Accountants, Business & Financial Advisers in Leeds

Armstrong Watson have performed a first-time audit this year and conducted a thorough and efficient process to a strict set of reporting timelines. They got to grips with the complexities of our business quickly and developed a strong and open working relationship with our finance team.

Sheffield Forgemasters International Limited

Ever since we were introduced to Matt and his team at Armstrong Watson, the process has been seamless from the outset. The initial handover was swift and was dealt with promptly and efficiently by Matt, while the audit itself has been an efficient, well planned and hassle-free process. The team have been a delight to deal with – thorough and robust, yet still pragmatic and helpful.

Symington’s Limited

For our 2020 audit we made a conscious decision to move away from the Big 4 and engaged AW as auditors. What we experienced with AW was a fresh, streamlined approach to the audit process underpinned by frequent communication. We were particularly impressed with their pragmatism in regard to disclosures within the statutory financial statements and most importantly, they exceeded the deadlines we agreed at the outset.

Explore Transport Limited

We moved to Armstrong Watson after our previous audits constantly missed the tight reporting deadlines set by our parent company. Our previous audits were painful and seemed never to be focused towards the deadlines against which we are measured. This left us looking incompetent in the eyes of our parent. The service we have experienced since our move is worlds apart from previous years’ audits. Not only was the process actually enjoyable we were the first of the companies to report worldwide instead of being the last. We really look forward to more of the same in years to come.

You promised the Earth and you delivered it.

Hidrostal Limited

We made the move to AW from a Big 4 in the summer of 2019, we were essentially looking for a local business who could provide an efficient audit and professional advisory service but on a more personal level. Matt, Oliver and the team did not disappoint. The transition across was very straightforward, they assigned plenty of time and resources to get to know our business, systems and key colleagues making the year end audit very successful.

JZ Flowers Limited

The Armstrong Watson team took time to understand the business, our background, sectors of operation, aims and objectives as part of their engagement with us. As a result, the audit was conducted with understanding in an extremely efficient and professional manner.

Nicola Lister, Financial Controller NDL Software Limited

Having worked with Armstrong Watson for two years now one of the key things they have delivered upon is communicating in a way that suits our PE backers. In particular their Audit Committee reporting and communication, including highlighting issues that may impact a future event so that we can address them now has been invaluable

Mike Holmes Finance Director Smart Search Limited

When changing independence rules in the Big 4 meant I had to outsource my consolidation I was nervous about using an independent firm. I needn’t have been. Simon has the experience of my audit lead in the Big 4 but the time to meet me face to face and work through it – he wasn’t just there
at the end but with me on the journey.

Anne Caudwell - Head of Finance, Giacom World Networks Limited

The relationship between Armstrong Watson and Simpson was initially established prior to the Management buy-out of the Simpson business, which is now some 25 years since and has proved to be a long and lasting quality relationship, developed primarily with the Audit and Tax teams who have supported us well through our business growth and succession.

We have also been able to take advantage and drive improvements and success through our business operations with the help of the Armstrong Watson Strategic Business Advice Service, which has acted as a catalyst to release the potential within our management team, and triggered further business development opportunities.

Ron & Beryl Gatenby - Directors, Simpson (York) Ltd

We are very happy with the service all of your team has provided including Andrew Robinson, Andrew Tame and of course Tom Craddock, The whole experience has been at all times extremely efficient and very friendly and cooperative unlike our last set of accountants

Neil Appleton, Managing Director, AMK Maintenance Limited.

We spent an outstanding couple of days with Andy. It has helped with our cashflow, with profitability and interestingly clients have accepted a new process and approach to fees. The profit per file will be up. It was worth the time and effort and is the most useful session I’ve been on in years.

Paul Bennett, Bennett Briegal LLP

Following conversion to LLP/ABS and putting in place succession plans we felt it was important that we partner with accountants with deep knowledge and experience of the legal sector to support our future strategy. We found this in abundance at Armstrong Watson and following a delightfully smooth transition we are already benefitting from a wide range of their services. Andy Poole and the AW teams provide proactive advice, are easy to work with and we would recommend them without hesitation.

Andrew Perry, Practice Manager, Russell & Russell Solicitors

Goodwin Development Trust outsourced payroll to Armstrong Watson around 2 years ago and have been very impressed with the service we receive from them as our payroll suppliers. We have a dedicated professional who ensures that our payroll is implemented smoothly. Checks are undertaken and our adviser regularly emails throughout the payroll period to establish that all changes are correct leading to a very accurate payroll system. We are so impressed with our current adviser that we emailed her manager to tell them and as a result, our adviser was successful in obtaining Employee of the Month earlier this year

When a review of the working agreement was required, Armstrong Watson provided us with assurance that all payroll checks would be undertaken in accordance with our policies and procedures. Our dedicated adviser was changed to suit the needs of our business and this was done seamlessly with an excellent handover between colleagues.

An all round excellent service that we would highly recommend

Lynne Stothard, Senior HR Adviser - Goodwin Development Trust

Ron & Beryl Gatenby, Directors, Simpson (York) Ltd

Armstrong Watson has always been accessible, supportive and always there to assist us in our business journey from start up, all the way to sale and beyond. I would have no hesitation in recommending them to any one (and have done so on multiple occasions).

Phil Fraser, Jupiter Online Gaming

Armstrong Watson have been my business accountants for 20 years, so when I needed retirement advice on my deferred pensions I had built up many years ago, Armstrong Watson Financial Planning Ltd were my first choice.

At the first meeting, Justin covered a wide range of topics. He came over as professional,calm, not pushy and explained technical issues in layman terms. This initial meeting with Justin gave me the confidence to continue working with him and not seek another independent financial advisor. I have built up a good working relationship with both Justin and the investment manager which Justin recommended and I know that if I ever have any questions or requests I can contact them for assistance.

This all works so well that my partner is now looking at moving their investment portfolio to Armstrong Watson Financial Planning Ltd too.

N - Cumbria

We have been clients of Armstrong Watson for many years and have been extremely satisfied with the services they provide. More recently Helen Tansley has helped us set up Automatic Enrolment for our staff and guided us through the intacaies and pitfalls of the system; which was much appriecated.

Whatever your field of business we would highly recommend Armstrong Watson.

Gemma & Ron Eades

Pepperells Solicitors are a dynamic and growing law firm founded over 25 years ago, employing over 100 staff in the Humber area. In 2016 we engaged the services of Armstrong Watson's specialist legal sector as we sought to change our business structure to reflect Pepperell's modern approach to Law. During the process we were introduced to Justin Rourke. Justin and the legal sector team advised us on ensuring the business and it's key stakeholders are adequately protected in the event of death or critical illness and continues to guide us through our pension planning.

Ben Pepperell - CEO Pepperells Solicitors

I’m a little surprised at the low levels of stress throughout the whole mortgage process!! I’m so happy that I was put in touch with you - you’ve been fab and we're so excited. Thanks again Helen!

Jan Campbell

Armstrong Watson are lead sponsors for the IFDA providing invaluable advice to our members and the wider sector. Recently supporting the IFDA Forum series which delivered expert advice on prominent themes affecting the sector. They have been on hand to talk to all our members, no matter what stage of their journey, advising on accounting, planning and auditing. Their work with IFDA member Bundobust and the accounting software Xero has proven hugely helpful to our members, setting a benchmark for accounting with Independent food and drink establishments in the city.

Anne-Marie Gallagher, Leeds Beckett University

Armstrong Watson have been extremely helpful in assisting Eureka secure a Museums and Galleries Exhibition Tax Relief claim. At the outset, Olivia came to visit the museum to see the exhibition space and to talk us through the claim, showing knowledge and enthusiasm. Throughout the process, Will kept me updated on the progress of the claim, advising us on the qualifying costs and accompanying narrative, to ensure all eligible expenses were included in the claim and our filing position was robust. Thanks to Armstrong Watson’s proactive advice, we have been able to make a substantial claim this year and have gained valuable insights which will allow us to maximise the available relief for future exhibitions.

Andy Forbes, Finance Director at Eureka! The National Children’s Museum

Having Armstrong Watson as our Accountants over the last month has helped my knowledge base as a book keeper increase, and in turn has assisted our company in many ways, with compliance and profitability. The fact that you offer this service to your clients is excellent and is exactly what we needed from our Accountant partner firm.

Knowing that I can pick up the phone, send an quick email to ask if 'I am doing this right?’ and have assistance for those occasions when I need an expert to run something by, has been, and is invaluable.

Alison White, Watson Batty Architects Ltd

We appointed Armstrong Watson to assist with the production of our Year End Accounts and Annual Accounts return to the ESFA and from the first meeting to the completion of the returns, we were impressed by the professional manner in which they dealt with us as a client. The team's extensive understanding of the ESFA Accounts Direction and Academies Financial Handbook ensured that the work completed was to a very high standard and they were able to complete the task in hand in a timely manner. Their ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines ensured that the returns were available when needed.

With the good understanding of the sector, together with attention to detail and professionalism of their staff, we would be happy to recommend Armstrong Watson as a provider of accountancy services for a Multi Academy Trust and other educational setting

Delta Academies Trust

We recognised that we could benefit from a more effective rewards programme for our staff and fee earners in order to reward and further encourage high performance. However, we were unsure about how to structure such a rewards programme in a way which would not have an adverse affect on morale within the firm or the culture of the firm.

We were impressed by the knowledge, experience and awareness of Andy Poole and the specialist legal sector team at Armstrong Watson. They really understood the likely impacts of potential rewards programmes and were able to provide a comprehensive report, suggesting a bonus scheme that was bespoke to our business, helping us to drive performance in our key areas. The presentation of the scheme, suggested rules and financial awareness training delivered to our fee earners has had a positive impact on our business.

Ian Kennerley, Partner, Silk Family Law

In 2016 we engaged the services of Armstrong Watson’s specialist Legal Sector as we sought to change our business structure to reflect our modern approach to Law at our dynamic and growing law firm. Andy Poole and the team were able to guide us through the various structure options to find the structure which met our business needs. The checklist approach used allowed us to delegate tasks to the appropriate people and track what needed to be done and when.

As part of this process we were introduced to one of Armstrong Watson’s Financial Planning team who advised us on ensuring the business and its key stakeholders are adequately protected in the event of death or critical illness and continues to guide us through our pension planning including the use of commercial property. I actually enjoy talking with him and the rest of the Armstrong team!

We were delighted by the forward thinking joined up approach and look forward to our working relationship with the Armstrong Watson team continuing to develop.

Ben Pepperell CEO, Pepperells Solicitors

I have been with this firm since being a newly qualified dentist 25 years ago and have always been pleased with the service that they provide. I find Sharon to be easily approachable and efficient in dealing with any queries that might I have.

I have also recently switched to Armstrong Watson for the running of the payroll of the practice. This had to be carried our at short notice and was very smoothly done.

Sue Barrett, Seacroft Dental Practice

David, our VAT consultant was invaluable in helping us prepare for a VAT inspection. He checked all of our records with care and advised appropriately and answered queries with the VAT inspector on our behalf, saving me time and effort.

Emma Arnold, Financial Controller, Leeds Business Improvement District

I would like to thank the Yorkshire Corporate Finance Team at Armstrong Watson for assisting me in the sale of my business. They identified an appropriate buyer and negotiated a deal to meet my objectives for an exit with continued involvement for a certain period. Throughout the sale process they were always available to provide straight talking advice and took much of the strain out of what, at times, could have been a stressful process allowing me to continue to focus on the running of my fine wine business and ultimately securing me a successful outcome.

Mr Simon M Wrightson, Richmond Fine Wine

Engineered Assistance Ltd design and manufacture specialist mobility equipment for the healthcare sector, and are based in West Yorkshire.

The Armstrong Watson team helped us prepare R&D tax relief claims since the company was first incorporated and have saved us huge amounts of tax which we have consequently been able to reinvest in our technology.

The team have a great understanding of the R&D tax relief rules and his advice has been invaluable in not only preparing accurate claims for HMRC, but also maximising the tax relief available. I would definitely recommend Armstrong Watson to any company who think they might be able to make a claim.

Dane McGee, Managing Director, Engineered Assistance Ltd