Azets expands Northern transactions team

Accountancy and advisory firm Azets has appointed David Tomlinson as partner in its Manchester office as it expands its transaction services team across the North.

David joins the firm’s corporate finance department and will work with clients across the region, adding significant transaction experience to the team.

He brings 17 years’ experience with PwC, including three years working in Australia, and has advised a broad range of clients spanning multinational corporates, private equity investors and privately owned businesses.

In his new role, David will support Azets’ transaction services offering across the North, working alongside its wider corporate finance team on deals involving businesses and investors across the region.

David said: “I’ve joined the team at a really exciting time, with a great opportunity to help shape and grow the service line nationally.

“What particularly attracted me is the combination of national ambition with a strong regional presence, bringing together local market knowledge and relationships to support our continued growth.

“I am looking forward to working alongside Joe Stroud (corporate finance partner) and the wider team to further expand Azets’ offering across the North. 

“In the current deal environment, it is increasingly important to have an experienced and trusted diligence provider who can help you identify potential deal challenges and opportunities.”

David’s appointment adds further senior expertise to the firm as it continues to develop its corporate finance capabilities.

Azets’ UK corporate finance team was named the country’s second most active adviser by Experian during the first quarter of 2026.

Lee Humble, UK head of corporate finance at Azets, added: “David’s experience will be a valuable asset to our team and our clients as we look to grow our presence in the local and national marketplace.

“He epitomises what we look for in a new hire: great technical and people skills coupled with superb local and national market knowledge and contacts.

“Our team has an ever-increasing reach and is now receiving a growing number of instructions from overseas buyers - something David’s international experience will assist with.

“There is an increasing risk within the marketplace and our developing reputation among some of the UK’s most active and enthusiastic buyers and investors has necessitated us increasing the size of our team with highly experienced and talented professionals.

“There remains demand and opportunities for great businesses in the North West and across the UK.

“Our team has continued to close more deals than last year due to our balance of buy- and sell-side work, and a UK-wide presence that is built on deep local knowledge and a willingness to support businesses of all shapes, sizes and sectors.”

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