Having recently left the audit, tax and consultancy firm Crowe LLP after 38 years, in which he became its longest-serving partner and earned the nickname the ‘manufacturers’ accountant’, Johnathan is working directly with the Ansons Law board on its growth plans.

Johnathan said: “I wasn’t ready to hang up my boots completely, but I didn’t want to be a public accountant any more. I was looking for the chance to help businesses grow at a strategic level.

“Ansons is a fast-growing firm whose values, culture and ambition I share. If you get the culture right, you can build on it.”

Ansons, which has offices in Lichfield, Cannock, Sutton Coldfield and Dudley, was a client of Johnathan’s for many years while he was at Crowe, where his work became increasingly strategic both within the firm and for the companies it serves. 

He has now stepped away from public accountancy practice and advises a small portfolio of growing businesses on strategy and growth.

Martin De Ridder, solicitor and managing director of Ansons Law, said: “Johnathan has a proven track record of championing manufacturers, SMEs and family businesses, helping them grow, giving leaders the data and insight to influence the business and political landscape, and strengthening the Midlands region.

“He has advised Ansons for a long time and we are delighted to have him on board. Having Johnathan work with the Ansons board brings his experience into the decisions that shape how we grow.

Johnathan was named “Business Ambassador 2026” at the Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Awards.

He qualified with Walter J. Edwards & Co, a West Midlands accountancy firm, before moving to what is now Crowe UK LLP in 1988, where he became a partner in 1994.

He held various leadership positions at Crowe, having been appointed Head of the Midlands South West Practice in 2010, serving on the firm’s supervisory, strategy and executive boards and teams.