Staff expansion for turnaround specialist Armitage Jones

Ilkley-based Armitage Jones was launched in February 2009 by insolvency practitioner Tony Armitage, former lawyer-turned investor Chris Jones, and property developer and professional investor Simon Padgett. It advises businesses on turnaround and growth strategies.

The firm has doubled in size to six employees, taking on Andrew Roberts, former finance director of several Yorkshire companies, plus executive managers Sinead Jones and Sarah Pateman.

"We have been well received by the market as a team that brings a broad range of skills to businesses. Our hands-on approach and the urgency with which we can change business situations has been crucial for us to deliver results in this very fluid and challenging economy," said Mr Armitage.

The firm has worked with a range of businesses during its first year, with its team covering legal, property, accountancy and insolvency. Work included restructuring in the retail, professional services, contracting and e-commerce sectors and the sale of subsidiaries, as well as helping firms diversify and grow.

Clients include an international bank, a national leisure chain, a commercial property group, a corporate travel business several property development businesses and a listed company.

"That we have been able to grow to a team of six in our first year is great, and we hope that our results in positively turning critical problem companies around, and helping others thrive in new markets will aid continued expansion over the next year," added Mr Armitage.