Today’s news in brief – 18/9/2024

Shaw Gibbs has merged with Alliotts, significantly increasing its presence in London and Surrey. Alliotts, with 14 partners and 100 employees, brings expertise in business strategy, corporate finance, and niche services such as a Media team and China Desk. The merger creates a practice of nearly 500 people, with hopes of breaking into the top 30 accountancy firms within 12-18 months. Leaders from both firms emphasise continuity for clients and the added resources from the merger. Shaw Gibbs' CEO highlighted Alliotts' client-focused approach and shared values, setting the stage for future growth. PKF Smith Cooper has hired Oliver MacPhee as private client manager in its Nottingham branch. MacPhee, with seven years of experience in tax planning and advisory, will focus on inheritance tax, trusts, and HMRC inquiries. His appointment follows PKF Smith Cooper’s growth strategy, which includes plans to double its size by 2029. The firm has hired 63 new employees this year, including 21 graduates who joined in September. MacPhee expressed excitement about helping clients manage tax challenges, while the firm’s private client director praised his expertise in strengthening the tax team. Forvis Mazars has welcomed 357 new trainees across its UK offices, including school leavers, graduates, and placement students. The trainees will work in accounting, outsourcing, audit, advisory, and tax across 13 UK offices, with the majority based in London. Tatham Crawford-Lennox, director of people and culture, highlighted the firm’s excitement about this new cohort, particularly as Forvis Mazars embarks on a new journey. In addition, 92 interns were hired over the summer. The firm, recognized in the Top 100 Apprenticeship employers 2024 rankings, aims to offer global opportunities for the trainees as part of its growth. A Q3 survey by Make UK and BDO reveals that UK manufacturers remain cautiously optimistic about economic growth, despite not seeing immediate gains from government changes. Nearly 60% of manufacturers expect better economic conditions within the next year, leading Make UK to revise its 2025 GDP growth forecast from 0.8% to 1.8%. Although only 6% anticipate a GDP decline, concerns linger about the need for a robust Industrial Strategy. BDO’s head of manufacturing, Richard Austin, noted that political stability is boosting business confidence, though its impact on output and orders remains to be seen.