Cumbrian-based independent accountants, business and financial advisory firm, Armstrong Watson, has strengthened its position in Scotland by merging with Glasgow firm Martin Aitken, Accounting, Tax and Finance.
The merger, which took place on 7th April, brings the Glasgow teams of Armstrong Watson and Martin Aitken together, and sees a total of 110 colleagues join Armstrong Watson, resulting in the combined team in Glasgow growing to over 150 colleagues in the city, and Armstrong Watson now boasting over 800 colleagues across the North of England and Scotland.
The entire team at Martin Aitken have taken up their roles at Armstrong Watson, with all of the firm’s Directors joining the business as Partners and will continue to provide proactive support and advice to their clients.
Both firms have a similar ethos and culture, priding themselves on serving family, privately owned, and owner-managed businesses, as well as individuals, across the region.
The merged team in Glasgow will further strengthen Armstrong Watson’s client-focused proposition for Armstrong Watson and Martin Aitken clients in the region, as well as providing enhanced career opportunities for colleagues at both firms.
Ewen Dyer, Managing Director & Lead Partner at Martin Aitken, saw the acquisition as a great opportunity for all parties. Commenting, Ewen said,
“The decision to join forces with Armstrong Watson has been carefully considered and brings significant benefits to our clients and colleagues.
“We believe that clients will continue to receive the highest quality, personal service and for some, it will give them the added benefit of being able to pull in the skills of a larger local and regional firm. The opportunities that exist at Armstrong Watson will benefit our clients and colleagues significantly.”
Also commenting on the merger, Paul Dickson, Armstrong Watson Managing Partner and CEO, said,
“As one of the largest independent Accounting and Financial advisory firms in the UK, we are proud to announce this merger with Martin Aitken, a very well-respected firm in Glasgow, where we have always held the Partners and team in the highest regard.
“The combined business allows us to better support our respective clients in Scotland with a robust professional services business, providing the necessary support that growing successful businesses need in the region. We have ambitious plans to continue to grow in Scotland, supporting our clients to achieve prosperity, a secure future, and peace of mind.
“We are proud to be investing in Glasgow and supporting the growth of the economy in the region with our two firms coming together. This merger is a testament to our commitment to the region and our belief in its full potential, enhancing our combined client proposition and creating greater opportunities for both of our respective teams.”
This merger follows a sustained period of growth for Armstrong Watson and marks the third merger for the firm in the past 12 months, with long-standing Glasgow practice Parkhill Mackie & Co joining Armstrong Watson back in October, and the acquisition of West Cumbrian firm Gibbons at the end of April 2024.
