Professional services firm EY plans to double the size of its advisory services team in Bristol to 100 staff over the next 12 months to meet increased demand from businesses across the South West.
Driving the move are a range of intensified challenges on businesses including international growth, cost control and the need to understand the impact of the digitalisation of businesses, EY said.
It will recruit graduates as well as experienced staff to join the team based at office in The Paragon in the city centre.
More than 20 graduates joined the office last year with a further 15 expected to be recruited this year – a key measure of the firm’s intent to develop talent and grow its regional presence outside of London.
EY’s 350-strong Bristol office works with a wide variety of businesses across the South West and South Wales, ranging from large listed companies to mid-market and entrepreneurial start-ups.
Associate partner in EY’s advisory services practice in Bristol, Guy Turner, said: “We are recruiting to meet the growing demands of our clients and strengthening our focus on the impact of new technologies to support regional businesses.
“Our growing team offer a wide range of advisory service capabilities and work with companies to address complex industry issues to deliver outcomes that grow and protect our clients’ business.”
EY South West senior partner Andrew Perkins added: “This growth reflects EY’s investment in the South West and our commitment to developing local talent. We have big ambitions for our regional business after reporting strong growth in 2017 and we’re growing in line with the region’s economic success.
“Our recent EY regional economic forecast revealed the South West economy is set to grow at a faster rate than the majority of UK regions and Bristol is expected to be one of the fastest-growing cities over the next three years.”
Pictured: EY’s current Bristol advisory service team
