Azets has appointed Jodie Barwick-Bell as a private client tax partner in the North East, advising families with complex tax affairs.

Working for the UK top 10 accountancy and advisory firm in Newcastle, and the firm’s other offices in the region, Jodie is a highly experienced private client tax adviser and has a specialism in family offices.

Her career includes Evelyn Partners, Deloitte and KPMG, as well as running family offices.

Brian Laidlaw, Azets’ Head of North East, said:

“This is another exciting appointment for us at Azets in the North East – we have spoken about the ongoing drive to recruit senior hires and support regional businesses and their owners through the full growth lifecycle."

“Jodie brings considerable personal tax experience in advising private clients with varied business and investment interests, supporting them with tax, investment structuring, succession planning, trusts and philanthropy, dovetailing with our other specialist service lines.” Jodie said:

“There is clear demand for strategic advice from multigenerational families with complex tax affairs in the North East, with Azets well-positioned to provide a range of services under one roof and a holistic, joined-up strategy."

“There are some 4.8 million family-owned businesses in the UK, employing around 14 million people, and the turnover amongst the top 100 ones alone exceed £138 billion, with all the inherent financial complexities that come with expansion, including the desire to preserve and grow wealth for future family members.”

She added: “The North East region has nearly 193,000 companies – many are owned and run by business owners who have not yet agreed a succession plan."

“Given the recently announced IHT changes which take effect from April 2026, this year is a particularly important time for business owners to obtain tax advice and plan for the future.”

Azets has offices in Alnwick, Crook, Durham, Hexham, Newcastle, Morpeth and Wynyard.

The appointment follows that of Ian Beaumont, who is Regional Senior Partner for the North East and Yorkshire and was recently head of KPMG in the North East.

Lee Humble, based in Newcastle, was made Azets’ new UK Head of Corporate Finance last year, with Brian Laidlaw becoming Head of North East and Claire Hinshaw (Audit & Assurance, Newcastle) promoted to Office Managing Partner.

Senior promotions also included local tax partner Claire Smailes becoming Head of Tax in the North East and local tax partner Clair Williams becoming the National Head of Employment Tax.

As part of 122 mid-year promotions by Azets UK, and just announced, Newcastle-based Louise Phillips, previously VAT Senior Manager, has been made a Director.