Blakemore to leave Baker Tilly for fresh challenge
MARK Blakemore, the respected and popular North West senior partner at Baker Tilly, is leaving the firm at the end of this month to seek fresh challenges outside the profession.
The 48-year-old, who has been in his current role for 11 months, was previously Manchester office managing partner at the accountancy firm, and recently led the integration of the offices in the region to create a single North West practice.
He told TheBusinessDesk.com: “I have been thinking about this for some time and after the completion of the new structure I felt it is the right time for me to look at new opportunities.
“All the building blocks are now in place for Baker Tilly and I am leaving on the best possible terms and remain a consultant.”
Baker Tilly has offices in Chester, Liverpool, Warrington and Manchester. Since last year the regional managing partner has been Jill Jones.
A former chairman of pro.manchester, the professional services organisation, and a committed champion of the Lords Taveners charity, Mr Blakemore says he is keen to develop a portfolio of interests, where he can advise and add value to businesses.
“I have nothing in mind specifically – I didn’t feel it was loyal or appropriate to look for new roles until now. I’d like a portfolio of interests, non executive and executive, across a range of sectors.
“I have experience with manufacturing and production companies, the legal sector, through to online retail and software.”
Mr Blakemore will retain his links with Manchester Metropolitan Business School and the Manchester Society of Chartered Accountants. He has been with the firm for more than 20 years, and moved to the North West in 1992 with Kidsons Impey, which later merged with Baker Tilly.
His is the latest in a number of high profile departures from major firms in the region. Grant Thornton’s managing partner David Grundy announced his departure earlier this month, while Brian White, a highly-regarded tax partner at Deloitte left to set up on his own recently.
