Mark Shaw starts as new managing partner at BDO

Mark Shaw has kicked off his tenure as the managing partner of BDO UK. He used his first official day in the office to restate the firm’s commitment to the mid market. 

Describing the mid-market as “the economic engine powering UK growth”, Shaw argued that SMEs are responsible for one-third of the jobs in the UK private sector, and have revenues equivalent to half the value of UK GDP. However, Shaw also claimed that the market has long been overlooked and undervalued by policy makers.

Following the UK’s change of government earlier in the year, Shaw used his platform to call for “the right support from Government”, which could enable mid-sized businesses to play a central part across all regions of the UK in its ambitions for economic growth. 

The new BDO UK managing partner commented, “The UK’s mid-market businesses have consistently proven to be ambitious and resilient despite notwithstanding an economic backdrop which has for some time been challenging. The success of those businesses, combined with the capabilities of our 8,000 people across our 18 UK offices, supports our own success. It is a privilege to be working with them.” 

Shaw takes over from out-going Paul Eagland with BDO fast approaching the £1 billion revenue milestone. Last year, it reported a 16% increase in revenues, with significant growth across all three of its service lines of audit, tax and advisory. As it continues to chase this landmark figure, BDO has also invested £120 million back into its business – the largest annual investment in the firm’s 100-year history – with people, quality and future high-growth services at the centre of its investment strategy.

Looking ahead, he added, “The firm’s growth and development during that time has been extraordinary. On behalf of all at BDO, I extend to Paul and his Leadership Team my sincere thanks for their hard work and their outstanding success. But we will not rest on our laurels and must be ready to innovate and adapt to the market opportunities that lie ahead. We will build on our heritage, while we look to the future.”