KPMG opens technology centre in Manchester's Circle Square

Big Four firm KPMG has become the latest in a long list of professional services names to expand its presence in the North West of England. As the region continues to build upon its reputation as a technology hub, KPMG’s solutions and digital wing will move into new space in the midst of Manchester’s “Innovation District”.

Britain represents the world’s second largest individual market for consulting services, and with the Northern Powerhouse project seeing business boom in the North West in particular, the region has become a popular destination for professional services firms of late. Recently, US consultancy Slalom opted to launch a new Manchester office earlier in 2019, while IT firm CGI confirmed the launch of its office in nearby Salford in the Spring. Libra Europe also launched a new locale in Manchester, while Peninsula Group, a mainstay in the area, confirmed it was looking to recruit 70 graduates there, following record levels of growth.

Now, Big Four firm KPMG has become the latest professional services firm to make a new foray into the North West, with the launch of a technology hub in Circle Square. The 12,000 square feet of extra office space in Manchester will now be home to KPMG’s solutions and digital team. The Manchester Technology Centre at Circle Square on Oxford Road is in the heart of what is known as Manchester’s Innovation District, while the nearby Salford Media Centre will also complement the location.

KPMG currently employs more than 1,000 staff in the city, and as of September 2019 approximately 100 specialist staff (including data scientists, designers, software engineers, project managers and analysts) have transferred to the new facility. KPMG’s UK solutions and digital practice provides core technology and managed services to support the digital transformation of clients. It deploys its experts to help solve specific client challenges in cloud computing, digital learning, responses to regulatory change, automation and the use of technology to improve performance across front, middle and back-office functions. 

Nicola Quayle, Office Senior Partner at KPMG in Manchester, stated, “Manchester is already home to one of our largest offices in the country and we’re committed to investing in the city. The decision to move to Circle Square also recognises Manchester’s status as a growing centre for the international tech economy. Quite simply, our Solutions & Digital practice needs great connections, access to incredible talent and to be plugged into a vibrant tech community. Manchester, and in particular Circle Square, offers all of this in abundance. We can’t wait to move in and make the most of this opportunity.”

Bradley Topps, Commercial Director at Bruntwood SciTech, added, “It is great to have KPMG on board at Circle Square; it’s the perfect new location for a business that uses innovative technology to continually improve the service it provides its international roster of clients.”