The Yorkshire Accountancy Awards 2025 brought a touch of glitz and glamour to New Dock Hall, Leeds, last night!
Taking place on 27 February 2025, this wonderful celebration brought together hundreds of professionals from across the region’s accountancy and bookkeeping services, all to recognise and celebrate the very best of the best.
Chair of the independent judging panel, Bev Flanagan, kicked off the evening with her speech, commenting, “Reading through the submissions this year has been nothing short of inspiring. The talent, creativity, and determination on display have made all of us on the judging panel feel incredibly proud to be part of such an exceptional industry.
“Tonight is about more than just trophies. It’s about celebrating the spirit of excellence and collaboration that makes this industry – and this region – so special.”
Notable winners include Forvis Mazars, who took home three awards, and Richard Sykes from CloudCFO, who took home the award which former winner Bev Flanagan called “life-changing”: Yorkshire Accountant of the Year.
The Yorkshire Accountancy Awards is pleased to announce the winners of the 2025 ceremony:
Audit Service Award
Sponsored by Pinnacle Global Group
Winner: BHP LLP
Judges’ comments: “The winner of the Audit Service Award has demonstrated exceptional service, technical proficiency, attention to detail, setting a gold standard in audit practices that inspire trust and confidence.”
Tax Service Award
Winner: Forvis Mazars
Judges’ comments: “The winner of this category exemplifies excellence in tax services, setting new benchmarks in client care and technical expertise. A standout performer in this critical field.”
Team of the Year
Winner: Gravitate Accounting
Judges’ comments: “Despite their small size, the Gravitate Accounting team has delivered incredible results, with productivity, sales, and customer satisfaction scores that truly impressed the judges. Proof that great things come in small packages.”
Support Staff of the Year
Winner: Chloe Owens from Azets
Judges’ comments: “Chloe Owens’ commitment to staff wellbeing and career development shines through new initiatives, making a significant impact on her organisation.”
Corporate Finance Service Award
Sponsored by Ison Harrison
Winner: KPMG
Judges’ comments: “The Corporate Finance Service Award goes to a team that showcased exceptional strength, overcame significant barriers, and built a diverse team to deliver impressive results.”
In-House Finance Team of the Year
Winner: TwentySix Ltd
Judges’ comments: “With a perfect balance of customer impact, productivity, and commerciality, the judging panel felt TwentySix Ltd demonstrated outstanding commitment to training and nurturing talent at every level.”
Best Employer of the Year
Winner: Forvis Mazars
Judges’ comments: “This year’s Best Employer of the Year has made waves with their outstanding outreach programmes and commitment to early careers. With recognition from third parties and a strong presence in local colleges, Forvis Mazars truly excels in shaping the future workforce.”
Independent Firm of the Year
Sponsored by Hiscox
Winner: Thomas Coombs
Judges’ comments: “Thomas Coombs goes beyond the ordinary, distinguishing itself with forward-thinking approaches and exceptional service. Their commitment to progress and innovation sets them apart in Yorkshire’s independent accountancy landscape.”
Niche Firm of the Year
Winner: Independent Tax & Forensic Services
Judges’ comments: “The Niche Firm of the Year impressed with their expertise and balance in their specialised field, going above and beyond for their clients. With multilingual teams and a focus on Islamic finance, the judges felt Independent Tax & Forensic Services fostered innovation and inclusivity beyond the London bubble.”
Mid-Tier Firm of the Year
Winner: Forrester Boyd Chartered Accountants
Judges’ comments: “With a focus on serving rural areas and recruiting locally, Forrester Boyd Chartered Accountants stands out for its commitment to community, client care, and staff development. Their new charitable initiative further exemplifies their dedication to supporting overlooked causes close to home.”
Large Firm of the Year
Winner: Forvis Mazars
Judges’ comments: “With deep roots in the region, Forvis Mazars’ Leeds office is integral to a national and global network. Their local expertise, social engagement, and strong results make them a true pillar of the Yorkshire business community.”
Brand of the Year
Winner: Gravitate Accounting
Judges’ comments: “With a clear and thoughtful branding strategy that is both impactful and locally renowned, Gravitate Accounting’s culture, method, and outcomes embody the very best of Yorkshire business.”
Consultancy/Advisory Service Award
Winner: BHP LLP
Judges’ comments: “BHP LLP stood out with their diversity in technical expertise and innovative services, showing how they differentiate themselves in the market with precision and innovation.”
Trainee of the Year
Sponsored by First Intuition
Winner: Katie Jones from BDO LLP
Judges’ comments: “Katie Jones has shown exceptional promise and dedication, standing out as a strong candidate in a competitive field.”
Rising Star of the Year
Sponsored by Intuit Quickbooks
Winner: Kelsey Butterfield from Hunter Gee Holroyd
Judges’ comments: “This year’s Rising Star dazzled the judges with their ambition, rapid career progression, and impactful mentoring. Balancing a wide-reaching remit with impressive feedback from colleagues and clients, Kelsey Butterfield is a role model for future talent.”
Managing Partner of the Year
Winner: Natalie Wright from Forvis Mazars LLP
Judges’ comments: “The winner of Managing Partner of the Year is an all-rounder, excelling in productivity, local engagement, and supporting women in the profession. With recognition from third parties on a national stage, Natalie Wright sets the bar high across the board.”
Partner of the Year
Winner: Richard Walker from Parsons
Judges’ comments: “A leader in sustainability and a mentor to others, this partner shares their expertise widely, from representing the ICAEW to supporting apprenticeship schemes. The judging panel praised Richard Walker as a true advocate and innovator in the profession.”
Finance Director of the Year
Sponsored by Sewell Wallis
Winner: Rob Jobbins from TwentySix Ltd
Judges’ comments: “Rob Jobins impressed the judges with his innovation, customer-focused approach, and ability to harness technology to deliver transformational improvements. A clear winner in every sense!”
Yorkshire Accountant of the Year
Sponsored by ACCA
Winner: Richard Sykes from CloudCFO
Judges’ comments: “Above and beyond in every way, the judging panel felt that Richard Sykes has elevated his entire profession through innovation in carbon-reporting services, and sharing best practices.”