Bradford-based accountants Naylor Wintersgill acquired by Azets

The acquisition sees Azets expand its presence in Yorkshire, adding two offices to its UK network which now totals 90.

Naylor Wintersgill managing director, Victoria Wainwright, who started her accountancy career as the firm’s first apprentice in 1991, will continue to lead the team as office managing partner.

She said: “The team at Naylor Wintersgill are thrilled to be joining Azets. This is a brilliant opportunity to strengthen our services offering to SMEs and owner-managed businesses in Yorkshire.

"It is also an opportunity for our team to be part of a much larger ecosystem, creating even more value for our clients.”

“We will continue to build on the achievements of Naylor Wintersgill, delivering the same high-quality level of service, with the advantage of being able to offer more specialist advice and be part of a growing group that offers new and exciting opportunities for our clients and our people.

“It was clear from the start that Azets’ culture and values align closely with our own, and we are confident that this acquisition is the perfect fit for our future growth.”

Acquiring Naylor Wintersgill adds 67 people into the Azets team, including eight Partners.

In February of this year, Azets announced its plans to recruit more than 500 apprentices, graduates and school leavers in 2023, with 45 vacancies in the Yorkshire region.

Last September, the firm announced that its Yorkshire corporate finance team had completed deals worth around £200 million in the last 12 months.

Russell Turner, regional managing partner with Azets in Yorkshire, said: “This acquisition is a wonderful opportunity to expand Azets’ geographical presence in Bradford and enhance our specialist offering to SME clients right across the Yorkshire region. We are delighted to be working with Victoria and her team.”

Naylor Wintersgill was a double-award winner at the recent Yorkshire Accountancy Awards 2023.

A panel of local and national experts from the profession awarded the team ‘Independent Firm of the Year’, with Victoria Wainwright named ‘Managing Partner of the Year’.

It is headquartered at Carlton House on Grammar School Street.

Peter Gallanagh, regional CEO for Azets’ UK North region, added: “I’d like to offer a warm welcome to our new colleagues and clients from Naylor Wintersgill as we embark on this exciting journey together.

"This acquisition offers a platform for Azets to keep building its regional presence in Yorkshire and leverage shared skills in support of our SME clients.

“Like Azets, Victoria and her team have a strong reputation for delivering a full range of quality professional services and support to clients through a collaborative relationship built on trust and confidence.”

Naylor Wintersgill delivers accounting, audit, corporate finance, tax, payroll, and HR advisory services to SMEs, private clients, and not-for-profit organisations across the Yorkshire region.