Today’s news in brief – 14/3/2025
The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) has launched an investigation into EY’s audits of a public interest entity (PIE) and a related non-PIE entity for the 2021 and 2022 financial years. The probe follows a decision made by the FRC’s conduct committee in November 2024. The investigation, conducted under the audit enforcement procedure, adds to a series of FRC-led inquiries into EY’s audit work, including cases involving Made.com and Veolia UK’s subsidiary. EY has faced growing scrutiny over audit quality in recent years. The firm has stated it will cooperate with the investigation but has not provided further comment.
EY has appointed Olivia Prew as head of private and Hannah Al-Anazi as associate director for private and mid-market in the Midlands. Prew, formerly head of origination at Clearwater, brings nearly 20 years of experience advising private businesses, entrepreneurs, and private equity clients. Al-Anazi specializes in executive search and leadership advisory, focusing on finance, cyber, ESG, and life sciences. Both will work alongside Anisha Patel to build client relationships. EY Midlands managing partner Simon O’Neill said their expertise would be invaluable in supporting clients’ strategies in a changing market. The appointments reinforce EY’s commitment to strengthening its regional presence.
Bishop Fleming has named Graham Charlton as its new private equity tax partner at its Cheltenham office. Previously a tax director at PwC, Charlton has 19 years of experience advising private equity-backed businesses on structuring, sales, and transitions. His appointment follows the recent arrival of audit partner Stephen Patey and is part of Bishop Fleming’s broader expansion strategy. Charlton will focus on management advisory services for private equity-backed clients. Corporate tax head Jerry Walklett said Charlton’s expertise aligns with the firm’s growth ambitions, particularly after opening new offices in Cheltenham and Birmingham to expand specialist tax services nationwide.
Henderson Loggie has appointed Stephen Dodds as tax director, strengthening its expanding tax team. A law graduate from Glasgow University, Dodds has over 20 years of tax advisory experience with both Big Four and mid-sized firms. He is a chartered accountant, chartered tax adviser, and former tax lawyer at one of Scotland’s largest commercial law firms. The firm’s tax team has grown by 150% in the past four years, and Dodds’ expertise in tax structuring and management incentives will enhance its Glasgow presence. Head of tax Kimberley Thomson praised Dodds as an outstanding candidate aligned with the firm’s vision.
