Councillor Marc Bayliss with Chris Walklett and Rob Pearce of Bishop Fleming
Leading accounting, audit, tax, and advisory firm Bishop Fleming has invested in plans to grow its West Midlands presence as part of an ambitious business strategy.
The firm posted impressive financial results in 2021-2022, seeing fee growth rise by 19%, with the Worcester office contributing with 30% growth of its own.
Chris Walklett, Partner, and lead for the Worcester office said: “We are delighted with our recent financial results as we look forward to further growth. We are mindful of the economic challenges that lie ahead but we are nevertheless optimistic for our future and will be supporting our clients to meet those challenges head on.”
Choosing to build its growth from its Worcester base, the firm has recently completed a full refurbishment of its existing office, designed to combine the beauty and heritage of its location next to the Cathedral, with a modern, flexible, agile working environment, and the latest innovative technology.
Partner Rob Pearce, who led the project said: “Our people told us that our central location in the city was important to them. Refurbishing our existing office has allowed us to maintain our presence in the city centre, a pinpoint for our clients and contacts. The transformation will provide a platform to our people to work smartly and efficiently for the benefit of our clients and community.”
The firm currently employs over 460 people, including 37 partners, across its seven offices in the West Midlands and South West. In September, it welcomed a further 60 graduate and school leaver apprentices and expects its headcount to reach nearly 500 this year.
Councillor Marc Bayliss of Worcester City Council added: “We are delighted that Bishop Fleming has chosen to continue to drive its future West Midlands growth from its Worcester office. As one of the leading employers in the city, and advisors to many clients in the region, this signals a deep commitment to, and confidence in, our local economy.”
Chris added: “The investment in our office is just the first step in our plans to grow our business, our people, and our client base. I encourage any potential clients who would like to work with us, or talented people interested in working for us, to find out more about our exciting plans.”
Bishop Fleming is currently one of the largest independent accounting and advisory firms in the UK. It has been recently ranked 14th in the UK’s Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers rankings.
