Grant Thornton launches Midlands team to support entrepreneurs and SMEs
Business and financial advisory firm Grant Thornton has launched a new team to support entrepreneurs and SMEs across the UK.
For the Midlands, director Alex Butterfield will be responsible for leading the entrepreneurial and SME services team from Grant Thornton’s Leicester office. He will work with tax director Graham Howard, to bring a joined-up service to SMEs and businesses in the region.
Entrepreneurs and fast-growth businesses will have regular meetings with a local Partner to understand their strategic challenges. This support covers a wide range of areas, such as attracting and retaining talent, leveraging automation and AI, expanding internationally, ensuring global regulatory compliance and working with shareholders to understand and achieve a tax-efficient exit, be it a sale or listing.
The national team will be jointly led by Partners Tim Taylor and Gareth Hitchmough. They will work alongside Lynne Bicket, Mike Delf and Rob Thomson, supported by a large team throughout the UK.
Alex Butterfield, director of entrepreneurial and SME services lead at Grant Thornton in the Midlands said: “In an era of rapid economic transformation, businesses need more than traditional advisory services – they need a strategic partner who understands their unique challenges and can provide tailored, forward-thinking solutions.
“Our Entrepreneurial and SME Services team is committed to being that partner, helping businesses in the Midlands not just navigate complexity, but truly unlock their potential for sustainable growth and innovation.”
Matt Buckingham, Partner and Midlands practice leader at Grant Thornton said: “The launch of our Entrepreneurial and SME Services team in the Midlands represents a strategic commitment to supporting the region’s dynamic business landscape. By combining local expertise with our firm’s extensive national and international resources, we’re positioned to provide unparalleled support to entrepreneurs and growing businesses, helping them navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and achieve their strategic ambitions.”
Rob Thomson, tax lead for entrepreneurial and SME Services adds: “We’ve created a truly holistic approach to supporting entrepreneurs and SMEs that transcends traditional advisory relationships. By integrating deep tax expertise with strategic business guidance, we address both immediate challenges and long-term aspirations in a seamless way.
“The tax landscape for growing businesses is increasingly complex – from maximising R&D claims to structuring for international expansion or preparing for exit – and our team provides clarity and strategic direction that turns these complexities into competitive advantages. This allows entrepreneurs to remain laser-focused on innovation and market opportunities while we handle the intricate details that can make or break their long-term success.”
