Azets joins trailblazing flood defence project
A UK top 10 accountancy and business advisory firm in Leeds has thrown its weight behind a trailblazing new community initiative to protect the city from floods. Azets, which has offices in King Street, is a business partner of the Aire Resilience Company (ARC) and has taken on the role of inaugural finance partner. It…
Azets’ five cashflow management tips for SMEs: Monitor and manage Work in Progress
Businesses in Yorkshire are being urged to meticulously track the heartbeat of work in progress throughout its lifecycle. Monitoring, managing and making changes to reduce mission creep, improve efficiencies and maximise cashflow are critical steps which can improve a business’ health and growth prospects, according to a senior finance professional. The advice comes from Matthew…
Major event launched for businesses over payroll and HR crackdown
Businesses in Yorkshire are being urged to attend a free ‘strategic survival summit’ to help them deal with the most significant payroll and HR shake-up in a generation. Azets, a UK top 10 accountancy and business advisory firm in King Street, Leeds, has joined forces with Leeds Business Growth Service and The Knowledge Exchange (TKE)…
April powers: abolition of tax relief for household expenses for 300,000 people
Employers may be expected to plug the shortfall of up to £124 a year, adding to rising business costs Impacts employees who incur homeworking costs that are not reimbursed by their employer Measure, from Monday, April 6, will particularly affect remote staff if their employer doesn’t have a workplace Around 300,000 people working from home…
AAB appoints Jon Grainger as Chief Operating Officer
Professional services firm, AAB, has announced the appointment of Jon Grainger as the company’s Chief Operating Officer. Jonathon will lead AAB’s technology, operations and integration teams, driving the next phase of operational excellence and enabling the firm to embed end-to-end automation capability throughout its business operations. Jon joins AAB at a time of accelerated innovation across the…
Chadwick Lawrence expands into the North East with new Darlington office
Chadwick Lawrence Solicitors has opened a new office in Darlington, marking a significant step in the firm’s expansion into the North East. The firm’s ninth office, based in Business Central – just a two-minute walk from Darlington train station – will provide commercial, practical, and supportive legal advice to businesses and individuals across County Durham,…
AAB launches ‘Office of the CFO’ service to support growing businesses with flexible finance leadership
In response to the increasingly complex trading environment for businesses, professional services firm, AAB, has launched a new ‘Office of the CFO’ service designed to give organisations the ability to strengthen their finance leadership and gain clarity in their numbers without the difficulties of recruitment of finance professionals at all levels. Businesses across the UK are facing more challenges than ever before – from inflationary…
Are You Ready for 6 April Changes?
Major changes are on the way that might impact both your income and your business. From Making Tax Digital (MTD), relief reforms and employment law changes – the way you run and reward your business is set to change. Our experts have pulled together what you need to know, what to plan for, and the…
The Secrets of Succession
Part One – Introduction Published research has repeatedly shown that only a very small minority of family businesses survive intact for more than two generations of ownership. But there is, equally, clear evidence that this is not an inevitable outcome and that (not surprisingly) effective planning is the key to success. For example, findings published…
94% of businesses not ready for Making Tax Digital
A UK poll of businesses shows that 94% are not prepared for Making Tax Digital (MTD) which is being introduced from 6 April. Firms were responding to the survey carried out by UK top 10 accountancy and business advisory firm Azets, which has offices in Leeds, Bradford and York. Fraser Campbell, UK head of accounts…
Schofield Sweeney advises Galleon Tools Group on latest acquisition
Yorkshire-based commercial law firm Schofield Sweeney has advised specialist tools distributor Dormole Limited on the acquisition of the business and assets of Rollins and Sons (London) Ltd, marking the latest step in the group’s strategic growth. A leading supplier and distributor of professional quality hand tools, the acquisition of Rollins and Sons (London) Ltd is…
Chadwick Lawrence strengthens wills and probate team with two new appointments
Northern law firm Chadwick Lawrence Solicitors has expanded its wills and probate team with the appointment of solicitors Helena Wong and Tom Grice. Helena Wong joins the firm as a solicitor specialising in probate matters, including taxable and non-taxable estates, as well as wills and lasting powers of attorney. Helena brings a strong blend of…
February 2026 insolvency statistics, Azets response
There were 1,878 corporate insolvencies in February 2026, 7.4% more than in January 2026 (1,749) and 6.8% less than in February 2025 (2,015). Covering the Yorkshire region, Richard Oddy is a partner, licensed insolvency practitioner and business restructuring, turnaround and rescue expert at regional accountancy and business advisory firm Azets, with offices in Leeds, Bradford and York….
Sentio strengthens deal team as market activity picks up
Leeds-based corporate finance firm Sentio Partners has expanded its team, adding depth to its deal delivery capability and continuing its investment in early-career talent as market activity increases. On the back of a strong year with multiple high profile deals across Business Services, Healthcare and Industrials, the firm has appointed Ollie Francis as Assistant Manager…
Henley embarks on new chapter with MBO and acquisition
Henley Construction Management Group (“Henley”), a specialist construction group headquartered in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, has completed a management buyout (MBO) alongside the acquisition of Smart Crosby International (SCI), a leading engineering and consultancy practice. The MBO was completed by long-standing senior team members Tom Cardoe, Jon Henley, Dave Cawley and Jim Wenham. It marks a…
Bradford broker opens Harrogate base to support expansion plans
Family and employee owned insurance firm, TL Dallas, is expanding its footprint in North Yorkshire with a new presence in Harrogate, as the Bradford-headquartered firm continues to invest in regional growth. The long-established insurance broking, risk management and financial services group will operate from premises at 36 Victoria Avenue, placing its team in the centre…
Chadwick Lawrence donates £2,500 to support a number of initiatives this Ramadan
Law firm Chadwick Lawrence Solicitors has donated £2,500 to a number of initiatives over Ramadan, as part of its ongoing charitable work. The firm held an Iftar at its Leeds office on 5th March, bringing together colleagues from across its eight West Yorkshire offices to break the fast at sunset. Open to colleagues of all faiths…
Inheritance tax time-bomb is looming – Yorkshire farmers should act now
The fuse is burning down on the government’s inheritance tax (IHT) time-bomb for farmers, UK top 10 accountancy and advisory firm Azets in Yorkshire has warned. Under legislation to be introduced by the Finance Act 2026 new restrictions will apply to the amount of Agricultural and Business Property Reliefs available on the estates of farmers…
Andrew Jackson expands litigation and dispute resolution team amid growing client demand
Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP has expanded its commercial litigation and dispute resolution (LDR) practice with a series of senior appointments, reflecting growing client demand. The developments come as long-standing partner Hugh Smith prepares to retire after 37 years with the firm. Led by Nick Dean, partner, and head of the LDR practice, the team has…
Schofield Sweeney advises on nursery acquisition
A day nursery in Reigate, Surrey has been acquired by Kids Planet Day Nurseries – one of the UK’s largest nursery groups. Established in March 2020, Somers House Nursery, part of Cavendish Lodge Nursery and Pre-Schools, owned by Jodie and Kevin Potter, is a reputable 80-place setting that offers year-round childcare for babies from six…
The traditional tax return is dead – long live Making Tax Digital
Landlords, sole traders and the self-employed in Yorkshire are being urged to prepare for ‘the death of the traditional tax return’ in April. Azets, an accountancy and business advisory group with three offices in Yorkshire, is warning that those with gross income above £50,000 per year will have to comply with a new Making Tax…
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…