Northern Accountants expands into HR with new sister brand

Leeds-headquartered Northern Accountants has launched a sister brand, Northern HR, as the firm advances its goal to become a top 100 UK practice.

The new venture will be led by HR business partner Paula Ingham, a former consultancy owner with around 30 years’ experience. 

A long-standing chartered member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), Ingham has worked across sectors including care, real estate and banking.

She has delivered operational and strategic HR support to small and medium-sized enterprises, with expertise spanning employee relations, people and performance management, training, recruitment and organisational development.

Ingham’s appointment marks a “strategic shift” for Northern Accountants, which recently announced the formation of a new advisory board.

With offices in Leeds, Hull and Edinburgh, Northern Accountants and Northern HR support more than 500 organisations across northern England and Scotland. The firm reported turnover of £3.3m and is targeting £7.8m by 2030.

Phil Ellerby, founder of Northern Accountants, said: “As a strategic growth accountancy practice, we have always gone way beyond the numbers when supporting our customers to achieve their commercial and personal goals.

“To truly understand the mechanics – if not entire DNA – of their businesses, we often get close to people-related matters too. From the more obvious payroll support to discussions around recruitment, expansion and succession strategies, the need for HR expertise is therefore a logical next step, and a crucial point of difference in our crowded market.”

Ellerby added: “We’re in a privileged position of trust with our customers. Now offering HR services – from everyday essentials to support during complex business transitions – we can deliver even more value, where and when they need it most.

“Paula is another critical hire for Northern Accountants – the latest in nine new appointments – as we push forward on our own ambitious trajectory. This is the start of Northern HR’s journey, but of course further roles are in the plan, to develop this business too.”

Anna Masheter, newly appointed non-executive director for people and culture, concluded: “From assisting businesses with the initial setup of policies, contracts and handbooks, through to strategic HR planning to deliver acquisitions and business change, Paula is comfortable working with employees at all levels including line managers and directors looking to grow compliant, profitable, and people-optimised organisations.

“She also understands which HR metrics matter, which is particularly crucial in the current economic climate.”