Member News
A highly experienced accountant who has specialised for many years in forensic accounting and expert witness work has joined Robson Laidler Accountants’ fast expanding team as the firm adds a new service line to its offering.
Colin Fitzpatrick has joined the award-winning firm of accountants and business advisors as a consultant, bringing with him a number of new clients and contacts.
Robson Laidler managing director Graham Purvis said: “Forensic accounting requires a specific skillset and the arrival of Colin and his clients gives us a welcome boost in this area. His skills will complement the investigations work we already do.
“Colin is a highly experienced forensic accountant who has acted in over 500 commercial or HMRC disputes and as an expert witness in legal cases over more than 30 years.
“His decision to join Robson Laidler provides further evidence of the growing attraction of us as a firm that recognises and rewards talent.”
Speaking of his new role at Robson Laidler, Colin said: “The growth of Robson Laidler in recent years has been notable and I am delighted to be joining a firm, which shares my ethos for providing high quality, commercial services that make real tangible impact to the client.
Colin trained with Big 4 firm Price Waterhouse (now PWC) in Newcastle before heading to Grant Thornton where he was business advisory partner and founding member of Northern Disputes Resolution, a grouping formed in Newcastle to promote mediation, mainly to resolve commercial disputes. He has also been the CFO of a Middle East company which listed on the AIM market in London and a Consultant to Baker Tilly.
More recently Colin worked in partnership with Jon Royle for number of years as FitzPatrickRoyle Chartered Accountants, acting for individuals and businesses, including limited companies and partnerships, and undertaking consultancy, forensic accounting and expert witness work in the legal business sector. Colin also has also acted as a non-executive director and close adviser to a number of companies, including advising and acting in sales and acquisitions of businesses.
Robson Laidler’s continuing growth was confirmed when in its last financial year, it reported a rise in turnover by 13.5%. It was crowned North East Accountancy Firm of the Year in the 2022 North East Accountancy Awards and staff numbers have also increased to over 100 across its offices in Jesmond and Chester le Street in recent months.
