DFK UK & Ireland has appointed Mark Ashfield as the association’s new Chairman

Mark is taking on the post alongside his role as Managing Director of Midlands-based accountancy firm Harrison Beale & Owen (HB&O) – which has offices in Coventry and Leamington – where he has overseen significant growth during the past five years.

The appointment also comes after HB&O was named Firm of the Year by DFK UK & Ireland in 2022, after the award was decided by UK and Ireland members.

Reacting to the news of his appointment, Mark underlined his desire to see member firms using their DFK membership as a launchpad for growing their own business via referrals and staff development.

Mark said: “To be provided with the opportunity to further the excellent work undertaken by our previous Chairpersons, Peter O’Connell and Peter Winter, is a daunting yet exciting challenge, and I am delighted to have been appointed as the Chairman of DFK UK & Ireland.

The strength of our organisation is derived from our members, and we are extremely lucky to be made up of such a strong, collaborative and non-competitive range of firms.

“Since HB&O joined in 2015, we have benefitted enormously from sharing best practice amongst members, referrals of work and being able to support our clients by recommending international partners through our association with DFK International.  

“As Chairman, I look forward to building upon this strategy, developing our vision and values and enhancing the benefits of DFK membership for both our existing and future new member firms.

“It has been a fantastic recent period for myself and HB&O; we were appointed as DFK UK & Ireland’s Firm of the Year in late 2022 and we look forward to hosting the DFK UKI Annual Conference in Birmingham in October 2023.

“With the support of the Board, Executive team and the entire family of DFK Members across the globe, I am confident DFK UK & Ireland can continue to achieve great things in the future.”

Since being established in 1996, DFK UK & Ireland’s membership has grown to include more than 105 partners and 1,000 staff who advise on a variety of commercial financial matters.