Armstrong Watson strengthens Manchester presence with two Partner appointments

Armstrong Watson is delighted to announce the appointments of Employment Tax Partner Lee Stott and Audit and Assurance Partner Louise Webster in its growing Manchester office, as the firm continues to invest in the region following its move to a new city centre base.

Lee joins Armstrong Watson from Azets and was previously with Grant Thornton. He has more than 19 years' experience advising businesses and individuals, with the last 12 years specialising in Employment Tax, Global Mobility and Reward matters across a wide range of sectors. He also has extensive experience advising on tax matters in the sports sector, working with numerous clubs, organisations, players and athletes.

Based predominantly across Manchester and Leeds, Lee will support clients throughout the North of England and Scotland, helping to grow Armstrong Watson's Employment Tax offering while supporting the continued expansion of the firm's Manchester office.

He said: "I'm looking forward to helping build the Armstrong Watson brand across Greater Manchester and further establish the firm as a leading force in the region. I was attracted to Armstrong Watson by its long history and the fact it remains partner-led, creating continuity for its people, clients and culture."

Lee’s appointment comes after Louise joined Armstrong Watson this summer. With more than 25 years’ experience advising large and medium-sized businesses across England, Louise will lead the growth and development of the firm’s audit offering in Manchester, nurturing the audit team and supporting clients across a broad range of sectors.

Louise prides herself on delivering a high-quality service and is also passionate about changing perceptions of audit, viewing it not as a compliance exercise but as a valuable annual opportunity to support and strengthen businesses.

Louise said: “I moved to Armstrong Watson to be part of a team that considers its core principles and ethics to be the reason why businesses should use us and wants to maintain those principles to set us apart.”

Armstrong Watson has relocated to a new city centre office at 81 Fountain Street, having operated from Cheadle Royal Business Park, near Manchester Airport, following the acquisition of ASE Professional Services in 2022.

Since then, the firm has significantly expanded its team through a series of senior appointments, including Restructuring and Insolvency Partner Lindsey Cooper, Tax Partners Tania Dimitrovich and Gary Rowson, and Business Services Director Mark Sudworth. 

Earlier this year, Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce also announced a three-year partnership with Armstrong Watson as its Strategic Partner for Accountancy, Business and Financial Advisory, supporting the needs of the Chamber and its members.

Matt Osbourne, Audit Partner and Regional Lead, said: “We are delighted to welcome Louise and Lee to Armstrong Watson. They each bring a wealth of experience, an excellent reputation in the market and a genuine passion for helping businesses.

“Our move to the city centre gives us greater visibility, improved accessibility for clients and colleagues, and positions us perfectly to continue attracting talented people and supporting ambitious businesses across the region.

“With our new partners and our continued investment in Manchester, we are excited about the opportunities ahead.”