PwC shows its backing for the middle market

Despite the general slow recovery, PwC’s head of private business in Yorkshire Arif Ahmad said there will be individual success stories that buck the trend with strong growth over the next year.

“There will be some hot spots, certain individual companies,” he predicted.

He was speaking as the deadline for the Yorkshire Post Excellence in Business Awards was extended until Friday evening.

The Big Four accountancy firm is sponsoring best company in the £10m to £50m turnover category.

Mr Ahmad said PwC is delighted to demonstrate its commitment to the middle market by sponsoring this category.

“Locally, many of our clients are in the small to medium-sized sector, the entrepreneurs and private companies market is a key focus for us,” said Mr Ahmad.

Last year, PwC said it took the opportunity to meet the short-listed companies in its category: Cranswick Pet Products, Rixonway Kitchens and overall winner Rosemont Pharmaceuticals.

Mr Ahmad said the PwC team is looking forward to meeting many more mid-sized companies this year as part of the selection process.

“That’s where the Excellence in Business Awards is really good. They look across the board at businesses, looking for great management teams, great products or service and customer focus. The three shortlisted last year were all great businesses.

“Recognising regional excellence is vital, allowing the very best companies in the region to showcase their skills and commitment to it.

“These awards will share what is great about business in our region,” he added.

Mr Ahmad believes that to be successful in business, companies in this region also need to be competitive.

“If you want to do business with many of Britain’s biggest companies or start your own business, Yorkshire is the place to be,” he said.

“Businesses have to be really flexible. It’s companies that have tried to be different that have succeeded,” he said. Mr Ahmad believes the region’s strength comes from its straight-talking, honest and hard-working business people, who he describes as Yorkshire’s most important asset.

“There is something about the phrase ‘Northern’ grit that says the region is renowned for determination, tenacity and the willingness to try harder to succeed and go the extra mile,” he said.

“Yorkshire business folk tell it like it is. They’re not afraid of making tough decisions,” he added.

PwC said it is in the fortunate position to have worked with some excellent companies in the region, having advised many small to medium-sized businesses in Yorkshire since it opened here in 1928.

“PwC’s own brand and ethos is founded on quality and excellence on behalf of our clients. For us, quality is one of those all-or-nothing things that are really tangible. You really need to live and breathe it,” said Mr Ahmad

“We encourage local companies to enter and pitch themselves against their competitors to showcase their own approach to excelling for the benefit of their customers, people and society.”

PwC said it is committed to the regional market and is based in the region for the region.

The accountancy firm said that working with entrepreneurs and private companies is a key focus.

“The majority of our clients are middle market firms with turnovers between £10m to £50m,” said Mr Ahmad.

“The common perception of PwC is we only work with the big companies, but the £10m to £50m category is our sweet spot. It’s where the majority of our business comes from.

“Our revenues from privately owned companies exceeds listed ones.

“This is a space we’re passionate about,” he added.