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Big Four accountancy firm, EY, has announced it will more than double its headcount in Greater Manchester, creating over 1,200 new jobs in the city centre.
EY is set to bring the number of colleagues based at its Manchester office from 800 to 2,000, expanding its UK consulting business through technology, transformation, and strategy focussed roles. EY’s expansion adds to the number of major organisations investing in the city-region to recruit tech staff, joining the likes of Amazon and GCHQ who also boast hubs in the city-region.
Stephen Church, EY Manchester Office Managing Partner and North Markets Leader cited the city-region’s burgeoning reputation as an international tech hub in explaining the decision:
“When it comes to recruiting tech talent, Manchester is a very attractive location to expand our UK Consulting practice. I’m delighted that we have secured further investment to expand our business in the city, serving such a vibrant market that is recognised as the fastest growing digital and tech hub in Europe.”
The new roles being created reflect a growing demand in Greater Manchester and the wider North to drive large scale strategic transformations enabled by technology, data, and people, as they respond to the impact of the pandemic, operating in a post Brexit world, geopolitical tensions, and the race to net zero. Church continued:
“As well as focussing on fuelling our own growth plans, we recognise the role we play in training future business leaders, who will no doubt need enhanced transformation and technology skills throughout their career, to help their businesses keep pace with change, which in turn will help them make an even greater impact in the local market.”
Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said:
“We welcome EY’s plans to expand its presence in Manchester, a decision which reflects the strength of our city-region’s economy.
“Greater Manchester is Europe’s fastest-growing digital and tech hub and we’re home to the country’s largest financial and professional services industry outside of London.
“Large, global companies like EY understand that our city-region offers access to talent and a supportive environment, while providing their employees with a fantastic quality of life.
“This investment will deliver jobs, skills, and opportunities that will benefit people across Greater Manchester.”
In addition, EY Manchester will be the next UK location for a Wavespace centre, demonstrating further regional commitment to client technology and innovation investment. EY Wavespace Manchester will be part of the firm’s global network of growth and innovation centres that help organisations undergoing significant change to address key business challenges.