Lithgow Perkins was formed in 1958, the year current senior partner John Perkins joined founder Gilbert Lithgow.

As John celebrates his golden anniversary with the firm the company itself is also celebrating 50 years in business.

From a small suite of offices and a handful of clients, the firm has prospered to have over 1,000 clients and turnover in excess of £1 million. It now occupies a sizeable chunk of Crown Chambers, on Princes Street, and adjoining buildings.

Current clients range from small tax cases to large private companies and include a number of law firms that entrust their business with the long-established practice, now an integral part of the thriving Harrogate business infrastructure.

Gilbert Lithgow retired in 1963 and in 2002 Lithgow Perkins became a limited liability partnership, one of the first accountancy practices to opt for that status.

John Perkins, whose fellow partners are Dale Watler, Mike Broadway, Tony Hallinan and Robert Horner, was educated at Harrogate Grammar School and served articles with a leading firm of Leeds chartered accountants, qualifying in 1955 and joining Gilbert Lithgow in Harrogate three years later.

Strong business acumen and management flair have maintained John at the head of affairs for a remarkable half century, an achievement that means the firm now has double cause for celebration.