Leading business and financial adviser Grant Thornton UK LLP has appointed Lauren Carlyle as its new Practice Lead for South West England and Wales.
Lauren is responsible for leading and growing Grant Thornton’s regional team of almost 300 people based across the firm’s Bristol and Cardiff offices.
Jonathan Riley, Grant Thornton’s previous practice leader in South West England and Wales, rotated out of the role at the end of 2023 to consider new challenges.
As Practice Lead, Lauren is responsible for developing the teams across Bristol and Cardiff to ensure that they have the people and talent required to support the region’s businesses. Building on Grant Thornton’s inclusive and supportive culture will be central to this, as will coordinating the local partner team and growing the firm’s collaborative relationships with local business leaders.
A partner and pensions specialist at Grant Thornton, Lauren brings extensive experience to the role. Based in Cardiff, she has provided audit and assurance services for more than 20 years, supporting clients to overcome key challenges in an everchanging regulatory and economic landscape. She is a member of the Pensions Management Institute (PMI) committee in Bristol.
Lauren Carlyle, Practice Lead for Grant Thornton UK LLP in South West England and Wales, said: “The expert, multidisciplinary teams in our Bristol and Cardiff offices are testament to the supportive culture at Grant Thornton as well as the area’s creative and ambitious businesses, which are always looking for new ways to grow and innovate. I’m incredibly proud to be working with these teams and helping them further develop to meet the needs of a complex and changing economy.
“The value of investing in our people was showcased last year, when we welcomed 28 new joiners to our Bristol and Cardiff offices as part of the firm’s largest ever national intake of graduates and school leavers. In addition, Grant Thornton has been independently recognised as an outstanding employer for women, working families, social mobility and LGBTQIA+.
“There are many headwinds and uncertainties for the region’s businesses still to face, ranging from high inflation to low productivity levels, supply chain issues and more. However, the dynamic nature of South West England and Wales means there are a lot of exciting and entrepreneurial companies generating a lot of interest. With the right advice and information to help them navigate the road ahead, there’s no end to the potential for the region’s business landscape.”
