Member News Subjects

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…

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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…

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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…

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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,…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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,…

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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…

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Andrew Jackson welcomes a new partner to its family law team

Regional law firm Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP announces that it has appointed Gabbie Glasper as a partner, marking further growth for the firm’s thriving family law practice. A highly experienced solicitor, Gabbie has practised family law for over 30 years and has been accredited by the Law Society and Resolution since 2009.  She is nationally…

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Law firm advises on sale of Chapel Sands Caravan Park

Regional law firm Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP announces that it has recently advised Woodthorpe Leisure Park Ltd on the sale of Chapel Sands Caravan Park, a prominent mixed holiday and residential park in Chapel St Leonards, Lincolnshire, to a local family business. Chapel Sands Caravan Park has long been a staple of the local tourism…

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Don’t get caught out by Capital Gains Tax changes, Azets warns

Changes mean two tiers of CGT for 2024/25 tax returns Taxpayers in Yorkshire are at risk of being fined for incorrect Capital Gains Tax payments because of an issue with HMRC’s software, a tax specialist from the region has warned. Yorkshire-based Richard Major, national head of private clients at international business advisory group Azets, is…

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Crombie Wilkinson has been Awarded Investors in People Gold Accreditation

Crombie Wilkinson, a leading North Yorkshire law firm, is proud to have achieved the prestigious Investors in People (IIP) Gold Accreditation—recognising outstanding commitment to employee development, engagement, and wellbeing. Following a rigorous independent assessment, IIP praised the firm’s leadership, values-driven culture, and investment in people. Currently only 31% of the IIP accredited organisations hold the…

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Northern Monk to open new taproom in historic city centre building

Independent brewery Northern Monk is to open a new taproom in York, further strengthening its presence across the north of England. Located at 2–4 Little Stonegate, the site is Northern Monk’s first venue in the city and follows the success of its established sites in Leeds and Manchester. Built at the turn of the 20th century, the Grade…

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SMEs paralysed by fear – despite sitting on significant cash reserves

A large number of SMEs are holding back on investment, despite sitting on significant piles of cash. That is the warning from the chief executive of a leading accounting firm with offices in Yorkshire. Peter Gallanagh, UK CEO at international accounting and advisory group Azets, says business owners are ready to spend pent-up capital but…

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Tax Partner re-appointed to HMRC’s anti-abuse panel

Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP announces that tax partner Fiona Phillips has been re-appointed as a member of HM Revenue & Customs’ General Anti-Abuse Rule (GAAR) independent advisory panel. Having joined the GAAR panel in 2022, Fiona will remain in the role for a further three year period, alongside her role with Andrew Jackson Solicitors. Established…

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Chadwick Lawrence shortlisted for four Yorkshire Legal Awards

Chadwick Lawrence Solicitors has been shortlisted for four Yorkshire Legal Awards 2025, recognising the firm’s outstanding achievements over the past 12 months.   The firm is a finalist in the Medium Law Firm of the Year, Corporate & Commercial, LawTech Initiative of the Year and Litigation & Dispute Resolution categories. Now in its 26th year,…

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York solicitors help relocating couple achieve retirement dream to run a café in North Yorkshire

York-based Hethertons Solicitors recently supported a couple based in the US to realise their retirement dream, to run a café in North Yorkshire, with the negotiations to take over the lease and rights to run The Tea Cottage on the Bolton Abbey Estate.  The couple had been searching for a small hospitality business in North…

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AAB shortlisted for Xero and accounting excellence national awards

Leading professional services firm AAB, has been short-listed as a finalist in several prestigious national awards, reflecting the firm’s continued commitment to delivering exceptional client service, driving digital transformation, and providing market-leading expertise across multiple disciplines. The first of these awards comes from leading online accounting software provider, Xero. AAB has been shortlisted for ‘National…

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Chadwick Lawrence strengthens roster of professional sports club clients with Castleford Tigers partnership

The Yorkshire law firm has been appointed as the club’s official legal partner Yorkshire law firm Chadwick Lawrence Solicitors has been appointed as the official legal partner of Castleford Tigers Rugby League Football Club, strengthening the firm’s roster of professional sports club clients. The partnership will see the firm provide the Tigers with expert legal…

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Andrew Jackson Solicitors and Azets advise on sale of Tetley’s Motor Services to FirstGroup

Regional law firm Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP, and top 10 accountancy firm Azets, announce that they have advised the shareholders of Leeds-based coach operator Tetley’s Motor Services (“Tetley’s”) on the sale to FirstGroup, as part of its continued expansion in the sector. Established for over 75 years, family business Tetley’s operates from a large depot…

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Chadwick Lawrence becomes Huddersfield Town Football Club’s official legal partner

Chadwick Lawrence Solicitors has been named as Huddersfield Town Football Club’s official legal partner, continuing the firm’s long-standing partnership with the club and its community. As the club’s trusted legal representative on all commercial matters, the firm recently negotiated its biggest-ever sponsorship agreement – a five-year exclusive naming rights deal for the Club’s home ground,…

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AAB appoints former EY Partner as new Head of Tax

Leading professional services firm AAB, has announced the appointment of Mark Lappin as Head of Tax, reinforcing the firm’s ambition to deliver market-leading tax services across the UK and globally. Based in London, Mark brings more than 25 years of experience in tax advisory and commercial leadership, including senior roles at EY, where he led…

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Chadwick Lawrence marks fifth year sponsoring local charity tag rugby event at Headingley Stadium

Yorkshire law firm Chadwick Lawrence has sponsored its fifth annual tag rugby event for charity Aspire Community Benefit Society at Headingley Stadium in partnership with Leeds Rhinos Foundation. The firm has a longstanding relationship with Aspire, a charity which provides high-quality care and support services for people with learning disabilities in Leeds. The event, which…

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AAB invests in talent as three rise to partner level

Leading professional services firm, AAB, has made a significant investment in its talent development strategy with the promotion of three employees to partner level and a further 134 promotions across the team of 1,000 people. This move reflects the company’s commitment to recognising and elevating talent from within, fostering a culture of growth and excellence….

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Warning to small businesses over new food waste regulations

Firms face fines for not separating food waste, lawyer warns Employers could face fines if they fail to separate their food waste from other recyclables and rubbish, an environmental lawyer has warned. New legislation that requires businesses with as few as ten employees to follow strict waste rules has flown under the radar, according to…

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AAB announces new investment from Goldman Sachs Alternatives

Leading professional services firm, AAB, today announced that Goldman Sachs Alternatives has agreed a deal to acquire the firm from August Equity, subject to regulatory approvals. The transition marks a significant milestone for AAB, reinforcing the firm’s trajectory of sustained growth while ensuring continuity for clients and further strengthening its reputation in the professional services…

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Summer holiday ‘carnage’ when consequences of VAT imposition on private schools becomes fully known

THE imposition of VAT on private schools could lead to ‘carnage’ in the summer holidays, says a sector specialist in Yorkshire. Fees at the UK’s 2,500 private schools have been liable for 20% VAT since 1 January following a decision made by the government soon after it came to office last July. But, because the measure was introduced mid-academic year, its full effects are just beginning to fully emerge….

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Chadwick Lawrence awards four new training contracts

Leading Yorkshire law firm Chadwick Lawrence has awarded training contracts to four candidates, as it continues to champion future legal talent from the local area.   Christian Licerdale has been awarded an 18-month training contract at Chadwick Lawrence working across the firm’s corporate and commercial and litigation departments. Christian studied for both his LLB law…

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HMRC list 57 Yorkshire employers for minimum wage breaches

Businesses in Yorkshire could potentially face financial penalties for underpaying staff on wages. The latest list published by the Department for Business & Trade and HMRC includes 518 businesses in the UK which hadn’t correctly paid minimum wage. Some high-profile businesses are named, including one where underpaid wages exceeded £1.1 million. It shows that there…

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Solicitor returns to Andrew Jackson’s Litigation team as a partner

Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP announces that it has welcomed Rob Ripley as a partner in its commercial litigation and dispute resolution team, strengthening the firm’s well regarded practice, which acts for clients across the UK and globally. Having first joined the firm in 2007 for 10 years, Rob has gained over 30 years’ experience in…

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Schofield Sweeney ranked in UK Top 20 for Mergers & Acquisitions

Commercial Law Firm also Ranks Second In Yorkshire in Experian Report Award winning commercial law firm Schofield Sweeney has soared up the rankings to be named one of the top 20 most active legal advisers for mergers and acquisitions in the latest M&A report from Experian Market IQ. The company’s M&A expertise saw it leap…

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M&S-style attacks are just the beginning: new Barometer shows economic risk from cyber breaches rising fast

Large businesses in Yorkshire are increasingly exposed to cyberattacks, with fresh data showing a clear link between company size and breach frequency – but experts are warning that smaller firms may be dangerously underestimating the threat. According to the latest Azets Barometer, just 41% of large UK businesses avoided cybersecurity incidents in the past year…

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Switalskis strengthens Leeds presence with move to West Village

Leading Yorkshire law firm Switalskis has relocated its Leeds-based teams to a new office at West Village on Wellington Street. It’s a significant milestone in the firm’s continued growth and investment in the region. After 15 years at nearby St James House, the move to the state-of-the-art, 3,326 sq ft workspace in Bruntwood SciTech’s innovative…

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Leeds Charity Ball boosts AABIE fundraising total to £200k

Leading professional services firm AAB welcomed over 300 guests to the third AABIE Charity Ball, held for the first time in Leeds on Saturday 14 June 2025. Taking place at the iconic Aspire venue, the event was a great success, celebrating the growing impact of AABIE as it looks ahead to its 10-year anniversary in…

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Azets UK appoints Yorkshire regional managing director

Azets, the UK top 10 accountancy and advisory firm, has appointed Claire Needham as its new regional managing director for Yorkshire and the North East. Claire is promoted into the role from her position as Azets’ York office managing partner and head of the UK technical accounting team. She will succeed Russell Turner, who is…

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Spending Review can be transformative for new homes and Bradford – housing association CEO

The chief executive of Bradford-based Manningham Housing Association has backed the Chancellor’s commitments to a £39 billion Affordable Homes Programme and a 10-year rent settlement announced in today’s Spending Review. In a statement, Lee Bloomfield said: “For far too long, housing associations have faced an impossible task in trying to provide enough decent homes for…

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Schofield Sweeney welcomes Real Estate Partner Tim Richards

Appointment Consolidates Firm’s Position as a Regional Leader in Real Estate Law Award-winning Yorkshire law firm Schofield Sweeney has further enhanced its real estate expertise with the appointment of new partner Tim Richards to the 40-strong specialist team. Tim brings with him a wealth of commercial real estate experience, including advising end-to-end on major land…

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