Azets has made a strategic promotion as the UK top 10 accountancy firm seeks to expand its forensic accounting and valuation services to meet business demand.

David Houghton has been named National Head of Forensic and Valuations by the UK’s specialist business advisor to SMEs. He is a commercially focused expert with more than 25 years’ experience in the specialist area of forensic accountancy.

David, who joined Azets as a Partner in January 2024, is a chartered accountant with expertise in the valuation of private company shareholdings, litigation support and forensic accounting.

He previously worked within a top tier law firm for 11 years, providing technical specialist support to colleagues and independent advice to external accountants to assist their clients, as well as having experience in industry and investment banking.

Manchester-based, he has been regularly appointed by the courts as single joint expert, as well as appearing as an expert witness for both appellants and respondents under cross examination in the Technology and Construction Court, High Court, Tier 1 Tax Tribunal and Family Court.

At Azets he leads a team helping clients in relation to the key specialist areas requiring contentious and non-contentious valuation or forensic advice, including share valuations, loss of profits claims, post transaction warranty or earn out disputes and losses arising from alleged fraud.

David has been appointed to the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) Presidents Appointment Scheme for Expert Determination and is one of only a small number of accountants in the UK to have received to the prestigious Forensic Accounting Accreditation from the ICAEW.

He is a regular lecturer for the ICAEW members professional development programme and for Resolution and is a contributing author to technical publications in relation to expert witness provision and private company share valuations.

Azets UK Chief Executive Officer Peter Gallanagh said:

“The Azets UK Forensics and Valuations team provides market leading tailored advice and reports to lawyers, private equity and corporates across the country."

“It is very much a growth area for Azets and we were pleased to appoint such a knowledgeable and skilled seasoned operator as David to head this crucial division of our Business Consultancy offering. His long experience in the field will serve us well.”

David said:

“I am honoured to have been asked to lead the team and have been tasked with further developing our service while driving new business for the firm. These are exciting times for forensic accounting as companies, organisations and investors seek to make every penny count."

“With our experience of serving the legal, accounting and private equity industries we are changing the way litigation support and business valuation services are offered to professionals and clients, adding commercial skills and expertise to the standard accounting solutions."

“Our extensive commercial experience takes the provision of forensic accounting services beyond standard numerical and accounting techniques to incorporate the most current market knowledge and holistic methodologies. This enables us to provide the best possible, supportable outcomes for our clients.”

In addition to larger discreet projects, the Azets Forensic and Valuations team is happy to work alongside solicitors and barristers on an as required basis, providing assistance or guidance on a specific financial element of a given matter: there are no minimum fee levels and all assignments can be provided on a capped fee basis where required.

Above Photo: Promoted - David Houghton has been named National Head of Forensic and Valuations by Azets, the UK’s specialist business advisor to SMEs