Mark Pownall, who began his accountancy career with Baker Tilly in Bradford, has rejoined the firm.

He is one of two new partners appointed by the business advisory group.

In February, Baker Tilly returned to Bradford through a merger with city-based Horwath Clark Whitehill (Yorkshire) which created the largest accountancy group outside the “big four” in West Yorkshire with 200 staff and 25 partners.

Mr Pownall has joined the corporate finance department from BDO Stoy Hayward in Leeds.

Mr Pownall began his career with Baker Tilly in Bradford in 1995 and went on to work in London.

Baker Tilly has also recruited Tony Chapman as the partner to lead the forensic accounting team in the firm’s North region. The move is part of a push by the firm into the forensic, investigatory and dispute advisory arenas.

He has been hired from law firm Pinsent Masons.

Baker Tilly is combining its Bradford and Keighley offices into one site at the Waterfront in Shipley. Around 50 staff and five partners will move to the new site in February.