North East accountancy firm makes plans for further expansion

A North East accountancy firm is targeting further expansion through the opening of a new office outside of its home region, a major recruitment drive and a restructure of its senior management team

Leathers the Accountants last year saw revenue growth of over 25 per cent, underpinned by new client wins and key new appointments, and is now positioning itself to take advantage of further opportunities through ambitious new plans.

Leathers – which recently won best firm (under 50 employees) at the North East Accountancy Awards – is opening an office in Harrogate, in addition to its existing bases in Newcastle and Durham, which will become a focal point for its growing presence in Yorkshire and surrounding areas.

The business works nationally and internationally, with a significant proportion of its work coming from London, the Midlands and South East England, and is not ruling out further new office openings as more new clients are attracted to the firm.

Leathers has also revealed changes in its senior management structure to help spearhead the growth of the business, with Tim Mallon, who joined Leathers last year, becoming its Managing Director with direct responsibility for Newcastle and Durham offices. Ryan Harrison, head of Leathers’ private client team, becomes a Partner in the business, and he will lead the growth efforts in Yorkshire.

Michael Leather, who founded the business almost 30 years ago, will remain as managing partner.

Its recruitment drive, which has so far seen Leathers make six new appointments in four months at all levels of the business, will continue as the team look for new additions to help support their strong growth.

Leathers, which in the past 12 months has rebranded and seen the launch of a new website, is regarded as a trusted advisor to family businesses, property owners and high net worth individuals, winning the vast majority of its work through referral and recommendation. It is well known for its innovative approach to tax planning and reputation for market-leading client service.

Tim Mallon, new managing director of Leathers the Accountants, believes the business is well positioned for the future.

“We act for clients across the UK, and indeed the world, from our two offices in the North East, but we see particular opportunities for us in Yorkshire. Ryan is perfect to lead this significant area of expansion for us.  He lives locally, and has built up a good local network over recent years.  He is a private client expert and will build a team to deliver our approach to advising clients in Harrogate and across Yorkshire; an approach which has served us extremely well and which has led to this period of intense growth for us.

“Our expansion into Yorkshire is the first step in our strategic growth plan. We are very ambitious and keen to take advantage of new opportunities. We have an exceptional and highly capable team here, which continues to grow through the addition of new key people, and we are very well placed for further growth. The restructure of our management team has put the internal structure in place for continued development of the business and this is a very exciting time for Leathers.”

Michael Leather said: “I am delighted that Tim has become Managing Director of the business, and that Ryan, whose career has developed so strongly since he joined us, has become a Partner. Tim is one of the region’s most well-known tax accountants, and his leadership will, I am sure, be transformational for the business. Similarly, Ryan has become one of the region’s leading private client tax advisors and we are delighted he is now part of our management team.

“Our team continues to grow both in numbers and expertise and their continued support of Ryan, Tim and I will help us to position the business well for the many opportunities that lie ahead. We have seen significant growth recently, and we are eager to continue to drive that forward.”