Date posted: 8th Apr 2025
One of the North’s leading independent accountancy and business advisory firms has further strengthened its Partnership group after announcing a series of senior promotions.
Clive Owen LLP, which has offices in Darlington, Durham, York, Middlesbrough and Newcastle, has appointed James Davies and Jonathan Doyle as Audit and Assurance Partner and Accounts and Business Advisory Partner, respectively, increasing the number of Partners at the business to 15.
After graduating from Swansea University, James qualified with a national accountancy practice, before moving on to another national firm as an Audit Senior Manager. He relocated to the North East and joined Clive Owen LLP in 2021, progressing to Director and now as a Partner based at the firm’s Darlington office on Coniscliffe Road, in the town.
James possesses significant experience working with owner managed businesses and corporate entities across a diverse range of sectors over the course of his career, with a particular specialism in helping companies realise their international aspirations by setting up their group structures.
Jonathan joined Clive Owen LLP’s York office as a trainee in 2007 after graduating from Newcastle University. He qualified with the firm in 2011, became a Manager within two years, and advanced to Director in 2020, before being named a Partner five years later.
Jonathan advises a diverse range of clients, including owner managed businesses and large corporations, on year-end accounts preparation, management accounts, tax planning and advisory services.
These latest promotions build on an exciting new chapter announced by the firm in February 2025, when experienced and longstanding Partners Simon Hook and Kevin Shotton assumed the role of Joint Managing Partners.
Gary Ellis, who oversaw a hugely successful period as Managing Partner over the last four years, stepped down from the position, but remains an integral member of Clive Owen LLP’s Management Committee, ensuring a seamless transition in leadership.
James Davies, Audit and Assurance Partner, said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in the North since relocating to the region, and it is a great personal honour to become a Partner at Clive Owen LLP. The firm has afforded me so many opportunities, building on my experience at national practices, and I am looking forward to supporting our ambitious plans for the future and continuing to deliver for our clients.”
Jonathan Doyle, Accounts and Business Advisory Partner, said: “I am incredibly proud to have been named a Partner at the same firm that I started my career in accountancy with. It is an immense honour and privilege to become one of the leaders of this special firm, and I am excited to build on my achievements to support the wider team and business, as we continue along our sustainable growth journey.”
Simon Hook said: “I am delighted to welcome both James and Jonathan to our vibrant Partnership group at such an exciting time for the firm. Their well-deserved promotions complement our existing, strong leadership team, and will greatly support our long-term strategic aims of continued success and growth across the North East and North Yorkshire.”
Kevin Shotton said: “These latest senior appointments highlight the vast development opportunities available at Clive Owen LLP, as we continue to solidify our position as one of the North’s leading and most trusted independent professional services firms. I would like to congratulate both James and Jonathan on their promotions and wish them every success in their exciting new roles at the firm.”
Founded in 1983, Clive Owen LLP has grown from a small operation with just one partner into a dynamic firm with almost 150 colleagues. The firm prides itself on delivering multi-disciplinary expertise while maintaining a reputation for personal, client-focused service.
In recent achievements, the firm has been recognised for its outstanding commitment to training and development, achieving Platinum status under The 5% Club’s rigorous Employer Audit Scheme. The firm was also honoured with the Great Place to Work and Good Business Charter Accreditations in 2024. Additionally, Clive Owen LLP was one of the first recipients of the Fair Payment Code accreditation, reflecting its dedication to ethical payment practices.
Contact the new Partners or Joint Managing Partners here.
