A FIRM has strengthened its reputation as the ‘go to’ accountancy firm for family and owner-managed businesses across the north after it acquired a successful, long-standing peer.

Armstrong Watson's acquisition of Settle practice Haworths Chartered Accountants saw four Haworths’ staff join the firm from the business’s Town Hall location in Settle’s Market Place.

Commenting on the merger, Richard Andrew, Armstrong Watson Partner and Head of Accounting, said: “We are delighted to welcome the clients and colleagues of Haworths to Armstrong Watson. 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 Haworths’ clients with tailored, proactive support and advice essential for profit and growth.”

Both firms have a similar ethos and pride themselves on serving family businesses and individuals across the region.

Armstrong Watson will continue to provide a personalised service to Haworths’ clients, with Armstrong Watson Accounting Partner, Rodger Hill, taking the office lead role.

Armstrong Watson has offices throughout Yorkshire, Cumbria and across the North of England and Scotland, and provides a tailored range of advice and services to owner-managed businesses across a number of business sectors, with a strong specialism in Agriculture and Hospitality & Tourism.

This deal follows four acquisitions for Armstrong Watson in the last 18 months, with the firm expanding in Leeds, Hexham and Carlisle - areas where it is already well-established – along with opening a new office in Manchester.

Richard added: “This culmination of continued growth has strengthened Armstrong Watson’s position as the leading adviser and ‘go-to’ firm for family and owner-managed businesses in the North of England and Scotland.’”