Clive Owen grows Newcastle team with director appointment

Accountancy and business advisory firm Clive Owen has strengthened the team in its Newcastle office with the appointment of an experienced director.

Leanne Leftley has joined as audit and accounts director, bringing a wealth of expertise and Big Four experience to the firm, which has offices in Darlington, Durham, York, Middlesbrough and, most recently, Newcastle.

After graduating from Durham University, Leftley qualified as a chartered accountant at a Big Four firm in 2016 before moving to industry as business controller for a multinational food manufacturer. In 2019, she moved back into audit practice at a regional accountancy firm, progressing to senior manager before joining Clive Owen LLP.

As a member of the corporate audit team, she works with a wide range of clients, including owner managed businesses, UK subsidiaries of overseas groups and charities.

Leanne Leftley said: “I am thrilled to have joined Clive Owen LLP at such an exciting time for the firm. I look forward to contributing to the growth of our Newcastle office and utilising my corporate auditing experience and knowledge to support clients and help them achieve their financial goals and ambitions.”

Simon Hook, audit and accounts partner at Clive Owen LLP, added: “We are delighted to welcome Leanne to the firm, which represents continued growth and confidence in our Newcastle office. The firm has established a strong presence on Tyneside in a relatively short period of time, validated by our recent high-profile appointments and the relocation of several promising members of the team, demonstrating the flexibility and vast opportunities that are available at Clive Owen LLP.

“Leanne’s appointment comes at an exciting time for the firm, and I wish her all the very best in her role as we continue along our strategic growth journey.”

Her appointment follows the addition of tax director Elizabeth Rothery and tax manager Aaron Larvin, who both joined Clive Owen LLP’s growing Newcastle office in December 2024.

Audit and accounts senior Leah Ramsey and audit and accounts associate Ryan Bentley have also relocated to the Newcastle office from the firm’s Durham and York offices.