Last updated 11:43, Wednesday, 02 July 2008

CUMBRIAN accountancy firm Armstrong Watson has strengthened its position as one of the leading top 50 accountancy firms in the UK.

Rising stars: Armstrong Watson managing partner Aidan Taylor said the move up the league table was a ‘massive achieve-ment’ for the firm, which has its HQ in Carlisle

Accountancy Age magazine has listed the firm as the 26th most successful accountancy firm in the UK, moving up a place from last year.

At the time of the survey Armstrong Watson reported a UK fee income of £19.1million, up 7.3 per cent from £17.8 million at the same time the previous year.

The company, which is headquartered in Carlisle, also did well on equality with a reported 19 per cent of female staff compared to a top 50 average of 12 per cent.

Aidan Taylor, managing partner at Armstrong Watson, said: “The accountancy arena is highly competitive and we have consistently retained 27th place for the past four years.

“To beat that long-standing position and move up the rankings is a massive achievement, especially in the current climate, and a huge testament and credit to our 400-strong team. Our income growth is particularly commendable and has been achieved through the hard work and dedication of the team and partners in delivering excellent value to our expanding client base.”

The firm has 17 offices in the north of England and south west Scotland.