a series of senior recruits at the firm, aimed at delivering a strategic expansion of its service offering. The newly qualified staff and new…
Chadwick Lawrence recognised for progressive culture with awards success
Yorkshire law firm Chadwick Lawrence Solicitors has been recognised for its progressive and inclusive workplace culture, following a successful awards season. Recently, the firm was awarded Employer of the Year at the Mid Yorkshire Chamber Awards, in recognition of its commitment to the well-being and growth of its employees. It was also awarded runner-up for…
York Talk Money fortnight
York residents can access a wealth of information and support that could save them £1000s as part of this autumn’s York Talk Money fortnight (3-16 November). Run by City of York Council and partners across the city, including Citizens Advice, Peasholme Charity, Age UK, York Energy Advice and OCAY, the regular event aims to help…
Use it or lose it – sharp decline in R&D tax relief claims by SMEs
There has been a marked fall in the number of SMEs in Yorkshire and Humber making research and development (R&D) tax relief claims, according to UK top 10 accountancy and advisory firm Azets. The drop has prompted a specialist at the firm in Yorkshire to warn that local businesses should use the valuable tax relief…
Schofield Sweeney continues growth and service expansion with new appointments
A raft of senior appointments and new apprentices at award-winning Yorkshire law firm Schofield Sweeney has further enhanced its growth in both size and service offerings. The firm has recruited six senior team members and taken on four new Solicitor Apprentices, taking the firm’s total headcount to 178 and allowing it to meet demand for…
Walton & Co invests in new city centre office and apprentice hire
Leeds-based planning lawyers Walton & Co has expanded its team and moved into a new city centre office, marking a significant investment to support future growth and team collaboration. After 17 years at its previous premises, the firm has relocated to Second Floor, 4 York Place, Leeds, LS1 2DR. The modern, 1,500 sq ft space…
Andrew Jackson Solicitors advises Whitaker Tankers on acquisition of oil tanker
Andrew Jackson Solicitors has recently advised long-standing client, John H Whitaker (Tankers) Ltd (“Whitakers”), on its acquisition of the oil tanker FORTUNA II, now renamed WHITPROGRESS. The transaction saw Hull-based Whitakers purchase the vessel from Prax Shipping III BV. Built in Turkey in 2009, the 86.71-metre vessel was previously registered under the Marshall Islands flag and has now…