WNJ appoints associate as its growth journey continues

By Rob Kelly

02 Feb 2026

Ben Kilbride

WNJ, one of Lancashire’s leading firms of accountants and business advisers, has appointed Ben Kilbride as associate as it continues on its growth journey.

It is the latest in a series of recent promotions at the independent Preston headquartered practice, which is celebrating 65 years serving a wide range of businesses and individuals across the county and wider North West.

Ben, a former student of Nelson and Colne College, has been a member of the WNJ team at its dockland offices since May 2015, qualifying as a Chartered Accountant in early 2025. His specialist area of work is auditing and accounts.

WNJ Partner and senior management team member Paul Woodburn said: “Ben’s promotion to Associate is very well-deserved.

“He is a valuable member of our team and it has been great to see his career develop. We look forward to seeing him continue that progress.

“His promotion is another example of the career development path that we offer people and the support and encouragement we give our staff, which is such an important part of our culture.

“Ben shares all our core values that allow us deliver excellent client relationships and service and is committed to the further development of WNJ.”

Ben, 40, who lives with his family in Fulwood, said: “I’m incredibly proud to have been promoted to Associate, it is a real honour.

“WNJ has such a long and successful history serving the local business community and I’m excited to be part of its story moving forward as we continue to deliver for a broad range of clients.

“I’m also grateful for the continued support of my colleagues. The fact so many people have made their whole careers here is a testament to the fact WNJ is such a great place to work and the investment it makes in people.”

Enjoyed this? Read more from Rob Kelly

Latest news

1

Plans to acquire new build homes for council housing Houses under construction

Plans to acquire new build homes for council housing

19 Feb 2026

2

BAE records record sales as orders soar Typhoon courtesy of BAE Systems

BAE records record sales as orders soar

18 Feb 2026

3

Lord Lieutenant for Lancashire calls on thriving businesses to apply for Kings Awards Amanda Parker JP

Lord Lieutenant for Lancashire calls on thriving businesses to apply for Kings Awards

18 Feb 2026

4

Lancashire to shine in national VisitEngland coastal campaign Coastal campaign at Lytham St Annes

Lancashire to shine in national VisitEngland coastal campaign

17 Feb 2026

5

Green light for Eden Morecambe 251219EPM BMSG Dunes

Green light for Eden Morecambe

16 Feb 2026

Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
RISE - Lancashire's unique leadership programme for women
thumbnail_Emma Weston Illustration WENDY BOWERS RISE Illustrstion.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
22 Oct 2025 - 18 Mar 2026

RISE - Lancashire's unique leadership programme for women

East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, Clayton le Moors, BB5 5JR

09:30 - 15:30

Armed Forces Covenant Business Engagement
Logo.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
24 Feb 2026 - 24 Feb 2026

Armed Forces Covenant Business Engagement

Morecambe Football Club, Morecambe, LA4 4TB

09:00 - 15:00

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: February
LBV Hub Networking
26 Feb 2026 - 26 Feb 2026

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: February

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

10:00 - 12:00

Lancashire Lifesavers
Logo.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
03 Mar 2026 - 03 Mar 2026

Lancashire Lifesavers

The Story, Lancaster, LA1 1TH

10:15 - 11:15

Spring Forecast 2026 LIVE: Insights with PM+M
Spring Forecas.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
03 Mar 2026 - 03 Mar 2026

Spring Forecast 2026 LIVE: Insights with PM+M

Blackburn Rovers Football Club (Red Rose Suite), Ewood Park, Blackburn , BB2 4JF

12:00 - 15:00

Chamber Breakfast Networking – March
Logo.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
03 Mar 2026 - 03 Mar 2026

Chamber Breakfast Networking – March

The Storey, Lancaster, LA1 1TH

08:00 - 10:00

Your marketing measurement is useless
Event header.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
04 Mar 2026 - 04 Mar 2026

Your marketing measurement is useless

Brockholes Nature Reserve, Preston, PR5 0AG

09:00 - 12:00

Tech without the turmoil: How Finance Leaders can drive smarter digital decisions
MHA-BTI Logo_black (002).jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
05 Mar 2026 - 27 Dec 2025

Tech without the turmoil: How Finance Leaders can drive smarter digital decisions

Farington Lodge Hotel, Stanifield Lane, Farington, Preston, PR25 4QR

08:00 - 10:00

Payroll Update 2026 Samlesbury Hall
payroll.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
06 Mar 2026 - 06 Mar 2026

Payroll Update 2026 Samlesbury Hall

Samlesbury Hall, Preston, PR5 0UP

08:00 - 10:00

Women Growing Together in Lancashire
IWD Lancashire March 2026 Landscape Graphic Final
LBV Hub Networking
07 Mar 2026 - 07 Mar 2026

Women Growing Together in Lancashire

Dalvee Restaurant, Lancashire

10:00 - 14:00

Bay Hospitality Forum
Logo.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
11 Mar 2026 - 11 Mar 2026

Bay Hospitality Forum

Lancaster & Morecambe College, Lancaster, LA1 1TZ

10:00 - 12:00

Red Rose Awards 2026
Rra26 Logo315x315
Awards
12 Mar 2026

Red Rose Awards 2026

Winter Gardens Blackpool

18:00 - 02:00

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more LBV124 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin