Armstrong Watson has announced a raft of “major” promotions and appointments in a move to bolster its team in Leeds.
Tom Blandford was promoted to audit and assurance partner and Olivia Rawlinson was promoted to tax director.
The firm said that despite the pressure placed during Covid-19, it has maintained its “ambitious” growth plans and “actively continues to nurture talent as well as recruit during the crisis”.
Blandford first joined Armstrong Watson in 2017 as audit director within the specialist legal sector team, exclusively advising solicitors across the Yorkshire region.
Rawlinson joined the accountancy firm in 2018, having spent much of her career resolving HMRC disputes. According to the firm, she has “continued to develop her expertise in this area”, undertaking a “much broader range” of tax advisory projects.
The new promotions closely follow a new appointment last week, with Simon Mayoh joining the Leeds team in a new role as financial planning consultant.
CEO and managing partner, Paul Dickson said: “Whilst the pandemic may have meant a temporary change to our working environments, our clients require our support and advice more now than ever and we’re determined to continue with business as (new) normal in the approach we take.
“It’s important to be able to adapt, however we remain focused on the future, with further growth and additional recruitment planned.”
He added: “Recognising and nurturing the talent we currently have within the firm is integral to this growth and both Tom and Olivia have shown this in abundance.”
Blandford said: “It is an honour to become a partner within Armstrong Watson and particularly in the context of our continued growth throughout the Yorkshire region.
“We have a fantastic team in the firm and in our three Yorkshire offices working hard alongside me, and I am extremely proud that CEO and managing partner Paul Dickson, and the Armstrong Watson board, believe in me to grow and develop our specialist practice for lawyers and law firms in Leeds and beyond.”
Rawlinson said: “My journey this far at Armstrong Watson has been brilliant and I look forward to continuing along this path. Assisting our clients on their own growth journeys and through their challenges is part of our culture and is what makes going to work so enjoyable.
“Part of the Armstrong Watson plan is to grow and develop the HMRC dispute resolution practice and I am excited about being a fundamental part of that aspiration.”
