Tait Walker hails ‘wonderful opportunity’ after Azets deal

An independent accountancy and business advisory firm says it has a “wonderful opportunity” to continue its growth following a takeover.

Tait Walker has been bought by Azets.

And Andrew Moorby, Tait Walker managing partner, says the deal will help the Gosforth-headquartered firm “enter the next phase” of its “long and successful journey.”

The tie-up has seen more than 170 Tait Walker staff transfer to Azets, including 12 partners.

The deal is Azets’ third in four months, taking its UK regional network to 84 offices.

Tait Walker bosses say the agreement will see clients benefit from Azets’ technological investments, such as its CoZone platform, which provide customers with tools and information to receive real-time advice.

Andrew [pictured, above left, with Peter Gallanagh, regional chief executive for the North at Azets UK] said: “This is a wonderful opportunity for Tait Walker and our clients.

“Azets is a business which shares our clear focus on people and clients – it is the perfect fit both strategically and culturally.

“As part of Azets, existing and new SME clients will benefit from an even broader set of specialist expertise, as they continue to drive forward the UK’s economic recovery.”

Chris Horne, group chief executive of Azets, which has offices in Alnwick, Durham City and Seaton Burn, said the deal would support the business’ aim of increasing revenue by 50 per cent over the next five years.

He added: “Tait Walker is established among the leading accounting and business advisory firms in the North East, with a long heritage of excellence and a broad capability across accountancy and business advisory services.”

Tait Walker’s office estate includes bases in Stockton, Morpeth, Durham City and Carlisle.

Azets’ regional footprint features sites in Sunderland, Hexham, Wynyard, Crook and Guisborough, in east Cleveland.