Armstrong Watson is celebrating a period of significant growth as it continues to expand in Newcastle, serving a diverse range of successful regional businesses.
Over the past 18 months, the 159-year-old accountancy, business and financial advisory firm has seen its Newcastle team grow from 40 to over 110 people, reflecting increasing demand and a commitment to expanding its presence and capabilities across the region. Recent strategic hires include Technical Training Director Chris Soan, the former Associate Dean of Education at Newcastle University Business School, Restructuring and Insolvency Director Kerry Pearson, and Financial Planning Consultant Thomas Edwards, with further key appointments in the pipeline.
Thomas, who brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in investments and pensions, having worked in the financial advice industry for more than a decade, said: “Armstrong Watson is a firm with a strong identity and with a well-established presence in the local area. The business’s values are aligned to my own, and it has clear goals for the future, which I look forward to being a part of by contributing to the growth of both the Newcastle office and the wider firm.”The growing team supports a diverse range of North East clients, including owner-managed businesses, private equity-backed companies, and subsidiaries of international parent organisations. Their focus remains firmly on delivering value, building long-term relationships, and supporting the region’s business community with trusted, expert advice.
Audit and Assurance Partner Michael Morris, joined Armstrong Watson in February 2024 and was appointed Newcastle’s lead office partner in early 2025 , said: "We’ve had some fabulous traction recently and have a portfolio of clients we are very proud of. I believe the North East has been a bit light on accountancy firms in the last few years, and as Armstrong Watson has continued to grow, it has taken a big step in plugging that gap. While we’ve made strong inroads, we remain focused on delivering exceptional client service—keeping this at the forefront of everything we do. We have ambitious growth plans across all our service lines and, consequently, Armstrong Watson really is an exciting place to be right now.”
The firm’s move into the landmark One Strawberry Lane in 2023 brought its Newcastle team together under one roof, following the acquisition of Joseph Miller earlier that year. This investment in infrastructure, and people, underscores Armstrong Watson’s commitment to the region and its long-term growth strategy, which has also seen Partner Simon Turner take up the role of regional lead for the North East, a role that oversees long-established offices in Northallerton and Hexham too.
Armstrong Watson's full-service proposition in Newcastle spans accountancy, audit, business advisory, restructuring and insolvency, corporate finance, payroll, and financial planning, alongside more bespoke services such as Cyber Security Solutions and Financial Reporting. Recent senior appointments highlight the firm’s ambition and its focus on developing future leaders from within, while also welcoming external talent to support strategic growth.
Michael added: "We’re not a one-city independent, nor a national firm. As the largest independent in the North, we offer the best of both worlds—local expertise with the scale and structure to support ambitious businesses. As a leadership team, we are on the same page and work together very closely, and I believe that tone flows through the wider team, helping us all push in the same direction. Being part of a firm with such ambition and such a supportive culture makes Armstrong Watson a really enjoyable and rewarding place to be."
With significant opportunities in audit, corporate tax, and corporate finance, the firm is well-positioned for continued expansion. Business Services and Payroll are also seeing strong momentum, with new clients joining from a variety of sectors.
