Top UK accountancy and business advisory firm Johnston Carmichael has strengthened its rapidly growing Business Advisory team with the appointment of a new partner in its growing Glasgow office, which saw 13 promotions in December.

Jim Lockhart has over 25 years of experience working across the finance sector for firms of all sizes, ranging from a five-partner firm where he completed his training in Scotland, to a multinational advisory in Cambridge, and running his own practice in Glasgow. He has a particular interest in manufacturing and engineering having worked within the sector during his career. 

A Chartered Accountant and Chartered Tax Adviser, Jim will work with clients from across the firm’s key sectors including technology and life sciences, food and drink, and financial services, bringing his broad-ranging expertise to all industries but with a particular focus on supporting the growth of the firm’s engineering and manufacturing offering.  

He is also keen to work with Scotland’s growing space technology industry. Glasgow has become a UK leader in the manufacture of small satellites, while Prestwick’s aerospace hub has become a centre of excellence for the sector, hosting some of the world’s largest aerospace companies and supporting more than 3,000 jobs. 

Jim was attracted to Johnston Carmichael because of the strength of its reputation in Scotland and its key sector focus. He said: 

“I have known several people within the firm for many years and I was familiar with the positive culture that is fostered by its leaders. This gave me confidence that Johnston Carmichael would be a great place to work.  

“The business is clearly striving for excellence in terms of how it works with clients and what it delivers for them. What I have seen so far is that there is huge value behind each of the sectors we focus on. It’s not just a list of industry titles but a team with deep knowledge sits behind each sector working extremely hard to ensure real value and expertise are used to deliver great results for each client. 

“With my manufacturing experience, I see increased opportunities to grow that part of the business and there is also a growing space technology sector in Scotland that is of interest to the firm and something we will be exploring.” 

Jim is also an experienced strategist who is currently the Non-Executive Finance Director for Triathlon Scotland advising on the organisation’s strategy and direction. 

Jim added: “In addition to the all-important financial aspects of business I really enjoy advising firms on their strategy and looking at what they can achieve in the years ahead. This is something I hope to bring as a benefit to Johnston Carmichael clients. Being a trusted adviser means looking beyond the accounts and thinking about the bigger picture too.”  

Established in the north-east of Scotland almost 90 years ago, Johnston Carmichael has grown to a business of more than 850 people spread across Scotland, the North East of England and London, and incorporates a team of about 150 tax specialists. It has adopted fully hybrid working, enabling its people to service a diverse range of clients no matter where they are based across the UK or overseas.