New Tax Partner sees Armstrong Watson as ‘exciting opportunity’

Armstrong Watson LLP, Accountants, Business and Financial Advisers are delighted to announce that James Fraser has joined the team as Tax Partner. 

A highly experienced tax adviser, James will head up the Tax Team in Leeds and continue to grow and develop the services for family and owner-managed businesses.

His appointment comes at a time of exceptional growth and follows the firm’s acquisition of Volans, Leach & Schofield as well as a full refurbishment of its South Parade office to accommodate the expansion. 

Elsewhere in the business, the tax team has been further strengthened over recent months. Becky Bowness was promoted to Tax Partner in Cumbria and now leads Armstrong Watson’s Corporate Tax Practice, while David Taylor has joined the Glasgow office as Tax Associate Director.

James, who joins Armstrong Watson from Mazars LLP in Leeds, has worked in the accountancy profession for more than 18 years, with 14 of those spent as a tax adviser after becoming a member of the Chartered Institute of Taxation.

He brings significant experience of advising owner-managed businesses, in particular balancing the interaction between the company and its shareholders, and has broad experience of business tax with a particular focus on employee share schemes, corporate restructuring for succession planning and asset protection, R&D tax relief claims and property tax issues.

Commenting on his appointment James said: “Armstrong Watson is currently going through a sustained period of growth in Leeds, with an enviable client base. The firm is recognised as a leading provider of high-quality support and advice to owner-managed businesses across all service lines.

“Throughout my professional career I have always enjoyed working with owner-managed businesses and the opportunity to join and lead the firm’s tax offering in Leeds, and to work with the firm’s client base, is a very exciting opportunity.”

CEO and Managing Partner Paul Dickson said: “We’re delighted to welcome James to the team in Leeds at such an exciting time for the business. His appointment is another key milestone in the development of our Tax Team and ultimately strengthens our aim to be the ‘go to’ firm for family and owner-managed businesses across the north.

 “James’s vast experience in dealing with family and owner-managed businesses is the perfect fit for Armstrong Watson and I know he will ensure our clients continue to receive the high-quality service they deserve to help them grow and prosper.”