Accountancy firm PM+M has expanded its leadership team by appointing Simon Read as a director in the audit, accounting, and advisory division.

Read previously worked for Azets for ten years and for Baker Tilly before that.

He has career in managing client portfolios with turnovers from £100k to more than £100m.

His expertise lies in external audit and financial reporting, and he has worked extensively with SMEs, PE-backed businesses, and UK subsidiaries of international groups.

Read’s appointment is expected to bolster PM+M’s capabilities in serving a diverse range of sectors including large online retailers, manufacturers, and sports and logistics businesses.

Read said: “I have long admired PM+M so I am delighted to now be part of the team. It is well known for being a client focused firm that puts excellence at the heart of everything it does.”

Working alongside partners Chris Johnson and Ceri Dixon, Read will contribute to the strategic direction of PM+M’s audit, accounting, and advisory services.

Johnson added: “Simon is a highly respected professional, so it is fantastic to welcome him. Over the years he has built up a formidable standing and has led a wide range of client portfolios.”

In September 2024, PM+M hired ten new apprentices for various divisions.

Joining PM+M’s Blackburn and Bury offices across the audit, accounting, and cloud accounting teams include Adam Ball, Isabelle Parkinson, Dylan Brogden, Ayaz Adam, Elle Hilton, Aaliya Vali, and Maria Gomes.

They will be working towards their Association of Accounting Technicians qualifications.

Additionally, Zain Shahzad joined the audit team to pursue a Level 7 Professional Accountant apprenticeship while Kyle Doherty joined audit team for his placement year.

Lastly, Beth Sant has joined the financial planning team as a trainee client relationship associate, working towards a Level 3 Business Administration apprenticeship.