Ford Campbell demerges

MANCHESTER-based accountancy and business advisory firm Ford Campbell has demerged into two separate businesses.

The tax, audit, management accounting and strategic finance services side of the business will now trade as Campbell Woolley LLP, with Ford Campbell Corporate Finance trading separately.

Andrew Campbell and Ford Campbell’s tax partner Tony Woolley will head up the new accountancy firm. The practice will continue to be based at City Wharf and employ around 50 staff.

Mr Campbell has been a partner at Ford Campbell LLP since the early 1990s after joining forces with entrepreneur Tony Ford. He said the move will give clear distinction between Ford Campbell and Ford Campbell Corporate Finance.

“Ford Campbell is well known for its transaction work, and in the last 12 months the strategic finance team has advised on more than 40 deals with an aggregate value in excess of £75m. We have positioned ourselves as an expert in the SME and owner-managed business market, and no deal is too small.

“However, we also have a wealth of experienced professionals offering first class advice across all disciplines, and felt the time was right to demerge and rename the practice to avoid confusion in the market.

“While it is the end of an era, Campbell Woolley is also looking forward to further cementing its excellent working relationship with Ford Campbell Corporate Finance,” he said.

Mr Woolley, 28, joined Ford Campbell in 1998 and was promoted to tax partner in 2007. Over the last decade, has built up expertise in advising high-net worth individuals, on tax structures and on corporate transactions.

Mr Ford, who heads up Ford Campbell Corporate Finance, said: “I have introduced many clients to the practice over the last 15 years and am looking forward to maintaining the close relationship with the team at Campbell Woolley.”