Partner promotions at WNJ

Leading Lancashire-based accountancy practice WNJ has announced two senior promotions as it continues on its development journey.

Matthew Johnson, formally an Associate Partner, has been made an Equity Partner in the practice whilst Stuart Mercer has been appointed Associate Partner.

Matthew joined WNJ in September 2008 as an Accounts and Audit Trainee. He qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 2013 and became an Associate Partner in 2018.

The former Hutton Grammar School and Lancaster University student works closely with owner managers to identify opportunities for them from both a taxation and commercial perspective.

Stuart is another former Hutton Grammar School student and attended the University of Sheffield. He joined WNJ as an ACA trainee in June 2018 and qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 2021.

During his time at WNJ he has primarily worked in the Audit and Accounts team based at its offices at Ferry Road Office Park in Preston.

WNJ Partner and senior management team member Paul Woodburn said: “Matthew and Stuart’s promotions are very well-deserved and highlight the important roles they play in the practice.

“They both share the core values that allow us deliver excellent client relationships and service and are committed to the further development of WNJ.

“As an Equity Partner Matthew is a welcome addition to the senior management team while Stuart’s progression to Associate will allow him to continue to focus on developing new business and delivering even more to our growing number of clients.”

He added: “It is really pleasing to see that both Matthew and Stuart came to WNJ from university and have successfully developed and progressed their careers here. We are delighted for them and the opportunities their new roles present.”

Matthew said: “I’m incredibly proud to have been made an Equity Partner at WNJ and I’m grateful for the continued support of the partners and my colleagues along the way.

“I’m excited for the opportunity to contribute further to the firm’s success for years to come, ensuring clients continue to receive high-quality service and advice.”

Stuart said: “I’m delighted to be appointed as an Associate Partner, but it's especially pleasing for this to coincide with Matthew being made a full Partner, given how closely we have worked and how much of his time he has given me since I joined WNJ in 2018.

“It's a really exciting time to be at WNJ and I’m looking forward to playing a key part in further developing the firm over the coming years.”