English accountancy firm acquires ‘longstanding’ Scottish company

It has acquired Glasgow-based accountancy practice Parkhill Mackie & Co in a merger that will see all 11 staff, including Partners Linda Parkhill and Sandra Mackie join Armstrong Watson’s Glasgow office in Blythswood Square.

Armstrong Watson said the acquisition continues its growth in the Scottish market and comes shortly after the appointment of accounting and business services partner Craig Reid. Ms Mackie and Ms Parkhill’s addition “will further strengthen the senior leadership team in Glasgow”, the firm said.

Glasgow Partners Martin Johnston, Linda Parkhill, Sandra Mackie and Craig Reid of Armstrong Watson (Image: Michael McGurk) Paul Dickson, Armstrong Watson’s managing partner and chief executive, said: “We’re delighted to welcome our new clients and colleagues to the business. Armstrong Watson and Parkhill Mackie’s ethos and values are very much aligned. Linda, Sandra and their team can continue providing the advice and service on which Parkhill Mackie have prided themselves, with clients also benefitting from the specialist services Armstrong Watson is able to offer.

“It has been an exciting few months for our Glasgow office and I look forward to what this growing team can continue to achieve.”

The firm added: “Longstanding, independent firm Parkhill Mackie was established in 1989 by Linda and Sandra, a tax partner and tax manager who worked for Arthur Young before the merger with Ernst and Whinney to form EY.

“Both Chartered Accountants and members of the Chartered Institute of Taxation, Linda and Sandra’s tax knowledge and experience, and that of their team, particularly for private clients, their businesses and trusts will strengthen Armstrong Watson’s private client services.”

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Ms Parkhill said: “This decision has been carefully considered and I believe it will bring positive benefits to our clients and staff. The merger addresses several aspects of our existing business, including continuity, succession planning and technical support where Armstrong Watson has specialist teams available to enhance our services.”

With offices in Glasgow, Dumfries and across the North of England, Armstrong Watson is a strong regional firm which prides itself on taking a local approach. Linda and Sandra both felt that Armstrong Watson would be a good fit to support their clients’ financial needs in the future, as well as providing a good place for their staff to continue with their career growth in Glasgow.

The merger with Parkhill Mackie also comes just months after Armstrong Watson’s acquisition of Gibbons Accountants, Business and Financial Advisers in Cumbria.

Mr Dickson also said: “We have ambitious plans to continue on our growth trajectory and combining with like-minded firms who share our values, further enhances our client proposition and create greater opportunities for the individuals and businesses we work with as well as for our staff.”