Established in 1896, Garbutt + Elliot is one of the largest independent accountancy firms in Yorkshire with over 200 staff, 15 partners and a turnover of £12 million. It will now trade as Azets from offices in York and Leeds and offer clients access to Azets’ extensive range of specialist advisory services across the UK and internationally in Restructuring & Insolvency, Forensics, Data Analytics and Cybersecurity.

Garbutt + Elliott clients will also benefit from Azets’ investment in technology, with digital platforms such as CoZone delivering an advisory-rich service, focusing on helping clients ensure compliance, grow their business, and provide tools and information to enable real-time business and commercial advice.

Chris Horne, CEO of Azets, said: “I’d like to offer a warm welcome to Garbutt + Elliott as they join Azets at an exciting time in our growth. We’re delighted to create a presence in Yorkshire, adding to our office network in the North of England and across the UK. Garbutt + Elliott’s strong regional reputation and specialist expertise, combined with Azets’ local and international reach opens a wealth of opportunities for our clients.

“We believe strongly in the local delivery of services, whilst giving businesses in Yorkshire the opportunity to benefit from our breadth, depth, and experience as an SME focused international accounting, tax, audit, advisory and business services group. Acquiring Garbutt + Elliott is a significant milestone on our journey to increase revenue by 50% in the next five years. This acquisition demonstrates our commitment to building the Azets brand and footprint throughout the UK and Europe.”

Russell Turner, managing partner at Garbutt & Elliott, added: “We’re incredibly proud of our heritage and motivated to deliver success throughout the next chapter as part of the Azets family. Having first established 125 years ago, we retain our position as one of the largest chartered accountancy firms in Yorkshire, boosted by joining a UK Top 10 firm with shared values and beliefs in providing a personal approach to supporting the needs of local and regional businesses.”