KPMG boss reaffirms commitment to Nottingham city centre
KPMG’s new East Midlands managing partner says he remains “fully committed” to Nottingham city centre, despite the firm’s current premises being put up for sale.
Marc Abrams, who recently took over the reins from Ian Borley, says the firm is “constantly” looking at the Nottingham property market for suitable premises, but insists he has no intention of moving out of the city centre.
Fellow big four firm PwC moved out to Castle Donington several years ago, but Abrams says a similar move isn’t on his radar.
He said: “Our Nottingham lease finishes at the end of 2022. Somebody has just bought the building we currently occupy on Maid Marian Way, so we would entertain the prospect of moving to new premises as long as they’re modern and suited to our needs. We’re constantly looking at the market, and the same goes for Leicester. But the move would absolutely be to somewhere else in the city centre.”
Abrams has been at KPMG for 11 years, having previously spent six years at another big four firm and six at RSM – a wealth of experience he says enables him to “see the market from different perspectives.”
He said: “I’m keen to shout about the size and scale of the opportunities here in the East Midlands. There are probably as many deals taking place here as there are in the West Midlands. The region and this city are blessed with a great market full of interesting businesses.
“Our national strategy is all about the private capital market. We’re particularly interested in owner-managed businesses and what we call the emerging giants of tomorrow. The East Midlands has a lot to be optimistic about in this respect.”
In the departing Borley – a 35-year KPMG veteran – Abrams says he has big shoes to fill, but he is looking to build on his predecessor’s legacy.
He said: “Ian has a very strong relationship with lots of companies and individuals in the region, and he’s been great about sharing his experience. Football managers usually leave when the team is threatened with relegation, but that is the exact opposite of the situation here. Ian has been engaged with the local community for many years and the legacy he leaves is highly impressive.”
The future, says Abrams, is bright for the accountancy giant.
He said: “I’m keen to bring through the next generation at KPMG. I think it’s important that the younger generation becomes the face of the company moving forward. We have strength in depth here in the East Midlands.”
