Often when you think about accountancy, more than likely you are instantly drawn to the novelty and reputation of the Big 4. KPMG, EY, PwC and Delloite are global powerhouses and have earned the reputation they hold not only in the UK, but globally. With head offices in London, as well as sites all across the UK, the Big 4 hold mass appeal. But what about other firms that don’t make it into the exclusive boys club? We look at the top firms in the UK outside of the big 4, with headquarters in the capital city.
- BDO
BDO is cited as the number 5 ranked accountancy firm, or the biggest player in the game outside of the traditional big 4. Providing services in tax, audit and assurance, as well as advisory and business outsourcing services to multiple business sectors, BDO is a powerhouse in the accounting game. The head office in Baker Street is the central base of operations for their accountants in London. Revenues from the UK alone were over half a billion Great British Pounds, putting BDO right up there with the best firms both in the UK and globally with the £575 million generated in revenues.
- Grant Thornton
A close second to BDO, Grant Thornton is the biggest professional services firm recognised globally outside of the big 4 and BDO. Whilst the central office is in London, Grant Thornton boasts a respectable operation in 135 countries with upwards of 58000 employees. Global revenues were $5.4billion dollars last year, with the UK revenue stream bringing in £491million. The UK team is led by 190 partners and over 4500 people, providing access to assurance, tax and advisory services.
- RSM
Formally Baker Tilly LLP, RSM boasted revenues of £335million through their UK offices and was neck and neck with Grant Thornton, bringing in $5.3billion dollars globally. RSM is a leading provider of audit, tax and consulting services to middle market leaders, globally. With around 3,650 partners and staff in the UK and access to 48,000 people in over 120 countries across the RSM network, we can meet our clients’ needs wherever in the world they operate.
- Smith and Williamson
Smith & Williamson has offices around the UK and Ireland, centrally based in London but operating in Belfast and Jersey amongst other locations it is part of the Nexia International accounting network and streams in revenues of £278 million. With a workforce of around 1700 people, they offer individual business and family advice as part of the Tilney Smith and Williamson group.
- F9 Consulting
F9 Consulting is an ACCA regulated accountancy practice operating centrally in London, Manchester and Essex. Their practices include compliance and advisory on both a commercial and personal level , with tailed specialist knowledge across most sectors including; Construction, Property Development & Property Investment, Ecommerce, Hospitality, Retail and Freelance Contracting.