AN accountancy firm has announced its new employee-owned status as it marks 15 years in business.

TaxAssist Accountants, based on Leeds Road in Ilkley, is one of three branches founded by husband and wife team David and Julia Forrester.

Established in 2007, the company employs 13 staff with offices in Bingley and Keighley where they support more than 1,000 local clients with their tax, accounting, payroll and bookkeeping needs.

Employee-owned status involves the transfer of business ownership to an Employee Ownership Trust where all employees are beneficiaries and have received a share of the company’s profits. It is a model adopted by brands including the John Lewis Partnership.

David Forrester, managing director, said: “Employee ownership is becoming increasingly popular in the professional services sector so we are delighted to be taking the leap and creating a sustainable business which will continue to provide a rewarding place of work and an outstanding service to our clients, delivered by accountants who truly care.”

TaxAssist opened its Keighley office in 2007 followed by Ilkley in 2009 and Bingley in 2017. More than 60 per cent of its staff is currently or started as apprentices with 40 per cent serving more than 10 years with the company.