A UK top twenty firm of chartered accountants and business advisors, Saffery Champness looks after its Yorkshire clients from central Harrogate.  This year has seen the firm strengthen its position as a well-respected advisor to local businesses and build upon the enviable and long-standing reputation it has in the private client, charities and landed estates sectors.Its team of specialists provides expert financial, tax and commercial advice to a broad spectrum of companies and their owners, who are increasingly seeking advice and support from the firm at their various stages of corporate growth and development.  Delivering a comprehensive range of business services tailored to clients’ individual needs is more important than ever in terms of responding to the diverse client base, and being able to demonstrate that Saffery Champness is well versed in all the latest issues and regulatory requirements.

Transaction services activity is on the increase as companies look to consolidate, diversify or restructure their operations.  Whilst the firm has been involved in transaction support work for a number of years, it continues to see growth in demand for specialist advice as companies review their own development plans.   Many of the firm’s clients are companies which are controlled by only a small number of shareholders who are closely involved in the running of the business.  This is where family issues, such as succession planning, play a major part in reaching decisions on how to sell or divest the company and the best time at which to do so. The Saffery Champness approach across the organisation has always been to provide advice which is closely focused on the specific needs of individuals and organisations, and the firm prides itself on the depth of understanding and guidance it can give. This level of service has not gone unnoticed and the firm has acquired a number of awards itself over the last year.  These include being named ‘Accountancy Team of the Year’ by the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) at its Private Client Awards and one of ‘Britain’s Top Employers’ for the third consecutive year. The firm’s corporate finance arm was also short-listed as ‘Specialist Due Diligence Provider of the Year’ at the 2007 M&A Awards. Chris Adams, senior partner of the Yorkshire Office of Saffery Champness which is based in Harrogate, says: “Everyone likes to be associated with winners and we are delighted to be sponsoring the Business Personality Award for a second consecutive year.  It showcases those people who have played an important part in making local businesses successful and highlights their individual drive and commitment.  The award recognises the ambition and hard work of some very special people who inspire those around them to achieve great things in the increasingly competitive business world.”