Core Insights - Grant Thornton UAE has appointed ten new partners to enhance its senior leadership team, focusing on key service lines such as advisory, audit, digital forensics, financial due diligence, forensics, people, and risk and compliance [1][4]. Partner Appointments - The new partners include Ahmed Afify, Ahmad Chit, Chris Quinn, Hani Zeidan, Haris Saigal, Rajeev Patel, Sameer Abdi, Anand Balasubramanian, Veronica Fox, and Richard Hills, with roles spanning audit, forensics, financial due diligence, risk & compliance advisory, and people management [2][3]. Leadership Development - The leadership expansion was achieved through a mix of internal promotions and external hires, with Ahmed Afify and Haris Saigal being promoted from within the company [3]. Market Context - The expansion of the partnership is in response to increased regulatory complexity, heightened scrutiny, and the growing role of technology in business and transaction models within the UAE [4]. Strategic Importance - The UAE is highlighted as a crucial market for Grant Thornton, contributing significantly to its global platform of 24,000 professionals, and reflecting the strength of its leadership and local insights [5][6].

Core Viewpoint - Forvis Mazars has appointed James Abbott as audit partner for its Industry & Services team in Manchester, UK, to enhance audit quality and expand the company's reach in priority sectors [1][4]. Group 1: Appointment and Responsibilities - James Abbott has 15 years of experience in audit, working with clients across various sectors including consultancy, gaming, life sciences, manufacturing, professional services, media, and technology [2]. - Abbott will oversee the growth of the I&S audit team in Manchester, focusing on building a high-quality audit team and delivering exceptional client service [3][5]. Group 2: Company Growth and Strategy - The Manchester office is preparing to relocate to larger premises to accommodate the expansion of the audit team [4]. - Abbott expressed excitement about joining Forvis Mazars during a period of significant momentum in the I&S practice and aims to capture growing market opportunities in the North West [4][5].

Core Insights - HLB has expanded its international network by adding HLB Ethiopia, enhancing its presence in East Africa and supporting organizations in Ethiopia [1][2] - HLB Ethiopia offers a range of services including audit, assurance, tax, and advisory, catering to various sectors [1] - The addition aligns with HLB's strategy to strengthen cooperation with firms in emerging markets and expand its global service reach [2] Company Strategy - HLB Ethiopia's managing partner emphasized the importance of local transformation alongside global reach, focusing on delivering impactful services in Ethiopia's evolving economy [2] - HLB International's chief growth officer highlighted Ethiopia's economic momentum, characterized by a large young workforce and its strategic position as a gateway to regional and global markets [3] - Establishing a local presence through HLB Ethiopia enables HLB to provide essential support for businesses to navigate risks and achieve sustainable growth [3] Network Overview - HLB International operates in 155 countries with a workforce of 51,948 professionals, indicating a robust global presence [3] - The network's name signifies its international scope and the distinct legal entities of its member firms [4]

Core Insights - Steve Tennant has been appointed as CEO for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) at Grant Thornton Advisors, aiming to enhance service delivery and growth across the region [1][3] - The multinational platform of Grant Thornton Advisors has rapidly expanded across the Americas, Europe, and the Middle East, necessitating a new operating structure [2][4] - Tennant's leadership will focus on deepening cross-border capabilities and delivering multi-jurisdictional support to clients [3][5] Company Developments - The Grant Thornton Advisors multinational platform was established in January 2025 and has since expanded through transactions with various professional services firms in France, Spain, and Belgium [4][15] - The platform aims to provide seamless cross-border advisory and tax services, supported by independent audit practices and significant investments in technology and talent [5][8] - Grant Thornton Advisors is backed by an investor group led by New Mountain Capital, which manages approximately $55 billion in assets [6] Leadership and Strategy - Tennant's appointment reflects his proven leadership in innovation and client-centric growth, having previously served as managing partner of Grant Thornton Ireland since January 2024 [3][5] - The new operating structure will allow for a unified multinational platform that enhances collaboration and innovative capabilities across regions [5][8] - The platform is designed to deliver a singular client experience, leveraging a workforce of over 15,000 professionals [8]

Company Overview - Deloitte LLP is planning to cut jobs in its UK business due to a sector-wide slowdown in consulting services [1] - The company is reviewing its internal services teams, with potential job eliminations in marketing and business development roles [1] Financial Performance - Deloitte's revenue for its tech consulting business decreased by 10% to £1.67 billion in 2025, attributed to clients reducing spending [6] - Overall revenue fell by 1% to £5.68 billion, down from £5.75 billion the previous year [6] - The audit and assurance business grew by 3% to £969 million, while the tax and legal unit increased by 7% to £1.34 billion [6] - The strategy, risk, and transactions business also saw a 3% increase to £901 million [6] Compensation and Employment Changes - Deloitte partners in the UK and Switzerland received an average pay raise of 4% for the financial year ending May 31, with pay rising to approximately £1.05 million from £1.01 million [2] - In contrast, rival PricewaterhouseCoopers maintained its UK partners' pay at an average of £865,000 [2] Industry Context - The consulting industry is facing a decline in demand for traditional services, exacerbated by a decrease in mergers and acquisitions and government spending cuts in the US [3] - Other firms in the industry, such as Accenture Plc and McKinsey & Co., have also reduced headcounts in response to the challenging market conditions [3] Strategic Response - Deloitte may eliminate some roles but is also considering creating new positions and relocating at-risk staff where feasible [4] - The firm underwent a major reorganization in 2024, reducing its business units from five to four [4] - Deloitte's UK senior partner noted that geopolitical and economic challenges have led clients to delay investments [4][5] - The company aims to continue transforming its operations through technology adoption and enhanced collaboration with other Deloitte member firms [5]