How do you win four Yorkshire Accountancy Awards in one night? Forvis Mazars might have the answer.
Fresh off the back of a standout year – marked by a major board refresh, the launch of a new global network, and a renewed focus on people – the firm walked away with not one but four awards in 2025, including Large Firm of the Year, Employer of the Year, Tax Service Award and Managing Partner of the Year for Natalie Wright.
We sat down with Natalie to find out what’s behind the team’s success, what it means to lead through change, and what other firms can learn from Forvis Mazars’ award-winning approach.
Let’s start with the headline: four wins at the 2025 Yorkshire Accountancy Awards. Be honest – did you expect a sweep?
“Each award represents a different facet of our firm’s achievements over the past year, reinforcing the depth of our impact across the profession. From our commitment to technical excellence and innovation, to the culture of inclusivity and development that we foster, these wins validate the approach we’ve taken to grow and evolve.
None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support, collaboration, and talent within our Leeds team. Their dedication has propelled us forward, and this recognition serves as a reflection of the passion and skill they bring to their work every day.”
Employer of the Year is a big deal. What are you doing differently when it comes to culture, people, and progression?
“Fostering opportunity goes beyond words—it’s about action. It’s not enough to simply talk about career advancement; we must make it clear what is possible and actively support individuals in achieving the next steps in their career.
We believe in leading by example, demonstrating that success is not just aspirational—it’s attainable. One of the most compelling examples of this has been seen in our Leeds team, where Andrew Hoyle, the UK Head of Advisory and Consulting was recently promoted to the UK Executive Board, having started his journey as an Audit trainee here in Leeds. His career progression is a testament to the power of dedication, mentorship, and a workplace culture that actively champions its people.”
How does it feel to see someone who started as a trainee now sitting on the UK executive board?
“We are all incredibly proud of Andrew, and his appointment to the board further evidences our firm’s commitment to developing talent. It demonstrates our dedication to fostering growth, providing meaningful opportunities, having an unwavering belief in potential and investing in people for long-term success. It’s also a reflection of our commitment to the Partnership model, which ultimately is all about stewardship.“
What does that kind of internal progression say about the firm’s leadership style, or your values more broadly?
“It speaks volumes about our commitment to nurturing talent and promoting from within. Our leadership style is collaborative and supportive, focusing on empowering individuals to reach their full potential. It reflects our values of growth, inclusivity, and excellence and is a great example of career growth without limitations, which is a message I personally deliver to all our new trainees every September.“
Mazars and Forvis came together to form a global firm almost 1 year ago. What’s it been like leading through such a major transformation?
“Leading through the transformation has been an exciting chapter for me. Not only have I deepened my understanding of leading through change, but I’ve also seen firsthand how our combined strengths position us for sustained growth in the professional services market. It has been a learning curve at times, but I have been really well supported throughout the transition. The result is ultimately a stronger, more unified global firm that can better serve our clients and support our people.”
Having won the Mid-Tier Firm of the Year in 2024, the 2025 awards was the first time you were eligible for the Large Firm of the Year category. What changed in that 12 month period?
“Our service offerings have evolved, allowing us to provide even more comprehensive and specialised solutions to our growing client base. This diversification has not only reinforced our expertise but also demonstrated our ability to adapt to the evolving needs of businesses in an increasingly complex financial landscape.
Additionally, our integration into a global network through the formation of Forvis Mazars has further elevated our capabilities and credibility, solidifying our position in the Large Firm of the Year category. This transition has provided access to international expertise, deeper collaboration across markets, and a strengthened ability to support clients with complex, multinational needs.
With our headcount now exceeding 300, we have embraced the shift from being perceived as a ‘challenger firm’ to a recognised leader in our field. We are no longer simply disrupting the market—we are defining it. Our message is clear: we are a firm of choice, offering exceptional opportunities for our people and delivering outstanding results for our clients.”
What role do regional roots play in your identity as a leader and as a firm?
“For us, Leeds is more than just a location—it’s a thriving business hub where we have built strong connections, nurtured talent, and contributed to economic growth. Our understanding of the local business community gives us an edge in delivering advice that is not only strategic but also relevant to the challenges and opportunities faced by the businesses that are based here. We know that having a focus on the Leeds business community is vital for our continued success.”
Finally – what’s next? How do you build on this momentum?
“Building on this momentum requires a relentless focus on innovation, growth, and adaptability. Our success has been driven by our ability to anticipate market needs, challenge conventional approaches, and create sustainable value—for our clients, our people, and the broader business community. Attracting and nurturing top talent is key to maintaining our culture of excellence and this will continue to be a core focus.
Our ability to stay true to our values while adapting to new challenges will define our ongoing success. The partnership model is more than just a structure—it’s a philosophy that drives collaboration, shared ambition, and long-term vision. We are fully committed to this model, ensuring that as we expand and evolve, we retain the principles that have made us who we are. This is just the beginning, and we are ready and excited to take the next step.”
A big thank you to Natalie for providing us with such great insights into the success within the business and at the awards ceremony.