RSM Leeds office officially opened by Earl of Wessex

RSM recently formally opened its new Central Square office in Leeds. The opening was attended by HRH The Earl of Wessex, who unveiled a plaque alongside senior leadership, in celebration of the firm’s 12-year commitment to supporting the Duke of Edinburgh Award.

The UK member firm of RSM announced plans to move into £200 million dollar Leeds Central Square development in 2016. The new space offers a range of benefits to its staff, such as sustainability with a Grade-A rating and more space for a growing workforce, as well as a more attractive position for client engagements.

Two years later, the office has formally opened with a show of pomp and circumstance, as Prince Edward, The Earl of Wessex, attended to unveil a plaque at the site. RSM has a long-standing relationship as a partner of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE), a scheme run in the name of Prince Edward’s Father, Prince Philip.

The DofE has a broad aim to support young people achieve their potential through a broad array of skill and confidence building engagements throughout the years – with various awards and achievements presented based on the determination of participants. The DofE has, in recent years, focused on reducing social mobility stagnation, which remains a significant issue for people of less fortunate backgrounds getting ahead in England.

The RSM’s office inauguration coincided with the firm’s most recent efforts to support the organisation: a 4,000-mile ‘around the globe’ biking challenge – on various treadmill type cycles at its offices in the UK. Other notable efforts on the firm’s part to support the DofE have included its Preston office hosting a night of live music for the past two years.

Commenting on RSM’s support of the organisation, Peter Westgarth, Chief Executive of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award said, “As a partner of the DofE Charity for almost 12 years, RSM has long supported the development of young people, recognising the value of achieving a DofE Award. The young people they are supporting are the leaders of the future and we are thrilled to be working in partnership with RSM to ensure that even more young people, irrespective of background are given this life-changing opportunity.”

Aside from the headline-grabbing Royal presence at the event, a selection of RSM’s high and mighty was also in attendance to commend the work being done by the firm. These included Chief Operating Officer David Gwilliam, and Kevin O’Connor, RSM’s Regional Managing Partner for Yorkshire and the North East.

David Gwilliam said of the event, “We are proud to support The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. The Charity’s work makes a real difference to the future prospects of hundreds of thousands of young people, and helps them tap into their potential which can shape their future is a positive way. We are committed to working with the DofE to continue to support young people across Yorkshire and the UK.”

Kevin O’Connor added, “It was fantastic to welcome HRH the Earl of Wessex to formally celebrate our move into Central Square. We are proud of our new space as its more than just an office, it reinforces our commitment to the Yorkshire region and strengthens our position as one of the leading advisers to middle market businesses across The North.”