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Audit and assurance
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Consulting
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Cyber
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Deals
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Environmental, social and governance (ESG)
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Financial services advisory
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Forensics and investigations
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Government and public sector
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Insolvency and global asset recovery
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International
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Restructuring
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Risk
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Tax
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Outsourced accounting services
Every business is different, the challenges they face vary but all need bespoke solutions. Businesses also share common ground when it comes to striving for reducing costs and improving efficiencies.
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Royalty and intellectual property audit
Intellectual property (IP) is valuable and one of the challenges for you as an IP owner, whether in film, TV, book publishing or consumer products, is ensuring that you are receiving all royalties due to you.
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Pensions
Assurance and financial reporting is key, and reporting with independent opinion gives confidence to trustees to support their governance processes.
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Healthcare assurance
Our healthcare assurance team supports local and national NHS bodies improve the quality of their clinical data and cost information to accurately reflect the care delivered
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Contract assurance
We know how complex accounting for large contracts can be. The services sector relies on successful deals and risks being isolated and understood.
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Brexit and political risk advisory
We can help you navigate political volatility.
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Business consulting
Challenges are specific and solutions do not translate perfectly from one business to another, which is why you told us you want a fully customised approach to professional services.
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Corporate simplification
Having too many companies in your group structure can be expensive, and the changing financial reporting and regulatory landscape can lead to additional compliance work.
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Economic consulting
Bespoke guidance grounded in complex economic theory and practical sector insight to help you make the right decisions.
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Governance advisory
Helping you future proof your governance and decision-making structures
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International services
To ensure the continuity of service you expect, our International Business Centres (IBC), led by our experts from around the world, work together to coordinate and provide global delivery.
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People advisory
Create value by attracting, retaining and developing an agile and resilient workforce for continued business success.
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Strategy
Our Strategy and Modelling capabilities are focused on helping management teams make better, more rigorous and quantified business decisions
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Respond: Data breach, incident response and computer forensics
Are you prepared for a cyber failure? We can help you avoid data breaches and offer support if the worst happens.
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Comply: Cyber security regulation and compliance
Cyber security regulation and compliance is constantly evolving. Our team can support you through the digital landscape.
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Protect: Cyber security strategy, testing and risk assessment
Cyber security threats are constantly evolving. We’ll work with you to develop and test robust people, process and technology defences to protect your data and information assets.
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Corporate finance
We combine award-winning technical expertise with the intuition, insight and confidence gained from our extensive sector experience and a deeper understanding of our clients.
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Debt advisory
Working with borrowers and private equity financial sponsors on raising and refinancing debt. We can help you find the right lender and type of debt products.
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Financial accounting advisory services (FAAS)
Our FAAS team can support your finance function with the flexible resource they need to get results.
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Financial modelling
Models are at the heart of all business decisions. Whether you're looking to raise finance, buy or sell a business, assess strategic options, or just plan for the future, you're going to need a forecast. This is likely to come from a financial model.
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Operational deal services
Most transactions fail to achieve their goals. There are many reasons for failure.
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Our credentials
Search our transactions to see our experience in your sector and explore the deals advisory services we've delivered.
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Restructuring
Protect and realise value throughout times of uncertainty, stress and distress
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Transaction advisory services
Whether buying or selling, we help you get the deal done with our comprehensive range of transaction advisory services.
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Valuations
The Valuations team has wide experience in valuations of private companies. We serve enterprises of all types and sizes, covering a wide range of industries
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The ESG agenda
Shape your ESG agenda by identifying the right metrics, sustainable development and potential business value impact.
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ESG driven business transition
Whatever your ESG strategy, we can support your organisation as it evolves while maximising efficiency and profitability.
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ESG programme and change management
Do you have the right capabilities to drive the delivery of your ESG strategy to realise your targets?
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ESG risk management
You must protect, comply, understand and influence to successfully manage the risk involved with ESG issues. We can help.
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ESG strategy, risk and opportunity identification
We can help you clearly define your ESG Strategy, with the risks and opportunities identified and managed.
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Create value through effective ESG communication
Building trust and engagement with your stakeholders on your ESG strategy.
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ESG metrics, targets and disclosures
The pressure to report your ESG progress is growing. Do your targets measure up?
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ESG governance, leadership and culture framework
Make the most of ESG opportunities by effectively embedding your strategy across your organisation.
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ESG and non-financial assurance
Support your board to be confident in supplying robust information that withstands scrutiny.
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Actuarial and risk
Grant Thornton's Actuarial and Risk team provides market leading actuarial and risk management advice to clients in the financial services sector and further afield. We consult extensively to the life insurance, general insurance, health insurance and pensions sectors as well as providing financial modelling and financial instrument valuation services more widely.
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Business consulting
The Financial Services Business Consulting (FSBC) practice is able to harness the skills, knowledge and experience within the Financial Services Group, to provide a full suite of services across the delivery lifecycle, from strategic advisory to assurance. FSBC provides market-leading consulting and advisory services to the banking sector.
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Business risk services
Our market-driven expertise helps firms keep growing and manage risk in an evolving regulatory landscape.
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Financial crime
Helping you fight financial crime in a constantly changing environment
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Financial services tax
In the Financial Services tax team, we provide tax advice to businesses from all over the world. We combine technical expertise with a commercial approach based on experience and deep industry understanding.
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Insurance audit, assurance and advisory
Today’s financial services environment is the subject of increasingly rigorous governance, accounting and regulatory requirements. In the light of this, we provide a truly robust and independent service to undertake external audits with a defined, industry-specific audit approach that is specifically tailored to the relevant sector.
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Leasing and consumer finance
We are a unique team in the accountancy profession and combine vast industry, product, and asset knowledge with a core service offering which adds real value to our clients.
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Litigation support
Our in-depth understanding of the industry, and our sensitivity to conflicts make us the ideal choice for law firms and lawyers looking for unrivalled levels of service. We provide a wide range of litigation support and investigation services to the financial services industry.
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Regulatory and compliance
Regulatory and compliance - We provide an exceptional level of regulatory and compliance support to both retail and wholesale organisations across the financial services industry.
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Risk and capital management
We help businesses determine which capital risk management approach fits them best, ensuring that compliance is a natural by-product and not the primary driver. While the regulatory dimensions of capital risk management are growing at an unprecedented pace, it is our understanding of the links between risk, capital and performance that benefits our clients.
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Transactions and restructuring
We carry out a wide range of transaction support services, including due diligence and business reviews to support acquisitions, lending transactions, acting as reporting accountants for financial businesses seeking a listing or trading on the capital markets.
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Computer forensics
Computer forensics - We can report on metadata and provenance, internet activity, external connections and copying, destruction of evidence, smart devices, and we can conduct detailed forensic searches.
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Corporate intelligence
Corporate intelligence often involves cross-border complexities. Our experienced team can offer support.
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Cyber advisory
Our cyber team helps you to identify and guard against potential cyber risks to your organisation and mitigate against data leaks and hacks
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Disputes advisory
Our team advises on quantum and other accounting or financial issues in commercial disputes, including acting as expert witness in litigation and arbitration.
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Financial crime
Helping you fight financial crime in a constantly changing environment
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Financial services investigations
We are market leaders in conducting and supporting investigations within the financial services industry
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Forensic data analytics
Our forensic data analytics team are helping businesses sift the truth from their data. See how we can help your firm.
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International arbitration
International arbitration has become the principal dispute resolution method for the determination of complex international commercial disputes.
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Matrimonial services
We provide a distinctive, high-quality and personalised service to family lawyers and individuals across the UK both pre and post-marriage.
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Monitoring trustee and competition services
Monitoring trustee and competition services - We provide independent Monitoring Trustee services to competition, financial, security and other regulatory bodies.
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Forensic investigations and special situations
Do you need clarity in an uncertain situation? If you're accused of wrongdoing we can help you get the facts right.
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Public sector advisory
To deliver excellent public services, local and central government need specialist support.
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Public sector consulting
Helping public sector organisations maintain oversight of services and understand what's happening on the ground.
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Public sector audit and assurance
As a leading UK auditor, we have unparalleled insights into the risks, challenges and opportunities that you face.
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Public sector governance and risk
Although arguably necessary to bring order to public financing, the impact of the accelerated public sector funding cuts represents an unprecedented scale of funding reduction. While the sector has so far risen to the challenge, enduring service and financial pressures create risks and opportunities and have particular implications for governance, risk management and internal control.
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Cryptoasset recovery
Get guidance and technical expertise on digital finance and cryptoasset recovery from our dedicated crypto hub.
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Grant Thornton Offshore
Grant Thornton Offshore is our one-stop global solution for insolvency, asset recovery, restructuring and forensics services.
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Contentious estates and family disputes
Managing complex, high net worth and sensitive issues such as divorce to resolution
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Corporate intelligence
When you're embarking on recovery proceedings, you have just a small window of opportunity to take meaningful action.
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Litigation support
Our in-depth understanding of the industry, and our sensitivity to conflicts make us the ideal choice for law firms and lawyers looking for unrivalled levels of service. We provide a wide range of litigation support and investigation services to the financial services industry.
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Personal insolvency
We are a leading provider of personal insolvency services, delivering practical solutions in a sensitive manner, maximising recoveries for creditors or by helping individuals seeking for appropriate debt relief solutions.
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Expand into new markets
Broadening your business horizons.
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Finding the right international contacts
Introducing you to the people with the experience you need to succeed.
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Getting more out of your existing international operations
How to stay in touch with, and make the most of changing markets.
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Setting up in the UK
Practical advice and expert input for anyone moving into UK markets.
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Contingency planning and administrations
In times of financial difficulty, it is vital that directors explore all the options that are available to them, including having a robust ‘Plan B’.
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Corporate restructuring
Corporate restructuring can be a difficult time. Let our team make the process simple and as stress-free as possible.
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Creditor advisory
We act as financial adviser to mainstream lenders, credit funds, special situation funds, security trustees and surety providers.
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Debt advisory
Our debt advisory team can find the right lender to help you in restructuring. Find out how our experts can support you.
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Financial services restructuring and insolvency
Financial services restructuring and insolvency is a competitive marketplace. Our team can help you navigate this space.
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Pensions advisory services
DB pension-schemes need a balanced approach that manages risk for trustees and sponsors in an uncertain economy.
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Restructuring and insolvency tax
Tax will often be crucial in a plan to restructure a distressed business. Our team can guide you through the process.
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Compliance assurance
Since the financial crisis of 2008 the governance and conduct of financial services firms has been under increasing scrutiny.
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Data analytics
Deeper insight through data analysis is becoming commonplace, increasing the value, commercial challenge and calibre of insight delivered to the business.
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Enterprise risk management
Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) has been around for a long time, but many organisations have struggled to understand it or genuinely embrace it.
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Finance and risk management services
Our clients continue to prepare for and implement a range of new regulatory requirements, whilst having to navigate the uncertain macro-economic environment and structural change affecting the industry.
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Internal audit services
Recent high profile control failures and increased regulatory demands require organisations to gain independent and objective assurance over the effectiveness of internal controls and risk mitigation.
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People, culture and organisation
Whilst it is recognised that culture is a key enabler of strategy, the Chartered Institute of Internal Auditors has placed greater focus on the importance of organisations’ culture.
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Projects, capital programmes and transformation
Delivering significant medium and long term shifts in strategic direction, competiveness or performance often requires effective delivery of significant and complex projects and transformation programmes.
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Technology risk services
Technology has been a key driver for success and operational efficiency in all industries.
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Third party and contract assurance
Delivery of critical business activities, both business as usual and projects, increasingly means working with external partners for goods and services.
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Capital allowances (tax depreciation)
Advisory and tools to help you realise opportunities in capital allowances.
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Corporate and international tax
Accurate returns, managing risk & maximising opportunity.
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Employer solutions
It's a well-known fact that, in business, people are your greatest asset.
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Indirect tax
In recent years, there has been a domestic and global trend of Governments shifting emphasis from direct to indirect taxation. Globally, while corporation tax rates have generally decreased, VAT rates have risen.
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Our approach to tax
The Finance Act 2016 introduced the requirement for businesses like ours to publicise their tax strategies by the end of the 2018 financial year. We fully support such initiatives and believe that firms sharing their approach to tax can promote widespread transparency, build trust and benefit society as a whole.
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Private
You'll know just how important it is to maximise and protect your personal wealth.
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Real estate tax
The impact of the prolonged downturn continues to be felt in certain parts of the world but pockets of opportunity and optimism have emerged within the real estate. The UK real estate investment market has enjoyed high levels of capital inflow from a wide range of different investors groups and continues to be attractive.
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Research and development tax incentives
We can help you prepare optimised and robust research and development tax claims.
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Tax dispute resolution
We make it simple to stay compliant and avoid HMRC tax disputes
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Tax risk management
We can help you manage your tax risk.
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Transaction and restructuring tax
Undertaking a transaction, such as fundraising, refinancing, acquiring or disposing of a business or assets, or a more fundamental restructuring is an important step. Businesses, lenders and stakeholders need to understand the impact of that transaction.
- Automotive
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Business services
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Consumer markets
- Energy, energy transition, and environment
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Financial services
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Government and public sector
- Industrials and manufacturing
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Not for profit
- Private sector healthcare
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Real estate and construction
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Technology, media and telecommunications (TMT)
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Skills and training
Get the right support to deliver corporate and vocational training that leads the way in an expanding market.
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Private education
Insight and guidance for all businesses in the private education sector: from early years to higher education and edtech.
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Facilities management and property services
Get insight and strategic support to take opportunities that protect resilience and drive UK and international growth.
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Recruitment
Helping recruitment companies take opportunities to achieve their goals in a market where talent and skills are key.
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Food and beverage (F&B)
We can help you find the right ingredients for growth in your food and beverage business.
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Travel, tourism and leisure
Tap into our range of support for travel, tourism and leisure businesses in this period of challenge and change.
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Retail, e-commerce and consumer products
With multiple challenges and opportunities in the fast-evolving retail sector, make sure you are ready for them.
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Banking
Our expertise and insight can help you respond positively to long term and emerging issues in the banking sector.
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Capital markets
2020 is a demanding year for capital markets. Working with you, we're architecting the future of the sector.
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Insurance
Our experienced expert team brings you technical expertise and insight to guide you through insurance sector challenges.
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Investment management
Embracing innovation and shaping business models for long-term success.
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Pensions
Pension provision is an essential issue for employers, and the role of the trustee is becoming increasingly challenging.
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Central and devolved government
Helping central and devolved governments deliver change to improve our communities and grow our economies.
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Infrastructure and transport
Delivering a successful transport or infrastructure project will require you to balance an often complex set of strategic issues.
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Local government
Helping local government leverage technical and strategic expertise deliver their agendas and improve public services.
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Regeneration development and housing
We provide commercial and strategic advice to assist your decision making in pursuing your objectives.
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Transforming health and social care
Sharing insight and knowledge to deliver transformation and improvement to health and social care services.
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Charities
Supporting you to achieve positive change in the UK charity sector.
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Education and skills
The education sector has rarely faced more risk or more opportunity to transform. You need to plan for the future.
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Social housing
We are committed to helping change social housing for the better, and can help you make the most of every opportunity.
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Technology
We work with dynamic technology companies of all sizes to help them succeed and grow internationally.
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Telecommunications
Take all opportunities to realise your goals in telecommunications: from business refresh to international expansion.
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Media
Media companies must stay agile to thrive in today’s highly competitive market – we’re here to support your ambitions.
Webinar: virtual roundtable on PFI expiry
In January 2021, we hosted a virtual roundtable event supported by the National Audit Office (NAO) to discuss the large number of PFI expiries that will happen in the next 5-10 years. To strengthen the value of the event, our own experts were joined by speakers from the NAO, PFI operators and funders with experience in this area.
The attendees included stakeholders in local and central government, including justice and health, as well as some of our own colleagues and clients in audit and advisory whose interests included contract management, commercial, legal and finance.
In this virtual roundtable, supported by the National Audit Office (NAO), we led participants from the public sector, investor and funder communities in a roundtable conversation preparing for PFI expiry.
The participants shared a wide range of views that included some key insights for all PFI stakeholders, including the need for understanding your contract, early preparation as you approach expiry, and the importance of focusing on the needs of service-users.
You can find out more about what everyone had to say and learn more about driving the best outcomes from your PFI in our report on the roundtable.
PFI expiry: questions for the future
We kicked off this virtual roundtable with an introduction from the NAO, who introduced the principle themes of their recent report: ‘Managing PFI assets and services as contracts end’. These themes formed the basis of our conversation:
• Understanding the contract
• Knowing the asset
• Skills and capabilities
• Tools and relationships
The questions arising from these themes led to an enthusiastic and insightful conversation about delivering improved experiences and better outcomes for stakeholders preparing for PFI expiry.
Value for money from contractors
It was no surprise that our stakeholders had a lot to say about getting more value for money from the contractors delivering the PFI.
One local authority noted that simply instructing an experienced solicitor to challenge the contractors improved their outcomes. Others pointed out the importance of collaborating with them to avoid incurring expensive legal fees for extending a contract. It was agreed that the one problem in this area was the loss of corporate memory when key people moved on to other opportunities. This problem was worse for smaller councils who accumulated less knowledge because they managed fewer PFIs and sometimes relied on external consultants.
It was generally observed that a contract that succeeds in one instance might not work well elsewhere, so knowledge sharing is invaluable, especially for smaller stakeholders who can benefit from the experience of larger investors managing many more PFIs.
Of course, the most important thing is to start with a sensible approach to the length of the lifecycle and the size of the lifecycle pot. Participants agreed that better options for the treatment of the lifecycle pot do need to be looked at. It was also mentioned that lenders have a role to play in policing the lifecycle, many of who are looking to become more involved.
Periodic events where all parties can collaborate would be a useful practice for ensuring good stakeholder management.
Preparing for PFI expiry and handback
Consensus also emerged on what stakeholders need to be aware of as they prepare to hand back their PFI after it expires.
It was important for all stakeholders in a PFI to be aware of changing requirements for assets in the sector, from schools to waste management and recycling facilities, so that operations can be adapted in the interests of end service users. Collaborative behaviour can be encouraged by adherence to the Treasury Code of Conduct, but resourcing needs to include time for regular interaction between stakeholders.
Procurement competitions need to be run well in advance of expiry, although this can be challenging as it depends on access to data from current contracts to shape future requirements. Again, collaboration and transparency are key, explaining the reasons for the data requests, including the importance of times for completion of post-expiry arrangements.
What does success look like?
After all this, the vital question for service posts at the point of PFI expiry is 'what does success look like?' Stakeholders need to know what type of arrangement is suitable for them.
A well-prepared business case is obviously a necessity, and it is worthwhile considering HM Treasury's better business case approach, which includes associated training. The World Bank Group and others also offer training from certified PPP professionals to build capability.
Early development of the business case allows all stakeholders to participate in conversations on arrangements and costs. Participants agreed that there is an opportunity to do something different to drive savings but recognised that outcomes might be limited.
Another priority for stakeholders is energy efficiency, in recognition of the fact that the UK government has declared 2050 as its target for Net Zero, and most local authorities are aiming to reach it by 2030. Achieving this would be a win-win opportunity for PFIs and also demonstrate how public bodies can work collaboratively with the private sector.
Everyone agreed on the importance of getting all parties round the table to facilitate open dialogue on direction and strategy.
Preparing for success after PFI expiry
After some in-depth conversations, this engaging and productive roundtable ended with agreement on the key themes and messages to take forward.
Everyone agreed that early preparation for PFI expiry is critical because success relies upon transparent relationships and access to information to make informed decisions. The NAO reflects the Infrastructure and Project Authority’s recommendation that preparations commence 7 years before expiry. It was also accepted that because requirements are very different from 25 years ago, PFIs need to be flexible when amending contracts. Waste PFI contracts were highlighted as an area where this has been an issue because of increased recycling rates.
In the future, the delivery of assets and services may be better supported through more flexibility and different terms, including the ability to take advantage of digital innovations.
Finally, participants pointed out the desirability of providing input on PFI Select Committee consultation regarding the delivery of PFI expiry.
We have a well-developed approach to PFI management and delivery, including expiry. Contact Wayne Butcher if you would like to discuss this topic further or have any questions or comments about the PFI expiry roundtable.