Armstrong Watson fuels growth ambitions with Joseph Miller deal

An accountancy, business and financial advisory firm says it is primed for further market success after completing a merger.

Armstrong Watson has acquired accountancy practice Joseph Miller.  

Bosses say the deal provides “an incredibly strong foundation to grow further in the North East”, by becoming the “go-to firm for family and owner-managed businesses”.

Under the terms of the agreement, all 22 Joseph Miller staff have joined Armstrong Watson, with partners David Gold, Chris Reah and Edith Chapman retaining their titles in the expanded organisation.

The business will operate from Armstrong Watson’s Waterloo Street office, in Newcastle, and Joseph Miller’s Milburn House base, also in the city, ahead of a move to larger premises in the coming months.  

Paul Dickson, Armstrong Watson managing partner and chief executive, said: “We’re delighted to welcome our new colleagues and clients from Joseph Miller.

“Our values and ethos as a firm are like that of Joseph Miller.

“David, Chris and Edith will continue to provide clients with tax and accountancy services of the highest standards, and will have access to other specialist services that could bring significant benefits to clients and their businesses.  

“Our Newcastle office has seen some rapid growth over recent years.

“With our new colleagues, we now have a full service proposition in the city, with strong accounting, payroll and tax teams coming over as a result of this acquisition, and an incredibly strong foundation to build on our ambitions to grow further in the North East.” 

David added: “The decision to join forces with another long-established, independent firm of accountants and business advisers has been carefully considered and brings positive benefits to our clients and staff.  

“The merger allows our existing client relationships to continue, but with the benefit of increased staff resources and specialist teams within Armstrong Watson.”

The deal is Armstrong Watson’s sixth acquisition in the last 18 months, with the business having previously completed mergers with operators including Leeds-based Grants Chartered Accountants and Settle’s Haworths Chartered Accountants.

• Pictured, above, from left to right, are Armstrong Watson tax partner Hydeam Sulton and chief executive Paul Dickson, with new partners Edith Chapman, Chris Reah and David Gold