Experienced Audit and Assurance Director joins Armstrong Watson

Armstrong Watson LLP, Accountants, Business and Financial Advisers are delighted to announce that Huw Nicholls has joined the team as an Audit Director.

With nearly 20 years’ experience in audit and accounting, Huw joins Armstrong Watson’s Yorkshire audit team in its Leeds office from MHA Moore & Smalley in Manchester. He has previously held senior leadership roles at EY and Grant Thornton, together with spells at the top 20 firm MHA MacIntyre Hudson.

Huw has experience working with owner-managed businesses, charities and subsidiaries of overseas groups. His sector expertise includes IT, construction, retail, property, leisure and tourism, professional services, manufacturing, academies and not-for-profit entities. He also previously worked for several years as an independent examiner for a charity.

Commenting on his appointment, Huw Nicholls said: “The impact of audit reform continues to be felt in the UK audit market. Armstrong Watson is ideally placed to take advantage of this growth whilst continuing to provide excellent services to its existing clients. I am excited to be joining the Leeds office as a Director and contributing to the firm’s ongoing growth.”

Matt Osbourne, the Lead Partner of the Leeds office, said: “Huw is the perfect fit for Armstrong Watson and we’re delighted to welcome him to the team. His appointment is another key milestone in the development of our Audit Team which is going through a sustained period of growth.

“Huw’s vast experience of both corporate and not-for-profit entities will continue to help us strengthen our audit and assurance team both in Leeds and across the wider firm, working with private, owner-managed and family businesses to help them grow and prosper.”

Huw’s appointment comes after an exceptional year of growth for the audit team in Leeds as it saw a 50% rise in revenue growth in 2022 and follows the acquisitions of long-standing practices Grants Chartered Accountants in Leeds and Haworths Chartered Accountants in Settle.