BUSINESS advisory giant, Grant Thornton has announced a £4 million recruitment drive at its Belfast office in response to growing demand, partly fuelled by Brexit.
As part of an "exciting and continued period of growth" the company, one of the world’s leading assurance, tax and advisory firms, is establishing new consultancy activities in the city, creating 48 jobs
The new roles will offer salaries above the private sector median and are a response to increased demand, according to Richard Gillan, managing partner of Grant Thornton in Northern Ireland.
“Over the last four years, we have more than trebled our turnover. More recently, we have witnessed a significant uplift in the provision of holistic strategic consulting advice, including in relation to Brexit," he said.
“These new jobs represent a substantial investment in response to such demand. Specifically we are recruiting change management experts, IT consultants, economic advisers and cyber specialists."
“Our recent move to new offices on Donegall Square West in the centre of Belfast is reflective of our ambition and, given the calibre of our people, I anticipate continued rapid growth in the years to come," Mr Gillan added.
Invest NI has offered the company £240,000 of support towards the new roles and executive director of regional business, Des Gartland said the investment from Grant Thornton is a major boost for the local economy.
“This was a mobile project with high-value jobs that could have been located elsewhere so we are pleased that our support was able to help secure the investment for Northern Ireland," Mr Gartland said.
“The new jobs will not only help to develop the talent pool in Northern Ireland but will provide a substantial addition in annual salaries to the Northern Ireland economy including very attractive roles for managers, directors and graduates.”
Grant Thornton is a member of Grant Thornton International Limited, which operates in over 120 countries. It is the latest advisory firm to expand operations in Belfast in recent times and follows hot on the heels of PA Consulting's decision to locate in the city.
Last month the global innovation and transformation consultancy announced plans to create 400 jobs over the five years as part of a multi-million pound government-backed expansion.
