Wales’ largest independently owned accountancy firm, UHY Hacker Young, has announced its latest strategic appointment to bolster the firm’s renowned business services department.
Barrie Kenyon joins the practice as an associate director during a period of significant growth, which has already seen UHY Hacker Young report double-digit turnover for the last year.
Based at the company’s Newport headquarters, Barrie will work alongside managing partner, Paul Byett, to further enhance the firm’s sector leading business services department. As an associate director he will oversee accounting services to clients across a diverse range of sectors.
Mr Kenyon brings over 14 years of additional experience to UHY Hacker Young’s senior leadership team. His previous role as director saw Barrie manage a wide-ranging portfolio, with a specialist focus in property.
He also holds a fellowship with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, which is the highest award offered by the global professional body.
Commenting on his move to UHY Hacker Young, Barrie Kenyon, said: “It’s a thrill to join such an established and well-respected company as it continues its latest period of growth for the firm and its clients.
“UHY Hacker Young are renowned for their dedication to supporting Welsh businesses. This commitment was exemplified during the pandemic, as the team worked tirelessly to secure crucial funding that kept many companies and their employees afloat.
“I’m proud to have been given the opportunity to use my experience to help new and existing clients to remain resilient and prosperous for years to come.”
During the pandemic, UHY Hacker Young secured over £10 million crucial funding for Welsh businesses and helped clients access over £6m in furlough payments, over £3m in CBILs Loans, circa £1m in Bounce Back loans and nearly £1m in grant support.
The company experienced a double-digit percentage growth in annual turnover, along with securing 200 new clients. UHY Hacker Young currently employs more than 60 staff based at its Newport headquarters and founding Abergavenny practice, in addition to serving clients across the border from its Bristol office.
Discussing UHY Hacker Young’s latest senior appointment, managing partner, Paul Byett, said:
“Everything we do at UHY Hacker Young is founded on a commitment to provide all clients with an unsurpassed level of support that enables resilience and growth. Bolstering our team with experienced, proven professionals like Barrie is the best way to ensure that we deliver on that pledge.
“In addition to his wealth of proven specialist knowledge, Barrie’s commitment to building relationships and delivering on service, demonstrates that we have found someone our clients can trust to provide the quality that they expect from UHY Hacker Young.”
