Audit Partner joins Armstrong Watson as firm moves to Manchester city centre office

Armstrong Watson is delighted to announce the appointment of Louise Webster as Audit and Assurance Partner in the growing Manchester team, as the business continues to invest in the region following the move to a new city centre base.

Louise joins with more than 25 years’ experience advising large and medium-sized businesses across England. In her new role, she will lead the growth and development of the audit offering in Manchester, nurturing the audit team and supporting clients across a broad range of sectors.

Originally from Wigan, Louise spent the last 18 years at independent accountancy firm Fairhurst, having previously worked for a number of other independent practices across the North West. Throughout her career, she has developed extensive experience working with businesses in sectors including construction, plant hire, engineering, manufacturing, post-16 education, charities and the not-for-profit sector.

Louise prides herself on delivering a high-quality service and is also passionate about changing perceptions of audit, viewing it not as a compliance exercise but as a valuable annual opportunity to support and strengthen businesses.

Louise said: “I moved to Armstrong Watson to be part of a team that considers its core principles and ethics to be the reason why businesses should use us and wants to maintain those principles to set us apart. I feel it’s a place where the answer to ‘why work here?’ or ‘why move here?’ is an easy one, and one that everyone can subscribe to and believe in.

“I’m looking forward to working with new colleagues and clients, and further expanding Armstrong Watson’s presence in the Manchester area.”

Her appointment comes just as Armstrong Watson has relocated to a new city centre office at 81 Fountain Street, having operated from Cheadle Royal Business Park, near Manchester Airport, following the acquisition of ASE Professional Services in 2022.

Since then, the team has significantly expanded through a series of senior appointments, including Restructuring and Insolvency Partner Lindsey Cooper, Tax Partners Tania Dimitrovich and Gary Rowson, and Business Services Director Mark Sudworth.

Earlier this year, Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce also announced Armstrong Watson as its Strategic Partner for Accountancy, Business and Financial Advisory, supporting the needs of the Chamber and its members.

Matt Osbourne, Audit Partner and Regional Lead, said: “We are delighted to welcome Louise to Armstrong Watson. She brings a wealth of experience, an excellent reputation in the market and a genuine passion for helping businesses get value from the audit process.

“Louise will play a key role in growing our audit and assurance offering in Manchester and supporting the continued development of our team and client base across the region.

“Our move to the city centre gives us greater visibility, improved accessibility for clients and colleagues, and positions us perfectly to continue attracting talented people and supporting ambitious businesses across the region.

“With Louise joining the team and our continued investment in Manchester, we are excited about the opportunities ahead.”