Today’s news in brief – 25/4/2025
Former EY chair Steve Varley and ex-PwC executive Marrisa Thomas are launching Unity Advisory, a UK-based firm aimed at rivaling the Big Four. Backed by $300m from Warburg Pincus, the firm will focus on mid-sized, private equity-backed businesses and aims to deliver tax, accounting, M&A, and tech consulting services without an audit arm—avoiding regulatory burdens. Unity will recruit professionals with Big Four experience and emphasise an AI-driven, client-centric approach. With a planned launch by June, Unity seeks to attract clients and talent from legacy firms by offering modern, agile services to CFOs dissatisfied with traditional consultancy structures.
Grant Thornton Advisors has significantly expanded its multinational platform through a merger with Grant Thornton UAE, Luxembourg, and Cayman Islands, joining the original alliance with Grant Thornton Ireland. Supported by private equity firm New Mountain Capital, the expanded group now includes over 13,000 professionals across more than 50 offices globally. Remaining within the Grant Thornton International network, the platform aims to provide seamless, high-quality tax and advisory services for multinational clients. CEO Jim Peko emphasized the strategic importance of scaling capabilities to meet growing client demands. The firm is actively pursuing further mergers to strengthen its presence in key markets.
South West accountancy firm Albert Goodman has promoted Robin Clempson, Tom Stone, and Kelly Pinder to partner roles amid a 17% revenue growth to £21.4m. Clempson becomes Partner of Marketing and Business Development, having led branding during the firm’s expansion into Bristol. Stone, part of the Farms and Estates team, brings a decade of experience in agricultural finance and capital tax planning. Pinder, now a Tax Partner, specialises in corporate tax, R&D relief, and capital allowances. Managing Partner Iain McVicar praised their development and contributions. The promotions highlight the firm’s commitment to nurturing in-house talent and supporting strategic regional growth.
Crowe UK has appointed Joe Stather as managing director of Horwath HTL UK, its hospitality-focused advisory unit. Stather, formerly VP at Questex and a former director at CBRE, brings deep sector expertise in hospitality real estate. He will lead strategic advisory, due diligence, and urban regeneration efforts for clients across the UK and internationally. Stather aims to position Horwath HTL as a trusted, independent advisor amid rising investor interest in hospitality as a mainstream asset class. He emphasized the sector’s role in economic regeneration and plans to leverage Crowe’s broader capabilities in risk, tax, and corporate finance for holistic client service.
