People: Azets; The Fitness Group; Armstrong Watson

Azets, the international advisory, outsourcing and compliance group, has announced 22 promotions across its Yorkshire business.

Richard Oddy (Restructuring, Leeds) has become a partner while Becky Dawson (Technical Accounting, York), James Durham (ABAS, York), Kim Major (Tax, Leeds), Naveen Sahney (Tax, York) have been promoted to director.

They are among 12 promotions in Azets’ Leeds office, eight in York and two in Bradford.

Russell Turner, regional managing director for Azets in Yorkshire, said: “I’m delighted to welcome a talented group of new partners and directors across our business in Yorkshire.

“We’re continually investing in people and advisory rich services. These appointments strengthen our breadth and depth of experience and expertise to help our clients achieve their ambitions.
“My congratulations go to all of those celebrating these well-deserved promotions.”

Azets has three offices in Yorkshire in Leeds, Bradford and York where it employs 334 people.

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The Fitness Group, the fitness education training provider, has appointed Gavin Baxter as chief commercial officer.

Sheffield-based Baxter joins after five years at Active IQ. He has more than 15 years’ experience in the health and fitness sector working as a sports coach, outdoor activity instructor, group training instructor, personal trainer, consultant, manager and senior manager.

In his new role at The Fitness Group, Baxter is responsible for driving UK and international expansion, as the business prepares to enter new territories.

Baxter said: “Throughout my career I’ve always spoken up on the need for quality education. That belief remains as strong as ever, to give trainers the best opportunity for success in the sector. It also aligns perfectly with Steven and Scott’s ambitions for The Fitness Group to support the quality of education across the UK and internationally. It promises to be an exciting time ahead as we look to drive growth domestically and worldwide, and I can’t wait to get started.”

Co-Founder and director at The Fitness Group, Steven Dick, added: “Gavin’s reputation in the fitness industry speaks for itself. His background and expertise in our sector are a perfect fit to help us on our growth journey, and we’re delighted to have him join the team during what is a busy and exciting time for the business.”

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Armstrong Watson has welcomed 37 graduate trainees.

This is a record number for the Yorkshire-based accountancy, business and financial advisory firm, up from 28 in 2023.

Based at offices across the north of England and Scotland, the new students, including 17 based in Leeds, will be working towards their ACA qualification to become Chartered Accountants.

Three of this year’s graduate students are former trainees who have progressed from their AAT apprenticeship to the ACA qualification.

In September they will start their three-year programme which combines study with hands on experience, support, coaching and mentoring from the business.

Paul Dickson, CEO and managing partner, said: “We have a long history of growing our own talent and strongly believe in investing in our people as our people are our business, providing solutions to our clients. Our training programme provides us with an incredible pool of talent, many of which go on to have successful careers within the business. We are delighted to welcome a record number of ACA students this year and look forward to seeing them progress in their roles.

“We invest in ambitious individuals who are keen to launch their careers and take advantage of the development we offer. With 19 offices across the North of England and Scotland and several different service lines supporting our clients, there’s a huge range of scope for career direction and development available to those who choose to join us on this exciting journey.”