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, Mr Kenyon 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 more than 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.

Mr 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.”

During the pandemic, UHY Hacker Young secured more than £10 million crucial funding for Welsh businesses and helped clients access more than £6m in furlough payments, more than £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.