BAKER Tilly has appointed Paul Johnson as head of corporate finance for the Yorkshire and North East region.

Mr Johnson specialises in financial due diligence for private equity investors, banks and corporates. He has had significant experience of cross border transactions, and is also a Fellow of the ICAEW and a member of the Securities Institute.

The move comes as part of a restructure of Baker Tilly’s Corporate Finance service line, which sees Rob Donaldson appointed as Baker Tilly’s Head of Corporate Finance, and new regional Heads of Corporate Finance appointed across six regions - Scotland, North-West, Yorkshire & North East, Midlands, London and the South.

Mr Johnson said: "Now that we’re beginning to come out of the economic downturn, we are seeing businesses in the region placing increasing focus on growth. It’s therefore important that Baker Tilly further expands its  corporate finance service to support new and existing clients within the region, helping them to achieve their objectives in 2014."

Mr Donaldson said: "Having a stronger regional presence will be of real benefit to our clients and prospective clients across the UK. Paul has a distinct knowledge of the local market which will be of great importance to businesses looking to develop strategically in their chosen markets."