Business advisory group, Champion Accountants, has appointed a new client manager at its Preston accountancy practice.

Jonathan Robinson rejoins the practice in Riversway after previously working for Champion Accountants for four years before moving into industry as an in-house financial controller with a North West manufacturer and distributor of pipeline inspection systems.

Jonathan said: “I wanted exposure to both industry and practice, which has given me the chance to see both perspectives and also the challenges and opportunities that come with running your own business.”

Shortly before joining Mini-Cam in Warrington, the business received private equity investment from LDC to support an MBO. Jonathan’s remit was to professionalise the organisation by introducing robust structures, governance and processes found in modern businesses and providing accurate, timely and detailed management reporting and monthly accounts, which assisted in preparing Mini-Cam for LDC’s eventual exit and a successful £85m acquisition by listed company, Halma.

Jonathan adds: “The experience that I bring back to Champion is invaluable, especially around sales and acquisitions in the private equity market and I’m looking forward to working closely with different businesses to help them to improve their end to end operations and achieve their strategic goals and growth plans.”

As client manager, Jonathan’s role at Champion Accountants is to support and advise a growing portfolio of start-ups and SMEs, across all sectors, as well as private individuals.

Group managing partner, Ged Cosgrove, added: “We’re all delighted to welcome Jonathan back to the team. He brings real experience from the client’s perspective and is already delivering new, exciting ideas and solutions.

“Our entire team is hand-picked on their ability to deliver exceptional service and add value to our clients and Jonathan will play a big part in driving Preston and the wider Champion Group forward.”