Today’s news in brief – 6/1/2025
PKF Smith Cooper marked a record year of growth with 68 new starters and 21 graduates joining in 2024. The firm also celebrated promotions across six service lines, including Callum Leslie as assistant corporate manager, Ali Raynor as senior audit manager, and David Erentz as assistant audit manager. Lauren Birkhead and Will Quinn also advanced to key operational roles. PKF earned accolades for client service and workplace culture, including 14 award nominations. Managing partner James Bagley praised the team’s talent and potential, while learning and development manager Emma Lesley emphasized tailored training to support their continued success.
Nigel Ling has been appointed as partner at McBrides Chartered Accountants, joining the firm’s leadership after nearly 25 years of service. Ling started as a graduate trainee in 1999 and rose through the ranks to audit director before becoming partner. His promotion exemplifies McBrides’ commitment to nurturing internal talent. Ling expressed excitement about leading the firm where he trained and worked with diverse clients. Tanya Hamilton, managing partner and former graduate trainee, commended Ling’s expertise and leadership in the audit sector. McBrides continues to demonstrate its focus on internal career growth and client-focused excellence.
The London Stock Exchange saw a significant boost in Q4 2024 with Canal+ raising £2.6bn in the largest IPO since 2022, EY reported. Despite this, 2024 was one of the quietest years for listings, with only 18 IPOs raising £3.4bn, a 256% year-on-year increase. However, 88 companies delisted due to declining liquidity and valuations. EY’s Scott McCubbin highlighted geopolitical instability and slow economic growth as challenges but noted optimism for 2025 with anticipated reforms and a strong deal pipeline. Globally, IPO volumes fell 10% in 2024, reflecting broader economic pressures on the market.
Beever and Struthers celebrated its fifth consecutive Planet Mark certification in 2024, contributing £1.3m in social value and achieving a per-employee social value of £5,538. The firm’s carbon footprint of 97.8 tCO2e reflects its commitment to achieving net zero by 2050. Beever and Struthers invested over £400k in community and environmental initiatives while embedding sustainability into operations. Employees receive carbon literacy training, and suppliers must demonstrate sustainability credentials. Marketing director Geraldine Finn emphasized the role of sustainability in attracting talent, while Planet Mark CEO Steve Malkin praised the firm’s leadership in driving meaningful climate action.
