Steven Abbott and Tarifa Simpson partner at Mazars

International accountancy and advisory firm Mazars has appointed Steven Abbott and Tarifa Simpson as partners. The duo are both based in its Manchester office, and each arrive from KPMG’s office there.

Commenting on the two arrivals, Tim Hudson, Mazars’ Manchester Managing Partner, said, “We are delighted to welcome Steven and Tarifa to both the Manchester office and the partnership. Their depth of experience and leadership will be a huge asset as we direct all our attention to help our clients navigate these turbulent times. These appointments are a sign of the confidence that Mazars has of the market opportunities in the North West.”

Steven Abbott brings more than 20 years of experience to Mazars, having specialised in advising a range of entrepreneurial businesses and larger corporate groups over his career, in order to help clients achieve their growth ambitions. Since his initial arrival with Mazars, he has been helping clients deal with coronavirus lockdown and delivering advice and guidance via a series of webinars. In the long-term, his role as Partner will focus on providing tailored advice to companies and their shareholders, while developing the vibrant and successful tax team in Manchester.

Holding a Masters in Mechanical Engineering and Business Management from Nottingham University, in 1997 Abbott commenced his career with Big Four audit and advisory firm KPMG. The following 23 years saw him rise to the rank of Tax Director, before deciding the time was right for a new challenge.

Tarifa Simpson meanwhile brings 17 years of experience to Mazars, having specialised in providing strategic advice and due diligence services to clients across the UK. Based in Manchester for more than a decade, Simpson has largely focused on clients in private healthcare and life sciences, including a number of cross-border and listed company transactions. She will now lead Mazars’ transaction services team in Manchester.

While working towards a first class honours degree in Management, Finance, Marketing, Economics, Business strategy from Aston University, Simpson commenced her career in professional services with a year-long internship in the global marketing team of PA Consulting. She then joined KPMG in 2003, working with the firm to become a Chartered Accountant. Throughout much of her following 17 years with the firm, she worked in the transaction services team, supporting clients and providing them with strategic advice and due diligence services – becoming a Deal Advisory Director before exiting in 2020.