The new business advisory service will be headed up by Ian Howard, and will be providing support to businesses in the Harrogate, Hambleton and Richmondshire districts as well as York and the North Leeds area.

When asked about his new business venture, Ian said, “I am keen to unravel issues that can keep business owners awake at night so I can help them focus on the aspects of the business that they most enjoy.”

Ian has a strong commercial background and a passion for solving unusual issues ranging from data breaches to dealing with the impacts of floods and terrorist attacks! This passion combined with Ian’s experiences as Associate Partner in Financial Services at EY (formerly Ernst & Young) and Managing Director at Concept 20|20 Limited, a specialist furniture design and manufacture business, will come in handy when working with business owners.

Ian is looking forward to helping businesses within his local community with their plans for future growth and success.

Out of working hours, Ian has a strong interest in music, playing the guitar and running a studio focused on composing and producing recordings for the library music market. He also builds and repairs guitars and other stringed instruments on a part-time basis.

Matthew Levington said, “we are delighted to have Ian on board, his problem-solving strengths coupled with his financial background will be an asset to businesses in his area”.

Business Doctors was launched in the Northwest of England in 2004 and now has offices in Bulgaria, Belgium, India, Republic of Ireland, Malta, Myanmar, Portugal and South Africa.