finance 43


Grant Thornton launches new service for Solent mid-sized businesses


As business growth accelerates across the eurozone, companies in the UK and the Solent region are also looking to the future


And with growth at the top of the agenda, Grant Thornton UK LLP has revealed new research on the four most important factors for growth for medium-sized businesses (MSBs).


McGill has a wealth of international experience and contacts, developing businesses in the Middle East, USA, China and Africa


‘Increasingly clients are turning to Grant Thornton for advice on subjects wider than tax, audit and assurance‘


In the South East there are 5,060 MSBs, which turn over £102.6 billion. Examples in the Solent region include Raymond Brown and Lakesmere, both of which are clients of Grant Thornton


‘It can be difficult for senior management and CEOs to find the time to take a step back and look at the wider picture but Growth 365 provides the perfect platform for them to do so‘


According to the company‘s research, MSBs recognise the following four key factors as ‘important‘ or ‘very important‘ to their ability to grow. Top of the list is management capability with 54% of respondents citing it as important. Choosing the right strategy for growth comes in second (44%), export capability in third (38%) and ability to bring in new skills fourth at 36%.


The findings come as Grant Thornton launches a brand new service to support CEOs and MDs of fast-growing, mid-sized businesses overcome the challenges and seize the opportunities.


Growth 365 is a tailored, pre-qualified membership service. Members receive a bespoke actionable programme that is delivered by a dedicated and experienced business leader. Each programme accesses unique resources and extensive networks to help achieve growth objectives.


Spearheading the service in the southern region is Jonathan McGill, an experienced business leader with a proven track record of leading teams to win major contracts and deliver profitable growth to companies with turnovers up to £35 million. He has a wealth of international experience and contacts, developing businesses in the Middle East, USA, China and Africa.


McGill says: “Growth 365 has been established in direct response to demand from our clients. Increasingly they are turning to Grant Thornton for advice on subjects wider than tax, audit and assurance.“


McGill will be responsible for advising members of Growth 365 on how they can best develop their business, giving them access to the coveted Grant Thornton ‘black book‘ of national and international contacts. Members will also benefit from regular events and industry- leading bespoke insight and research.


Grant Thornton has long been a champion of MSBs. Its Agents of Growth Action Plan sets out recommendations for the Government to support this section of the market.


There are 35,000 MSBs in the UK, which collectively contribute £71m in tax to the


THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE – SOLENT & SOUTH CENTRAL – OCTOBER 2015 www.businessmag.co.uk


Jonathan McGill


economy. They employ 4.3m people and are predicted to create 737,000 more jobs by 2020.


In the South East there are 5,060 MSBs, which turn over £102.6 billion. Examples in the Solent region include Raymond Brown and Lakesmere, both of which are clients of Grant Thornton and featured on The Business Magazine‘s Solent 250 listing.


One of the key challenges MSBs report to Grant Thornton is dealing with the current skills gap. “It‘s very difficult to find the right people, not just at grass roots and executive level but right the way to the top and the board.“


Feedback from the MSBs shows they want the Government to improve career information, as well as the ability to strengthen their own links with schools, colleges and universities.


McGill concluded: “It can be difficult for senior management and CEOs to find the time to take a step back and look at the wider picture but Growth 365 provides the perfect platform for them to do so, allowing them to take a long- term strategic view of their business and focus on the important, rather than being driven by the urgent.“


To find out about joining Growth 365 contact McGill on the details below.


Details: Jonathan McGill 023-8038-1100 jonathan.mcgill@uk.gt.com


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