Armstrong Watson acquires Patricia J Arnold & Co
The move will see Armstrong Watson’s Hexham office become its largest team in the North East, almost doubling the size of its practice in the town
Armstrong Watson has strengthened its business across the north after the acquisition of long-standing Hexham family practice Patricia J Arnold and Co.
The merger took effect on 1 March, shortly after the business expanded in Newcastle. The move will see Armstrong Watson’s Hexham office become its largest team in the North East, almost doubling the size of its practice in the town.
Tricia Arnold, the owner of Patricia J Arnold and Co, has joined Armstrong Watson as a consultant, along with 14 staff who will continue to provide tax and accounting services to existing clients.
According to Armstrong Watson, both firms have a “similar ethos and pride themselves on serving family businesses and individuals across the north”. Arnold reportedly chose Armstrong Watson as a “safe pair of hands” due to its client relations and organic growth in Hexham over the last 25 years.
Arnold said: “I believe clients will continue to receive quality, personal service and for some it will give them the benefit of being able to pull in the skills of a larger firm. The opportunities that exist at Armstrong Watson will benefit those clients very significantly.”
Paul Dickson, Armstrong Watson managing partner and CEO, said: “We are delighted to welcome the clients and colleagues of Patricia J Arnold & Co to our Hexham practice. This merger combines two firms of similar culture, with complementary practice strengths and sector expertise.
“We hope that by offering an increasing range of specialists and advisers, we will ensure that we continue to provide local businesses with tailored, proactive support and advice essential for profit and growth.”
Armstrong Watson’s 16-strong office portfolio continues to grow across the north of England and Scotland, both organically and through acquisitions.
Dickson added: “This culmination of continued growth has strengthened Armstrong Watson’s position as a leading adviser in line with our aim to become the ‘go to firm for family and owner-managed businesses in the North of England and Scotland.”
