Grant Thornton eyes growth in North Scotland with Aberdeen office
Grant Thornton is expanding into Aberdeen. The move will see it focus on developing a team in the Granite City as a springboard to supporting clients in the wider North East of Scotland. The first major hire has already been made, with the addition of financial services expert Ian Knott.
Accounting and consulting firm Grant Thornton is active in more than 130 countries globally, generating revenues in excess of $4.6 billion with around 42,000 people in its ranks. As part of its UK strategy, the firm recently expanded its footprint into Aberdeen. The move into the Scottish city, dubbed the Granite City for its Victorian architectural use of the material, is to provide the professional services firm with a springboard into growth opportunities within the North-East of Scotland.
The expansion sees the firm open its doors within the heart of the city’s financial district along Queen’s Road. Rob Caven, Partner at Grant Thornton and Head of Advisory in Scotland, says that the firm is “delighted” to be taking its first steps in the North and is confident that both Grant Thornton and Aberdeen will have a sustainable, successful future. He comments, “The region has been hit hard by the oil and gas downturn and wider economic and political uncertainty, but its rich mix of industry reflects the resilience that drives the Granite City. By focusing on stimulating new ideas and tapping in to the potential of the North-East, we believe there will continue to be significant opportunities to create an even more vibrant economy.”
A key first hire, the firm reports, has already been made with financial services expert Ian Knott, who has been appointed a Corporate Finance partner. Knott has worked in Aberdeen since 2007, most recently for investment banking services firm Simmons & Company International, where he was a Vice President at the firm’s Aberdeen operation. Previously, from 2007 until 2013, he worked as an Associate Director of Corporate Finance at KPMG. Earlier roles include advisory positions in the Corporate Finance and Advisory arms of PwC, where he started his career in 1998. Knott holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Durham University.
Commenting on the appointment, Caven says, “It’s great having Ian Knott on board to help drive forward this new practice. We’re delighted to welcome such a knowledgeable, experienced corporate finance advisor to the team."
Reflecting on Grant Thornton's ambition in the North of Scotland, Caven adds: "Our objective is long term growth throughout Scotland, and we believe the north of Scotland will play a key role in helping to deliver that success.”
Grant Thornton's UK organisation books revenues of £521 million (FY15). Global revenues stand at more than $4.7 billion.
