428,000 miss Making Tax Digital’s first filing deadline – Azets
Almost half the people eligible for Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax have missed the first filing deadline, according an analysis from accountancy and business advisory group Azets. Figures from HMRC showed 436,000 taxpayers filed their first MTD for Income Tax quarterly update on time on August 7 – 50.5% of those who should…
Provisio Care Group expands with new specialist care home
Leading care provider Provisio Care Group has acquired Moor Park House, a specialist centre dedicated to treating people with complex spinal and brain injuries. The acquisition of the Preston facility marks a significant milestone in the growth of the business, which now operates three care homes in the North West, as well as a temporary…
Yorkshire Building Society helps families get creative at Leeds Road Festival
Families from across Bradford got involved in creative activities with Yorkshire Building Society colleagues during this year’s Leeds Road Festival, a week-long celebration of culture, creativity and community that attracted more than 25,000 attendees when it launched last year. Following its successful debut, the festival returned with events taking place across venues along Leeds Road…
Iran war pushing up cost of borrowing for small businesses
The ongoing war in Iran which is pushing up the cost of borrowing for Yorkshire small and medium enterprises (SMEs) may be the final nail in the coffin for some businesses, says a sector specialist. Mark Barrie, head of debt advisory at UK top 10 accountancy firm Azets, believes the war – which began in…
AAB strengthens Central Scotland leadership team
Image caption (above): L-R: Iain Walker, Corporate Finance Partner and Head of Central Scotland, and Malcolm Crawford, Business Development Partner at AAB Leading UK and Ireland professional services firm AAB has strengthened its Central Scotland leadership team with the appointment of Malcolm Crawford as Business Development Partner, and the promotion of Corporate Finance Partner Iain…
Blacks named the most recommended law firm in Yorkshire by Legal 500
Blacks Solicitors LLP has been named the most recommended law firm in Yorkshire by Legal 500, topping new rankings drawn from more than 9,000 client responses across the region. The independent firm claimed first place ahead of Addleshaw Goddard, Irwin Mitchell, Pinsent Masons, Walker Morris and Freeths – a result that underlines the strength of…
Walker Foster completes MBO
Photo Caption: Walker Foster board of directors (l-r) Katie Ingham, Maxine Heppenstall, Ian Haynes, Jayne Schofield, Craig Williams, Sara Rutter Schofield Sweeney advises fellow law firm A management buyout at long-established general practice law firm Walker Foster, has been completed, with support from commercial law firm Schofield Sweeney. Equity Directors Maxine Heppenstall and Ian Haynes…
Azets UK appoints Leeds Office Managing Director
Pictured Above – TAKING OFFICE 1: International accountancy and business advisory group Azets has appointed Jessica Lawrence as office managing partner in Leeds. Jessica is pictured right with regional managing director Claire Needham, left. Highly-experienced Jessica Lawrence to lead office into next phase of growth International accountancy and business advisory group Azets has appointed highly-experienced…
Multi-million pound deal sees Normanton-based manufacturer join UK’s largest independent SIP provider
Award-winning Normanton manufacturer SIP Build UK (SBUK Group) has been acquired by Liverpool-based SIP Building Systems Ltd (“SBS”) in a multi-million-pound deal that creates the UK’s largest independent provider of Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs). The strategic acquisition brings together three of the UK’s most established SIP businesses – SBS, SIPCO, and SIP Build UK (SBUK…
Schofield Sweeney welcomes Private Wealth Director Amanda Simmonds
Leading commercial law firm Schofield Sweeney has strengthened its private wealth offering with the arrival of Director Amanda Simmonds, who joins the firm’s 20-strong specialist team. Amanda brings 38 years’ experience as a private client solicitor to the team, advising on all aspects of private client work including wills, trusts and related documents, estate administration,…
Simunix joins Banyan Software in strategic acquisition
Azets Corporate Finance has successfully advised the shareholders of Simunix Holdings Limited on its sale to Banyan Software, a company that acquires and develops growing software businesses worldwide. York-based Simunix – founded in 1998 by John Lewis – has become part of Banyan Software, which operates more than 100 portfolio companies across North and South…
Wilkin Chapman Rollits named among UK’s most recommended law firms
Yorkshire and Lincolnshire law firm Wilkin Chapman Rollits has been named among the most highly recommended firms across UK regions. In annual research by the legal services benchmarking platform Legal 500, the firm secured second place in the rankings for both Yorkshire and the East Midlands, based entirely on feedback from clients. Each year, Legal…
June 2026 insolvency statistics, Azets response
There were 1,845 corporate insolvencies in June 2026 in England and Wales – four fewer than in May 2026 (1,849), and 10% fewer than in June 2025 (2,048) Leeds-based Richard Oddy, restructuring and insolvency partner at UK top 10 accountancy and business advisory group Azets in Yorkshire, says: “June’s corporate insolvency figures were dominated by…
Trinity Leeds and White Rose Shopping Centre are driving local growth, contributing over £308m to the local economy and supporting more than 6,300 jobs
Landsec, owner of one of the UK’s leading retail destination portfolios, has released its annual social and economic impact report revealing how Trinity Leeds and White Rose are helping to drive local growth, contributing £308,095,816 to the local economy and supporting 6,347 jobs in 2025.* Together, Trinity Leeds and White Rose Shopping Centre play an important…
Three new partners strengthen law firm’s senior team
Lincolnshire and Yorkshire law firm Wilkin Chapman Rollits has strengthened its senior team by hiring a new partner and promoting two of its lawyers to partnership. Employment law specialist Sara Ellison is the latest partner to join the firm’s Lincoln office, while family lawyer Stacey Heeley and insolvency expert Louisa Shilleto have been promoted to…
Hostile UK tax system is crushing entrepreneurship – Azets
Changes and clarity needed to create and keep the next generation of Bransons, Dysons and Bartletts, says UK Head of Tax Britain’s tax system is crushing entrepreneurs and needs to be changed if the government wants more people in Yorkshire to start, scale and sell a business, a tax expert has warned. Praveen Gupta, UK…
Schofield Sweeney partner joins national succession planning taskforce
A partner at leading commercial law firm Schofield Sweeney has been appointed to the steering committee of the newly formed Succession Alliance – a UK-wide taskforce aimed at improving succession outcomes across financial planning. Established by the Consumer Duty Alliance, the Succession Alliance aims to improve consistency, raise expectations and provide practical education across the…
Growth for Andrew Marr International with acquisition of Seafish UK
Fastnet Fish Holdings (“Fastnet”), a subsidiary company of Andrew Marr International, has strengthened its position as one of the UK’s leading seafood businesses with the acquisition of Seafish U.K. Limited (“Seafish”), a long-established Hull-based manufacturer of frozen seafood products and bespoke sauce solutions. The acquisition brings together two businesses with deep roots in the Humber…
Experienced Insurance Account Executive appointed to support client growth
Bradford headquartered independent insurance broking and risk management firm, TL Dallas, has appointed experienced insurance professional John Loran as an account executive, strengthening its commercial team in Glasgow, as the business continues to expand its presence across Scotland. John joins TL Dallas with 18 years’ experience in the insurance sector, having worked across commercial insurance,…
Andrew Jackson strengthens corporate team with latest appointment
Regional law firm Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP has welcomed solicitor Dan Burton to its corporate team, further strengthening the firm’s offering to businesses across the Yorkshire and Humber region and beyond. Dan has several years’ experience advising corporate clients on a broad range of matters, with a particular focus on mergers and acquisitions. His work…
Specialist People Services completes refinancing with Virgin Money
Specialist People Services (SPS), the parent company of Driver Hire, has completed a refinancing of its senior and mezzanine facilities with Virgin Money. The deal, which followed a competitive process, secured a £25m funding package to support both the refinancing and future growth of the business. It replaces the existing facilities with a more competitive…
Schofield Sweeney represents Easy Bathrooms in successful high-profile IP case
Yorkshire-based commercial law firm Schofield Sweeney has acted in the successful defence of a significant trade mark and passing off claim, brought against its client Cubico (UK) Limited, trading as Easy Bathrooms, by the owners of easyJet. Founded in Yorkshire in 2013, Easy Bathrooms has grown from a single showroom into one of the UK’s…
Two-thirds of Making Tax Digital clients haven’t registered, Freedom of Information request by Azets finds
More than 580,000 people who should have registered for Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax have failed to do so, according to the results of a Freedom of Information (FOI) request from accountancy and business advisory group Azets. HMRC data shows that 864,000 individuals and landlords should have registered for MTD for Income Tax…
Chadwick Lawrence invests in training and support for the next generation of lawyers
Northern law firm Chadwick Lawrence Solicitors has awarded training and funding support for 11 team members, furthering its commitment to developing the next generation of legal professionals. The successful candidates are Sara Ali, Tom Coombes, Daniella Omoragie, Katie Smith, Ben Hess, Shayan Malik, Ethan Ward, Fran Whiting, Jess Goodwin, James Lockwood and Nadia Mohammed. They…
Blacks expands Real Estate Litigation team
The Real Estate Litigation team at Blacks Solicitors LLP, one of Yorkshire’s leading law firms, has strengthened its offering with the appointment of two new solicitors. Following a period of sustained growth and increasing demand, the team has appointed Chloe Ward and Jess Bowen as Associate Solicitor and Solicitor – taking the team’s total headcount…
Chadwick Lawrence invests in training and support for the next generation of lawyers
Northern law firm Chadwick Lawrence Solicitors has awarded training and funding support for 11 team members, furthering its commitment to developing the next generation of legal professionals. The successful candidates are Sara Ali, Tom Coombes, Daniella Omoragie, Katie Smith, Ben Hess, Shayan Malik, Ethan Ward, Fran Whiting, Jess Goodwin, James Lockwood and Nadia Mohammed. They…
70% of UK businesses fear economic uncertainty most as climate hits profits, hiring and costs, Azets research finds
UK businesses have been hit hard by economic issues and remain worried and pessimistic about the future of UK plc, according to new research from international accountancy and business advisory group Azets. The findings of the Q2 2026 Azets Barometer showed that economic uncertainty was the biggest concern over the next year for nearly 70%…
Schofield Sweeney strengthens team with senior appointments
Yorkshire law firm expands team with four senior recruits and influx of legal talent Leading commercial law firm Schofield Sweeney has made four senior appointments as part of a significant intake, demonstrating a commitment to enhancing service offerings and operational capabilities. Among the new hires are Leonie Sutherland, who joins the Real Estate team as…
Yorkshire Building Society wins Thought Leadership Campaign of the Year
Yorkshire Building Society’s External Affairs team has won Thought Leadership Campaign of the Year at last night’s Headline Money Awards in London, recognising its impactful work championing financial education for young people. The Headlinemoney Awards recognise and celebrate excellence in the UK financial media industry—specifically outstanding work in journalism, PR, and communications related to money,…
Chadwick Lawrence announces nine associate and salaried partner promotions following record year
Northern law firm Chadwick Lawrence Solicitors has announced a series of promotions across the business, recognising the outstanding achievements, dedication and contribution of its people following a record year for the firm. Nine internal promotions have been made, including four new salaried partners, three associate solicitors, one senior associate and one senior licensed conveyancer. The…
Experienced Head of Compliance launches Quinn Oath Advisory to support growing and regulated firms
Quinn Oath Advisory Limited has launched to provide practical compliance, governance, risk and senior advisory support to businesses that need experienced expertise without the cost or commitment of a permanent hire. Founded by experienced Head of Compliance, Helen Quinn, the firm has been created to support financial services and regulated businesses with the increasing demands…
Temporary VAT reduction may lead to ‘Summer of disruption for businesses’
Azets tax specialist advises early action to ensure compliance and minimise disruption The temporary VAT reduction for children’s meals, admissions and family attractions could lead to a summer of disruption for businesses, says Yorkshire accountancy firm Azets. Aimed at families, it is being introduced by the government as part of a wider initiative to support…
Colleagues conquer Snowdon at night to reach £1 million milestone for the Felix Project & FareShare
Colleagues from Yorkshire Building Society are celebrating raising over £1 million for the Society’s charity partner, The Felix Project & FareShare. The team’s fundraising total tipped over the £1 million mark after more than 200 colleagues from across the Society, completed a challenging, yet unforgettable overnight climb of Mount Snowdon, Wales’ highest mountain. Together, the…
Blacks Solicitors leads on sale of Yorkshire Raw Feeds to The Nutriment Company
Leading Yorkshire law firm Blacks Solicitors LLP has advised the shareholders of Yorkshire Raw Feeds in the sale to The Nutriment Company (TNC), one of Europe’s fastest-growing natural pet food groups. Completing on 17th June, Rebecca Holden, Partner and Head of Corporate, assisted by Trainee, Leon Cordero advised on all aspects of the transaction. Specialists…
Why financial responsibility is so difficult to rest from
At senior level in banking, lending, wealth management and financial leadership, money is never just money, is it? It represents security. Payrolls. Mortgages. Business continuity. Family stability. Long-term futures. That is why the pressure in these roles is rarely superficial. Leaders in finance are not only managing figures. They are carrying the emotional and practical…
Review payroll processes amid tighter minimum wage scrutiny, bosses warned
Employers across Yorkshire are being urged to review their payroll processes and employment practices urgently amid growing scrutiny over National Minimum Wage (NMW) compliance and the expanding enforcement powers of the Fair Work Agency (FWA). Accountancy and business advisory group Azets, which has offices in Leeds, Bradford and York, has warned that many businesses are…
Blacks announces strong financial year as firm unveils refreshed brand
Blacks Solicitors LLP has today announced a record financial year alongside the launch of a refreshed brand identity, reflecting the firm’s continued growth and development. The 2025/2026 financial year was the strongest in Blacks’ history, with turnover exceeding £22.9 million for the first time. During the year, Blacks supported clients across the UK, including Morrisons,…
Castle to host free Employer Update for Yorkshire businesses ahead of Employment Rights Act changes
Yorkshire businesses are being encouraged to prepare early for major employment law changes that could affect how they recruit, manage and retain staff from 2026 onwards. Castle HR & Training Solutions and Castle Employment Solutions are hosting a free face-to-face Employer Update on 25 June to help employers understand the upcoming Employment Rights Act changes…
A value-added boost for Yorkshire charities
A long-standing tax levied on businesses donating to charities has now been removed, a major accountancy and advisory firm in Yorkshire has said. Azets, with offices in Leeds, Bradford and York, wants to remind businesses that they can now give goods to registered charities without paying VAT. The news comes at a time of falling…
Three new partners appointed at Wilkin Chapman Rollits
Law firm Wilkin Chapman Rollits has further strengthened its senior team with the appointment of three new partners, including one in its York office. Experienced commercial litigator Dean Hill has joined the Lincolnshire and Yorkshire firm as a partner in the dispute resolution team, based in York. Dean joins as a lateral hire from Ramsdens…
Savills appointed to sell Crab Manor Hotel in Thirsk, North Yorkshire
International real estate advisor Savills has been appointed by a private individual to sell the long leasehold of the Crab Manor Hotel and Crab and Lobster Restaurant in Thirsk, North Yorkshire, for offers over £4 million. The boutique hotel provides 20 individually designed en-suite rooms within the 18th century Georgian manor house. The rooms are inspired…
Yorkshire Building Society appoints new Non-Executive Directors
Yorkshire Building Society today announces the appointment of two new Independent Non-Executive Directors. Barry O’Dwyer and Philippa Brown join the Board from 2 June, bringing extensive experience across financial services, customer-focused businesses and digital transformation. Barry has almost 40 years’ experience in financial services, particularly insurance and pensions. He is currently Group Chief Executive of…
Chadwick Lawrence strengthens regulatory team with senior solicitor appointment in Darlington
Northern law firm Chadwick Lawrence Solicitors has appointed highly regarded Teesside solicitor Simon Catterall to strengthen its specialist regulatory law team, bolstering the firm’s presence in the North East. Catterall joins the firm’s expanding regulatory department, bringing decades of experience representing businesses and individuals facing prosecution or investigation by public authorities across Northern England. He…
James Sweeting shares lessons from 30 years in business at Humber Business Week
Andrew Jackson Solicitors hosts more than 120 delegates for flagship event James Sweeting, co-founder of Pipers Crisps, Lincoln & York, and Sumo UK, was keynote speaker at a flagship event hosted by Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP this morning, marking the start of Humber Business Week. More than 120 business leaders and professionals from across the…
Schofield Sweeney retains its place in Sunday Times Best Places to Work list
Leading commercial law firm Schofield Sweeney has been named in the official Sunday Times Best Places to Work list for the third year running. The nationwide workplace survey recognises and celebrates the UK’s top employers, showcasing organisations that are leading the way in employee engagement, workplace culture and overall employee experience. The law firm was once again…
AAB welcomes two firms in latest strategic growth deal
BpH Wealth Management and Jane Smith Financial Planning join AAB as Assets Under Advice reach £2.5 Billion AAB’s award-winning chartered financial planning team, AAB Wealth, continues to implement its strategic growth plan with the acquisition of two firms – BpH Wealth Management and Jane Smith Financial Planning. The move will mean AAB Wealth serves over…
Azets welcomes new audit partner in Yorkshire
UK top 10 accountancy and business advisory firm recruits highly-experienced auditor Sarah Palmer in Leeds office International accountancy and business advisory group Azets has strengthened its senior team in Yorkshire with the appointment of Sarah Palmer as an audit and assurance partner. Sarah joins the firm’s Leeds office after more than 17 years at PwC…
Chadwick Lawrence appoints Leanne Franks as Equity Partner
Northern law firm Chadwick Lawrence Solicitors has promoted Leanne Franks to equity partner, recognising her outstanding contribution to the firm over the past 11 years. As partner and head of the corporate and commercial department, Franks has played a key role in strengthening the firm’s commercial offering and shaping the direction of the team. Now…