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News • July 23rd, 2026
|Azets, a prominent international accountancy and business advisory firm, has announced the appointment of Jessica Lawrence as the new managing partner for its Leeds office. This significant change took place on Thursday, 23 July 2026, marking a new chapter for the firm and its 130-strong team based in Leeds' bustling King Street.
Jessica Takes Charge
Jessica Lawrence is no stranger to Azets, having spent an impressive 17 years with the company in Leeds and accumulating a total of 27 years in the accountancy field throughout Yorkshire. She began her journey with Azets in 2009 as an audit manager, and her dedication and expertise have led her to this pivotal role. Jessica remarked, “I feel very proud to become managing partner of the Leeds office." Her pride is well-founded, considering the growth the office has seen during her tenure.
Growth and Development
Under Jessica's leadership, the Leeds office has expanded significantly. When she first joined, there were only 16 employees, and now that number has surged to 130. The office recently relocated to a brand new space in the heart of Leeds' financial district, a move that underscores the firm’s commitment to this vital economic hub.
Leeds is recognised as one of the largest financial centres in England outside of London, making it a strategic location for Azets. The firm has established itself as a key player in the area, offering various national services from its office.
Community Engagement
Jessica is not only focused on business growth but also on community involvement. She oversees the firm’s ‘Get Involved’ group, which is dedicated to supporting local charities and good causes. This year, the Leeds office is partnering with the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, highlighting the firm’s commitment to giving back to the community it serves.
Jessica's client base is diverse, ranging from start-ups and owner-managed businesses to large corporate entities and charities. Notably, half of her clients are charities, demonstrating her dedication to the not-for-profit sector. She also serves as a trustee for a small charity called Our Angels, further emphasising her passion for community service.
Leadership Support
Claire Needham, the regional managing director for Yorkshire at Azets, expressed her congratulations to Jessica, stating, “Warmest congratulations to Jessica on her richly-deserved promotion to managing partner in Leeds. She is a highly-experienced and outstanding professional who knows Leeds inside out.” Claire highlighted Jessica's passion for the city and its businesses, which she believes will be invaluable in her new role.
This appointment reflects Azets' ambition to expand its presence in Leeds and the surrounding areas. Claire added, “This is another strategic, high-quality appointment that demonstrates the strength of our ambition to continue the growth of our business and positions Leeds for the next phase of its expansion.”
Leeds as a Financial Hub
Leeds is a vital player in the UK's financial landscape. According to Leeds City Council’s Invest Leeds website, the city is the UK’s second largest for financial services, home to 30 national and international banks, 415 accountancy firms, and a growing insurance sector. The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) indicates that Leeds and West Yorkshire host over 18,000 business, financial, and professional services firms, employing around 192,000 people and generating an impressive £15 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA) in 2023.
Key financial institutions such as the Financial Conduct Authority and the Bank of England have established their regional bases in Leeds, further solidifying its status as a financial powerhouse in the north of England.
