In response to continued demand for its specialist tax services, Newcastle-based independent chartered accountancy and business advisory firm UNW has appointed two of the North East’s most respected tax professionals as Partners.
Alastair Wilson and Andrew Fitton, both well-known in the North East business community, have joined UNW, bringing with them more than 50 years’ combined experience advising businesses across the region.
Alastair, who joins as Corporate Tax Partner, trained at a Big Four firm and has since held senior roles at both national and independent practices – most notably building and leading the tax department at a large regional firm.
He has worked with businesses of all sizes – from ambitious owner-managed companies to listed groups – and is known for delivering clear, commercial advice. His expertise spans group structuring, M&A, tax-efficient fundraising, staff incentives, and unlocking value through R&D and capital allowances. Over the years, Alastair has helped North East businesses claim more than £100 million in R&D tax credits.
Andrew also joins UNW as Corporate Tax Partner following his role as National Lead for Large Corporate Tax at a UK-wide accountancy firm. He previously spent 25 years with the Big Four, including 21 years at PwC. During this time, he specialised in corporate tax for large and international businesses, with a particular focus on the taxation of debt, derivatives, and foreign exchange. His career at PwC also included leading the tax practice in East Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, as well as a secondment as Head of Tax for Virgin Money plc.
At UNW, they join one of the region’s largest specialist tax teams, which includes private client, employment taxes, and VAT experts alongside a corporate tax team serving a diverse range of sectors and business types.
Speaking of his motivations for joining UNW, Alastair said: “I’ve known UNW for a long time and have always been impressed by the way the firm operates. There’s a real sense of focus and clarity – it’s independent, agile, and committed to doing great work for clients. That really appealed to me.
“It’s also a place where people are given the freedom to do their best work and to support others to do the same. The chance to join a team of this quality, with the scope to make a real impact, was a big draw. I’m looking forward to being part of a team that shares those values and to helping take the tax offering even further.”
Andrew added: “What stood out to me about UNW is the calibre of its people. I’ve worked with a number of the tax team before and have always admired their expertise and reputation. More recently, I’ve also been struck by the quality and enthusiasm of those at earlier stages of their careers. The firm has invested in talent and resources to make sure clients get the level of service they deserve – technically excellent, thoughtful, and engaging. I’m excited to be part of that and to play my role in the firm’s future growth.”
Steve Lant, Tax Partner at UNW, commented: “We’re delighted to welcome Alastair and Andrew to the firm. They are both proven performers with a real depth of expertise and experience. In addition, they are both good people committed to delivering for clients and developing our people. We already had a very strong tax team, Alastair and Andrew have made it even stronger.”
