Date posted: 18th Mar 2026
We are delighted to announce the appointments of seven Associate Partners as part of our newly created leadership development programme designed to support the next generation of senior leaders.
The appointments are part of the firm’s new Associate Partner (AP) Pathway, which recognises individuals already making a significant leadership contribution while providing a clear route towards partnership.
The new pathway has been introduced as we continue to grow and evolve, ensuring our leadership structure and career development opportunities reflect the ambition and contribution of the Clive Owen LLP senior team.
Those appointed as Associate Partners are existing team members:
As well as new recruit, Suzanne Layfield.
Suzanne joined the firm in March 2026, bringing significant experience in audit and assurance. She began her career as a trainee at a small practice in North Yorkshire in 2007 before moving to the North East in 2015, gaining experience at both national and independent firms.
A Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (FCA), she specialises in the audit of owner managed businesses, with a particular interest in group structures, and has worked across sectors including hospitality and leisure, manufacturing and construction.
Alongside the Associate Partner Pathway, the firm has also introduced a Partner Track programme to provide greater transparency and support for those preparing for potential partnership in the future.
Kevin Shotton, Managing Partner, said: “We are delighted to recognise the achievements of these six colleagues through our new Associate Partner Pathway, and welcome Suzanne to Clive Owen LLP. Each of them has demonstrated exceptional technical expertise, leadership and commitment to both our clients and the wider firm.
“The introduction of the Associate Partner role reflects our ambition to provide clear and meaningful career progression while strengthening the leadership of the business as we continue to grow. It also supports the development of future partners by giving talented individuals the opportunity to broaden their influence, build their commercial experience and contribute to the strategic direction of the firm.
Kevin added: “We are targeting significant growth over the next five years and are seeing increased demand from clients looking to appoint a local independent firm. These appointments will assist in us being able to increase capacity at the same time as maintaining client service.”
Established in 1983, Clive Owen LLP has grown from a small sole trader operation into a dynamic firm with five offices in Darlington, York, Durham, Middlesbrough and Newcastle, and a workforce in the region of 150 colleagues. The practice prides itself on delivering multi-disciplinary expertise while maintaining a reputation for a personal, client-focused service.
