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…
Don’t miss out on new child benefit repayment option, Azets warns
People in Yorkshire earning more than £60,000 a year have a new way to manage their child benefit repayments following a change in HMRC’s process, according to a senior payroll professional. York-based Julie Gunnell, associate director of payroll growth at UK top 10 accountancy Azets, said those who were eligible could now manage their High…
Chadwick Lawrence advises Dormeuil on prestigious acquisition to become one of the UK’s largest fabric producers
Leading Yorkshire law firm Chadwick Lawrence Solicitors has advised prestigious luxury cloth maker Dormeuil Manufacturing Limited on the acquisition of Alfred Brown (Worsted Mills) Limited, a leading Yorkshire-based worsted cloth producer, for an undisclosed sum. The acquisition reinforces Dewsbury-based Dormeuil Manufacturing’s commitment to British textile manufacturing, as it acquires 100% of Leeds-based fabric mill Alfred…
Azets appoints Corporate Finance Partner
International business advisory group Azets has further strengthened its Corporate Finance presence in Yorkshire, welcoming Iffy Hussein as a Corporate Finance Partner in its Leeds office. Iffy joins Azets with over 13 years of experience at EY and PwC, where he spent his time supporting and advising privately owned and private equity backed businesses across…
Andrew Jackson announces further promotions across the firm
Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP is delighted to announce two further promotions in recognition of the hard work, expertise, and dedication demonstrated across the firm. Rikki Foster has become an associate within the firm’s litigation team. As an experienced solicitor, Rikki supports clients in the resolution of a wide variety of contentious matters including boundary disputes, right…
Don’t leave National Insurance money on the table, Azets warns
Larger businesses across Yorkshire could be missing out on thousands of pounds annually by not claiming their national insurance (NI) allowances, a senior payroll professional has warned. Julie Gunnell, associate director of payroll growth at UK top 10 accountancy and business advisory Azets, working from the York office, said firms could be missing out on…
Kiril Mischeff Group acquires East Yorkshire Based Primepak Foods Ltd
Leading food and beverage supplier Kiril Mischeff has completed its latest acquisition, adding food manufacturer and processor Primepak Foods to its expanding group. The Nottinghamshire-based, privately-owned business was once again advised on the 100% share acquisition by leading commercial law firm Schofield Sweeney. Kiril Mischeff, established in 1935, is one of Europe’s leading food and…
Schofield Sweeney advises Caledonian Leisure on its growing hotel portfolio
Leading travel operator Caledonian Leisure has added the Broadway Park Hotel, an impressive 104-bedroom hotel in the seaside resort of Sandown on the Isle of Wight, to its growing portfolio. The Leeds-based holiday company was advised on the transaction by leading Yorkshire-based commercial law firm Schofield Sweeney. This marks the fourth addition to Caledonian’s portfolio…
Chadwick Lawrence welcomes 18 new starters as headcount surpasses 250
Yorkshire legal experts Chadwick Lawrence has announced the appointment of 18 new team members – a significant milestone that takes total headcount to 252. The new recruits span the firm’s Yorkshire office network, strengthening teams across Leeds, Wakefield, Huddersfield, Bradford and Horbury, in every corner of the business, reflecting the firm’s commitment to investing in…
Bolton-based Barlow Andrews announces rebrand following acquisition
Bolton-based accountancy firm, Barlow Andrews has today announced its official rebrand to AAB. The strategic move comes 12 months after the firm joined the rapidly expanding professional services challenger brand, AAB. This latest development sees Barlow Andrews finalise integration in the AAB Group and highlights its alignment with their focus on delivering specialist, full-service support…
Another key appointment for Andrew Jackson
Sarah Thomsen joins as partner and head of contentious probate Regional law firm Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP is delighted to announce the appointment of Sarah Thomsen as a partner and head of the firm’s contentious probate team. A registered contentious trust and probate specialist and a full member of the ACTAPS (Association of Contentious Trust and Probate…
New Non-Executive Director appointed at Yorkshire Building Society
Yorkshire Building Society has announced Elaine Bucknor joined its Board as Non-Executive Director on 26 September. She brings 30 years’ experience in the technology sector, including the delivery of complex multinational programmes and innovative strategies to support organisational transformation and growth. Elaine has held executive, operational and consultancy roles with leading companies in the telecommunications,…
Azets’ six SME savings suggestions
Small changes could help Yorkshire SMEs lessen the pressure on their finances, staff and management, a senior accounting professional has said. Matthew Grant, partner and head of accounts and business advisory at international accountancy and business advisory group Azets in Yorkshire, is encouraging directors and owners of SMEs to explore their options around technology, tax…
Chadwick Lawrence advises Huddersfield Town AFC on landmark Accu Stadium share acquisition
Chadwick Lawrence Solicitors has advised its long-standing client, Huddersfield Town AFC (HTAFC), on the successful acquisition of shares in Kirklees Stadium Development Limited. This makes the Club the sole shareholder of the company that holds the long-term lease to its home ground, the Accu Stadium. The acquisition marks a major milestone in the Club’s ongoing…
Glittering launch for the Schofield Sweeney Bradford Professionals Network
Firm hosts almost 200 professionals at Bradford Live Leading commercial law firm Schofield Sweeney welcomed almost 200 guests to the launch of their Bradford Professionals Network at Bradford Live. The inaugural event, aimed at bringing together businesses and organisations from across the Bradford district to promote and celebrate the city’s business community, was one of…
Group Head of Private Clients appointed at TL Dallas
Leading independent insurance broking and risk management firm, TL Dallas, which is headquartered in Bradford, has appointed Caroline Pullich as Group Head of Private Clients, further strengthening the family firm’s expertise in delivering bespoke insurance and wealth protection services to high-net-worth individuals and families across the UK and Northern Ireland. Caroline brings more than three…
Andrew Jackson welcomes Shadow Minister Robbie Moore MP for keynote event
Regional law firm Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP announces that it will host an event next month which focuses on the future of farming and landed estates, alongside co-hosts Virgin Money, Smailes Goldie, and Dee Atkinson & Harrison. Introduced by Helen Mellors, head of agriculture and landed estates at Andrew Jackson Solicitors, the event will feature…
Don’t get caught out by umbrella company changes, Azets warns
Yorkshire business and advisory group Azets is urging businesses to prepare for changes in their legal responsibilities around employment tax following the government’s increased regulation of umbrella companies. From 6 April 2026, the responsibility for accounting for National Insurance contributions (NIC) and pay as you earn (PAYE) will be moved from the umbrella company to…
York welcomes bids for local community schemes supporting council priorities
Applications are now open for funding to support schemes which make a real difference to the lives of local residents in communities across the city. The Ward Budget Citywide Fund supports projects operating citywide in York which support at least one of four key council priorities: Health and wellbeing; Tackling the cost-of-living; Environment and Climate Emergency…
Fraud warning: act now or fall foul of ECCT Act changes, says Azets
Larger companies in Yorkshire could be at risk of failure to prevent fraud if they don’t meet new compliance requirements, a senior accounting professional has warned. James Hamilton, a forensic accounting and valuation partner at UK top 10 accountancy and business advisory firm Azets in Yorkshire, commented after the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act…
Schofield Sweeney advises on key acquisition by beauty specialists Face the Future
Skincare and beauty specialist Face the Future has acquired luxury haircare retailer Luxurious Look, significantly broadening the range of premium haircare brands it offers. The Wakefield based company was advised on the acquisition by leading commercial law firm Schofield Sweeney. Face the Future has a 20-year history of providing premium skincare to customers around the…
New era for The Sanctuary Project
A business which has provided lifechanging support for hundreds of young people in Yorkshire has become workforce owned. The entire shareholding of The Sanctuary Project has been transferred by owners Debbie and Mark Clough to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) for its management team to take forward and create a long lasting legacy. Debbie and…
Another key hire for Andrew Jackson: Caroline Hardcastle joins litigation team as Partner
Regional law firm Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP announces that Caroline Hardcastle has joined its commercial litigation and dispute resolution practice as a partner. With over 25 years’ experience, Caroline advises clients on a wide range of high value, complex contractual disputes, shareholder and director claims, and warranty claims. She has particular expertise in the education…
Strategic growth journey continues for AAB
AAB has today announced the latest step in their rapid growth journey with the acquisition of Integrity Financial Management in addition to a strategic brand consolidation. Integrity Financial Management is a trusted financial planning firm renowned for its commitment to evidence-based advice and deep client relationships. This acquisition underscores AAB’s ongoing ambition to expand both…
Schofield Sweeney announces partnership with Bradford Manufacturing Weeks
Law firm will provide sponsorship and share legal expertise Leading commercial law firm Schofield Sweeney will be a key sponsor of Bradford Manufacturing Weeks (BMW) in October, supporting students and the manufacturing community in the company’s home city. Schofield Sweeney has a long history of supporting Bradford businesses and has now become an official partner…
Azets promotes payroll specialist Julie Gunnell
A payroll specialist in Yorkshire and the Humber has been promoted at UK top 10 accountancy and business advisory firm Azets. York-based Julie Gunnell is now associate director of growth for payroll – one of three staff promoted to its UK payroll services team to newly created roles in the business. Julie joins Claire Brown,…
From BADR to worse – company owners facing increased capital gains tax burden urged to act now
Business owners in Yorkshire are being advised to carefully consider the structure of their companies, particularly if they are looking to sell. This is because the Capital Gains Tax (CGT) rates that apply to the shares in trading companies have increased, and the rate of tax where Business Asset Disposal Relief (BADR) applies is increasing…