Member News
Newcastle and County Durham-based Robson Laidler Accountants has announced an innovative leadership move, appointing two new managing directors as long serving MD Graham Purvis retires.
Graham, who has worked at the firm for 27 years and has been its managing director for the past nine years will hand over the reins to 39-year old Amy Park (FCA) and 33-year-old Nick Wilson (ACA) who will take a step up from their current roles to co-manage the £6m turnover firm.
Amy, who has worked at the firm for more than 20 years and Nick for 15, will now take the 104-year-old business forward with an aggressive growth plan including UK-wide business acquisitions and new service lines.
Amy was appointed the first female director in the firm’s history in 2017 and was winner of the North East Chamber of Commerce Inspiring Female Award in 2021. Nick was awarded Accountant of the Year at the North East Accountancy Awards 2019 and was the youngest person to become a director in 2020 when he was only 28. Nick will lead on business strategy and operations whilst Amy will continue to spearhead the people and culture accountabilities for the firm, which was crowned one of the Best Places to Work in the Sunday Times last year.
Graham, who started his career as a tax trainee with Grant Thornton in Nottingham in the 1980s, and then latterly a tax manager at KPMG, joined Robson Laidler in 1998. Speaking of his retirement he said: "Succession planning and retirement is a natural progression in any business. I'm passing the baton to Nick and Amy who are exceptionally capable and well-positioned to keep the firm on exactly the right path.
“A joint MD role is a forward-thinking approach in our industry and the right move for our business. Amy and Nick have unique skill sets and their combined leadership will be a powerful force.”
Nick Wilson said: “Our step up to co-managing directors is part of a succession plan we have worked hard on. Myself and Amy are already directors and co-owners of Robson Laidler and have each run our own accounts teams. The experience that gives you is seeing every element of the business up close. It's a natural fit, we work closely together and have both supported Graham for many years.
"The culture of Robson Laidler is to develop people and empower them to grow and our journey demonstrates that. We’re incredibly excited to build on the firm’s strong foundations and drive it to even greater heights. We have a great team around us and we’re confident in our vision for the future.”
New co-managing director Amy Park said: “Graham’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping Robson Laidler into the thriving, values-driven firm it is today. He has guided us through transformational milestones and he leaves behind not just a successful business but a lasting legacy of sustainable growth, innovation and an award-winning workplace culture.
“I’m incredibly honoured to step into this role alongside Nick. Having been part of Robson Laidler for over 20 years, I’ve seen first-hand how investing in our people is key to our success. While I now take on broader operational responsibilities, my focus will remain on continuing to embed the people-first culture that drives our business forward.”
Graham Purvis continued: “There are many positive memories over the last nine years as MD at Robson Laidler and huge milestones that I am proud of, including our first business acquisition in 2017, becoming the region’s first B Corp in 2021 and being listed in the Sunday Times Best Places to Work Awards. And it goes without saying the fantastic service we have delivered to our clients.
“Robson Laidler has been an extension of my family, and I will always hold the firm and its people in great regard.”
To support Amy and Nick taking on their new MD role are fellow directors, Michael Moran, Peter Charles, John Holbrook, Nick Cunningham, Jack Spoor, Georgina Rutter and Vicky Smith.
