Consulting growth helps KPMG to boost revenues

The firm, which has between 750 and 800 staff in Leeds, grew northern revenues four per cent to £221m in the year to the end of September, while national revenues grew at the same rate to £1.77bn. However, UK profits fell 13 per cent to £349m.

Chris Hearld, KPMG’s Leeds senior partner, said: “The last year has been one of working harder than ever in challenging conditions and I’m pleased that the considerable efforts and achievements of those based in the Leeds office have contributed to the firm’s growth.

“We’ve invested in the business, regionally and nationally, with particular emphasis on risk consulting and management consulting which is already paying off, given these areas are leading the growth charge.”

KPMG said it retains top spot for major audit work in the region, with a 36 per cent market share.

The firm won clients including Bettys & Taylors Group, Fulcrum and Engage during the year.

It has doubled its public sector practice and said it also has the largest market share in public sector audit after winning the £4.2m Yorkshire & Humber Audit Commission contract.

It is also working with a number of Yorkshire councils on infrastructure projects including the West Yorkshire + Transport Fund.

KPMG said other highlights included advising on a deals such as the stockmarket flotation of WANdisco, the secondary buyout at Symington’s, Arla’s merger with Milk Link, Grontmij’s disposal of Trett and Pets at Home’s acquisition of Ride-Away last week.

Nationally, risk consulting and management consulting revenues increased by 11 and 12 per cent, respectively. But tax revenues dipped three per cent.

Mr Hearld said: “There are signs that market conditions are improving slowly, and the first few months of our new financial year have been encouraging.

“So it stands to reason that we will continue to invest for the future, endeavouring to support the prosperity of our exciting client portfolio and the wider city region in which we live and work. To give a tangible example, much of the building of our new Leeds office development will take place in 2013.”

KPMG is to be anchor tenant of the Sovereign Square development. Its £30m new building will comprise 61,000 sq ft of grade-A office space and offer 20 per cent more space than its existing HQ.