SKIPTON firm Armstrong Watson LLP, Accountants, Business and Financial Advisers, are delighted to announce that Ross Preston has joined the Yorkshire team as Audit and Assurance Partner.

Ross will play an integral role in the continuing development of Armstrong Watson’s services to family and privately owned businesses, as well as the not for profit sector, throughout the region.

Ross joins the audit team at a time of exceptional growth, with the firm having increased professional resource by 30% in the past 12 months to accommodate the business’ growing needs following a significant rise in the number of major new business wins.

With a depth of experience across both industry and practice, Ross joins the Armstrong Watson team from Mazars, Leeds. Having originally qualified with PwC in Edinburgh, Ross worked as as a Group Financial Controller of a £200m turnover international group, latterly spending several years with the Big 4 prior to his role at Mazars.

More recently, Ross has provided audit and wider advisory services to businesses across a range of sectors, including construction, retail, life sciences and education. Alongside a number of successful family companies, his client portfolio included a number of Yorkshire based Multi-Academy Trusts and well known charities.

Ross said: “This is an exciting time in the audit market in the UK due to ongoing audit reform and this creates a fantastic opportunity for Armstrong Watson in Yorkshire and beyond. I am delighted to become part of the partner group here in Yorkshire and assist the ongoing growth of the firm, whilst continuing to look after businesses and organisations which are key to the local economy and wider community.”

Matt Osbourne, Armstrong Watson Leeds’ Lead Partner, said: “We are very pleased that Ross has agreed to become part of the Armstrong Watson Yorkshire team and he joins us at an important juncture as the audit market continues to evolve and business owners take stock of a new approach.

“Ross’s wide ranging capabilities and extensive experience will ensure that we can continue to meet the needs of our clients and to help them grow and prosper. With a strong reputation across the region for supporting owner-managed and not for profit businesses, Ross is perfectly placed to ensure that not only statutory requirements are met, but offer the preparation and advice needed to embrace their next big business event, be that expansion, investment, refinancing or a sale transaction.

“Ross has demonstrated that he holds the same clear principles we value as a firm, embracing our commitment to help facilitate profitable growth, and we all look forward to working with him.”