Financial News

It’s always good to have someone solid and reliable at your back – that’s why national audit, tax, advisory and risk firm Crowe are getting behind Jamie Pardington, a first team goalkeeper at Cheltenham Town FC this season.

The 23 year old signed this summer for The Robins and is currently on loan at Truro City.

He is being sponsored by the Cheltenham office of Crowe, a safe pair of hands in providing financial, tax and advisory services to businesses and individuals across Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds.

Jonathan Dudley, managing partner for Midlands and South West, Crowe UK, said: “We are of the firm belief that local businesses, including football clubs like Cheltenham Town are an important part of the community, so we are always looking to strengthen our links locally.

“Like any goalkeeper, we help Cheltenham businesses expertly balance both risk and reward to achieve the best outcome as team so our clients can prosper. This why we are delighted to be sponsoring the up and coming Robin Jamie Pardington and wish him all the best for the season.”

The backing of Crowe has been welcomed by the club.

Luke Saunders, commercial marketing manager, said: “Over the last few years Crowe have shown their support for Cheltenham Town in a number of ways through various means of sponsorship, the latest of which is now becoming the home shirt sponsor of goalkeeper Jamie Pardington, who signed for the club this summer.

“We are grateful to them for their continued backing of the Robins for the 2023/24 season.”The 6’5” keeper has gained experience with Wolverhampton Wanderers, Bath City, Stratford Town, Dulwich Hamlet, Mansfield Town, Grimsby Town and Larne before signing for Cheltenham Town FC this summer.

Crowe UK’s trusted seasoned professionals are always available to help:

• Business Solutions | Crowe UK
• Private Clients | Crowe UK
• Crowe Financial Planning (UK) Limited | Crowe Financial Planning UK Limited
• Crowe – Your Life Builder (crowelifebuilder.co.uk)

Ends 

Contacts:

• Jennifer Spencer Charles, Senior Communications Manager, +44 (0)20 7842 5273, Jennifer.Spencer-Charles@crowe.co.uk

Notes to Editors:

About us
Crowe is a national audit, tax, advisory and risk firm offering global reach and local expertise. We are an independent member of Crowe Global, one of the top 10 accounting networks in the world. With exceptional knowledge of the business environment, our professionals share one commitment, to deliver excellence.

We are trusted by thousands of clients for our specialist advice, our ability to make smart decisions and our readiness to provide lasting value. Our broad technical expertise and deep market knowledge means we are well placed to offer insight and pragmatic advice to all the organisations and individuals with whom we work. Close working relationships are at the heart of our effective service delivery.

For more information, visit: www.crowe.co.uk

• Follow Crowe UK on LinkedIn
• Follow Crowe UK on Twitter @CroweUK

Crowe industry recognition

• UK Member of one of the top 10 accounting networks in the world (International Accounting Bulletin World Survey 2022)
• Top charity auditor for 14 consecutive years (Charity Financials Auditor Benchmarking and Charity Finance Audit Survey, 2009 – 2022)

• Awarded Silver in the 2022 Citywealth Brand Management and Reputation awards – Best Overall Marketing Campaign category for Your Life Builder
• Awarded Silver in the 2022 Citywealth Magic Circle awards

• Ranked 5^th in the AIM auditors ranking by number of audits (AIM Advisers Rankings Guide, January 2022)
• 9^th largest audit firm in the UK (UK fee income of audit firms that audit PIEs – by fee income on audit, FRC Key Facts and Trends in the Accountancy Profession, Figure 33, July 2021)
• Risk Consultancy of the Year 2022 for the third consecutive year (InsuranceERM)

Audit, tax, advisory and risk firm Crowe has appointed Dan Town to partner in the firm’s audit practice.

Dan Town, who is based in Crowe’s Midlands office in Oldbury, has more than 22 years’ experience providing audit, risk and accountancy support to businesses of all sizes from owner-managed businesses, large corporates, international groups and AIM listed entities.

He has a wealth of experience, working with clients across a wide variety of sectors such as manufacturing, real estate, contracting, retail and sport, advising clients on accounting, technical matters, and group reorganisations. His area of focus at Crowe is providing audit and advisory services to the corporate market, both public and privately owned, ensuring they meet their audit compliance requirements and advising on changes in reporting requirements while delivering a quality-led and insightful audit.

Crowe is pleased to welcome Dan to the partnership at a time where there continues to be changes to the regulatory and accounting environment, which businesses particularly need to monitor. The proposals set out in FRED 82 for example, will see several changes for those preparing financial statements under UK GAAP. Dan’s expertise will be fundamental for businesses to understand how they might be impacted and can remain compliant.

Dan Town, audit partner, said: “I am delighted to join the partnership team at Crowe and look forward to working alongside talented colleagues across the country.

“Crowe has continued to grow in key markets such as its number of AIM listed clients and I look forward to contributing to that growth in my new role, as well as developing my focus on property and real estate across the Midlands and Southwest region.”

Johnathan Dudley, Managing Partner of the Midlands office, said: “Dan has been a fantastic asset to the team throughout his time here at Crowe and I am so pleased to welcome him to the partnership.

“With his depth of experience and sector knowledge, Dan’s expertise will be essential in continuing to support our clients through upcoming changes to the regulatory environment in these turbulent economic times. Congratulations Dan.”

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The Outlook for Manufacturing in the UK will be revealed when national audit, tax, advisory and risk firm Crowe unveils its annual report on Tuesday 19 September.Crowe’s Head of Manufacturing Johnathan Dudley will be joined by Steve Morley, President of the Confederation of British Metalforming (CBM), to discuss what the future holds for British manufacturers.

Mr Dudley said: “We will reveal the results of our 2023 Outlook for Manufacturing survey and discuss the areas where businesses should focus their efforts to ensure ‘thrival’ during these challenging times.”

Steve Morley and Dudley will be outlining key findings contained in the manufacturing survey and highlighting issues such as importing, exporting, reshoring, energy and supply chains.

They will highlight how businesses can thrive in the current climate.

Morley said: “This event will be of immense value to those in the manufacturing sector who have an interest in or responsibility for business growth and planning.”

The event is being held at the NMC Venue, 47 Birmingham Road, West Bromwich, and runs from 08.00 registration and breakfast, followed by discussion and questions at 08.30 and closes at 09.30. For an invitation to this free event, call Nathan Sanghera on 0121 543 1900, or email nathan.sanghera@crowe.co.uk.

Ends

Contacts:

• Jennifer Spencer Charles, Head of PR and Digital Content, +44 (0)20 7842 5273, Jennifer.Spencer-Charles@crowe.co.uk

About us
Crowe is a national audit, tax, advisory and risk firm offering global reach and local expertise. We are an independent member of Crowe Global, one of the top 10 accounting networks in the world. With exceptional knowledge of the business environment, our professionals share one commitment, to deliver excellence.

We are trusted by thousands of clients for our specialist advice, our ability to make smart decisions and our readiness to provide lasting value. Our broad technical expertise and deep market knowledge means we are well placed to offer insight and pragmatic advice to all the organizations and individuals with whom we work. Close working relationships are at the heart of our effective service delivery.

For more information, visit: www.crowe.co.uk:

• Follow Crowe UK on LinkedIn
• Follow Crowe UK on Twitter @CroweUK

Crowe industry recognition

• UK Member of one of the top 10 accounting networks in the world (International Accounting Bulletin World Survey 2022)
• Top charity auditor for 14 consecutive years (Charity Financials Auditor Benchmarking and Charity Finance Audit Survey, 2009 – 2022)
• Awarded Silver in the 2022 Citywealth Brand Management and Reputation awards – Best Overall Marketing Campaign category for Your Life Builder
• Awarded Silver in the 2022 Citywealth Magic Circle awards
• Ranked 5^th in the AIM auditors ranking by number of audits (AIM Advisers Rankings Guide, January 2022)
• 9^th largest audit firm in the UK (UK fee income of audit firms that audit PIEs – by fee income on audit, FRC Key Facts and Trends in the Accountancy Profession, Figure 33, July 2021)
• Risk Consultancy of the Year 2022 for the fourth consecutive year (InsuranceERM)

Crowe, a leading national audit, tax, advisory and risk firm, is encouraging law firms across the country to participate in its 11th annual Law Firm Benchmarking Survey to help provide an invaluable “health check” of the sector in 2023.

Crowe is surveying law firms on their revenue expectations for this year, as well as gauging business confidence for the second half of 2023 onwards, especially as firms manage the consequences of the ongoing cost-of-living crisis on their bottom line. The benchmarking survey also seeks to understand firms’ approaches to tackling the threat of cyber security and fraud, the rise of technological innovation, as well as assess their environmental, social, and governance policies.

With offices across the UK, including in the Midlands and Cheltenham, Crowe is also encouraging firms to provide commentary on other prominent issues affecting individuals within the law profession, such as policies regarding equality, diversity and inclusion and how firms support changes to home/office work patterns and the mental health of their employees.

Each participating firm will receive a bespoke benchmarking report which analyses the firm’s performance allowing them to see how their organisation is positioned in the market and gives an insight into the successes of other participating firms to see how their firm compares. Crowe’s reports feature scatterplots which can be used as a catalyst for strategic discussions.

The full industry-wide report will be published later this Autumn.

The annual Law Firm Benchmarking Survey seeks the views of managing and senior partners and finance directors. It is quick and easy to complete the survey, click the link find out more: Law Firm Benchmarking 2023 | Crowe UK. The deadline for submissions is Monday 31 July.

Nicky Owen, Partner and Head of Professional Practices, Professional Practices, said: “Our national survey is a unique opportunity for law firms to see how they compare to their competitors in the industry as well as gauge the confidence of the sector over the coming year.

“While it only takes a short amount of time to complete, the unique commentary offered by our Law Firm Benchmarking Survey enables firms to see where they can become more innovative in finding opportunities to support existing client needs as well as attract new business and the next generation of talent to their firm.

“There are only two weeks left to complete the survey, so if you’re a managing or senior partner or finance director, don’t miss this opportunity to share your views.”

End

Contacts:

• Jennifer Spencer Charles, Head of PR and Digital Content, +44 (0)20 7842 5273, Jennifer.Spencer-Charles@crowe.co.uk

About us
Crowe is a national audit, tax, advisory and risk firm offering global reach and local expertise. We are an independent member of Crowe Global, one of the top 10 accounting networks in the world. With exceptional knowledge of the business environment, our professionals share one commitment, to deliver excellence.

We are trusted by thousands of clients for our specialist advice, our ability to make smart decisions and our readiness to provide lasting value. Our broad technical expertise and deep market knowledge means we are well placed to offer insight and pragmatic advice to all the organizations and individuals with whom we work. Close working relationships are at the heart of our effective service delivery.

For more information, visit: www.crowe.co.uk

• Follow Crowe UK on LinkedIn
• Follow Crowe UK on Twitter @CroweUK

Crowe industry recognition

• UK Member of one of the top 10 accounting networks in the world (International Accounting Bulletin World Survey 2022)
• Top charity auditor for 14 consecutive years (Charity Financials Auditor Benchmarking and Charity Finance Audit Survey, 2009 – 2022)
• Awarded Silver in the 2022 Citywealth Brand Management and Reputation awards – Best Overall Marketing Campaign category for Your Life Builder
• Awarded Silver in the 2022 Citywealth Magic Circle awards
• Ranked 5^th in the AIM auditors ranking by number of audits (AIM Advisers Rankings Guide, January 2022)
• 9^th largest audit firm in the UK (UK fee income of audit firms that audit PIEs – by fee income on audit, FRC (Financial Reporting Council) Key Facts and Trends in the Accountancy Profession, Figure 33, July 2021)
• Risk Consultancy of the Year 2022 for the fourth consecutive year (InsuranceERM)

Crowe, a leading national audit, tax, advisory and risk firm, welcomes Sofia Mohamed and Abdalla Abullahi to its Midlands office as part of its new cohort of ten interns to support the UK-wide programme to get 10,000 young black people into paid internships.

The 10,000 Intern Foundation (10kIF), which began as a UK-wide trial in 2020, offers those from underrepresented groups a flying start at building their career.

The 10kIF intern programme gives young black people the opportunity to receive a minimum six-weeks paid employment, helping kickstart their career at Crowe or develop new skills to support their future in a profession in another sector. Each intern at the firm is supported by a dedicated mentor to guide and support their development.

This year’s cohort join colleagues in Crowe’s other regional offices in Kent, Cheltenham, Manchester, Reading and the firm’s London office – meet them in their introductory video here.

The experience could also lead to a full-time position as Crowe employed two successful interns following the firm’s inaugural participation in the programme last year.

Crowe UK joins 700 other participating professional firms, multinational corporations, ambitious startups, and public bodies across finance, technology, advertising and over 25 other sectors in offering opportunities for young black people.

Johnathan Dudley, Head of Manufacturing and managing partner Midlands and South at Crowe UK, said: “Crowe is committed to uncovering talent and creating new horizons for under-represented people, no matter what their background, ethnicity or where they are from; because we want to provide opportunity to all who subscribe to our values.

“We are proud to be partnering with and promoting the 10,000 Interns programme for another year because helping change a societal mindset is a mammoth task and requires positive action from all quarters, to break down unnecessary barriers, for everyone.

“We’re delighted to welcome Sofia and Abdalla to our team as part of this year’s cohort of ten interns across Crowe’s UK business and look forward to helping shape and support their future.”

Nigel Bostock, chief executive of Crowe, said: “At Crowe we care about our people, being inclusive and providing opportunity for all. It was an absolute pleasure to have the chance to meet and spend time them and provide insight on Crowe with a great question and answer session as part of the Intern induction programme.

“I wish them every success during their time with Crowe.”

Crowe’s aim is to create a community where, regardless of gender, identity, sexuality, race, ethnicity, education or background, everyone is valued and has the opportunity to flourish and to achieve their full potential.

The firm aims to foster a culture of respect, where its people support each other and clients, are listened to and can develop their knowledge and awareness of each other’s differences. Crowe encourages celebration and promotion of the diversity within its teams and the benefits that this brings to the firm and to individuals.

Crowe is a place where everyone can bring their whole selves to work.

Ends (514 words) 

Contacts:

• Jennifer Spencer Charles, Senior Communications Manager, +44 (0)20 7842 5273, Jennifer.Sencer-Charles@crowe.co.uk

Notes to Editors:

• 2023 10,000 Black intern programme
• Crowe’s commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion
• Meet Crowe’s new interns
• The names of the interns featured in the attached image:

• • Front, left to right: Ayah Hemmid, Sofia Mohamed, Latanya Simmonds, Kirsten Jong. Stephen Annan Jr, Mckinley Chibambo and Abdalla Abullahi
  • Back, left to right: Elliot Tshiango, Imuetinyan Aletor and Joseph-Junior Karikari

About us
Crowe is a national audit, tax, advisory and risk firm offering global reach and local expertise. We are an independent member of Crowe Global, one of the top 10 accounting networks in the world. With exceptional knowledge of the business environment, our professionals share one commitment, to deliver excellence.

We are trusted by thousands of clients for our specialist advice, our ability to make smart decisions and our readiness to provide lasting value. Our broad technical expertise and deep market knowledge means we are well placed to offer insight and pragmatic advice to all the organisations and individuals with whom we work. Close working relationships are at the heart of our effective service delivery.

For more information, visit: www.crowe.co.uk

• Follow Crowe UK on LinkedIn
• Follow Crowe UK on Twitter @CroweUK

Crowe industry recognition

• UK Member of one of the top 10 accounting networks in the world (International Accounting Bulletin World Survey 2022)
• Top charity auditor for 14 consecutive years (Charity Financials Auditor Benchmarking and Charity Finance Audit Survey, 2009 – 2022)

• Awarded Silver in the 2022 Citywealth Brand Management and Reputation awards – Best Overall Marketing Campaign category for Your Life Builder
• Awarded Silver in the 2022 Citywealth Magic Circle awards

• Ranked 5^th in the AIM auditors ranking by number of audits (AIM Advisers Rankings Guide, January 2022)
• 9^th largest audit firm in the UK (UK fee income of audit firms that audit PIEs – by fee income on audit, FRC Key Facts and Trends in the Accountancy Profession, Figure 33, July 2021)
• Risk Consultancy of the Year 2022 for the third consecutive year (InsuranceERM)

The managing partner of national audit, tax, advisory and risk firm Crowe in the Midlands and South West has been awarded a national honour by a global business advisory service.

Johnathan Dudley has been awarded the 2023-24 “Value to Others” award by Mindshop.

This is an annual award presented by the Mindshop organisation to one of its members for providing “Value to Others”, the philosophy at the core of the organisation, and recognition for one individual with a long record of subscribing to those values.

Mr Dudley joined Mindshop in 1999 and has been a keen advocate of its comprehensive business advisory support programme which gives professional advisors such as him the tools to help their clients.

Mindshop is a model which empowers business leaders and advisors with the tools, proven strategic methodologies, global peer-networking opportunities and experienced coaching support needed to fast-track their growth, profit and personal development objectives.

Johnathan Dudley joined the firm 35 years ago and is now Head of Manufacturing at Crowe UK. He is an ICAEW Council member, chair of the ICAEW West Midlands Regional Strategy Board and a director of Black Country Chamber of Commerce.

He said: “I am particularly proud and humbled to receive this award as it cuts right to the heart of what Mindshop is about.

“It is a key part of my work as an advisor to clients, whether board members or managers, and as a coach and mentor to support them in what they do and help them to realise their goals, whether business or personal.

“I have a 35 year success record in helping businesses and individuals and I love making a difference.

“And for those who will be watching the Ashes or ‘The Hundred’ this summer,  I am an accountant but my clients will tell you that I’m much more than that.

“I don’t just ‘keep score’, I’m in there batting with you!”

Ends 

Contacts:

• Jennifer Spencer Charles, Senior Communications Manager, +44 (0)20 7842 5273, Jennifer.Spencer-Charles@crowe.co.uk

Notes to Editors:

About us
Crowe is a national audit, tax, advisory and risk firm offering global reach and local expertise. We are an independent member of Crowe Global, one of the top 10 accounting networks in the world. With exceptional knowledge of the business environment, our professionals share one commitment, to deliver excellence.

We are trusted by thousands of clients for our specialist advice, our ability to make smart decisions and our readiness to provide lasting value. Our broad technical expertise and deep market knowledge means we are well placed to offer insight and pragmatic advice to all the organisations and individuals with whom we work. Close working relationships are at the heart of our effective service delivery.

For more information, visit: www.crowe.co.uk

• Follow Crowe UK on LinkedIn
• Follow Crowe UK on Twitter @CroweUK

Crowe industry recognition

• UK Member of one of the top 10 accounting networks in the world (International Accounting Bulletin World Survey 2022)
• Top charity auditor for 14 consecutive years (Charity Financials Auditor Benchmarking and Charity Finance Audit Survey, 2009 – 2022)

• Awarded Silver in the 2022 Citywealth Brand Management and Reputation awards – Best Overall Marketing Campaign category for Your Life Builder
• Awarded Silver in the 2022 Citywealth Magic Circle awards

• Ranked 5^th in the AIM auditors ranking by number of audits (AIM Advisers Rankings Guide, January 2022)
• 9^th largest audit firm in the UK (UK fee income of audit firms that audit PIEs – by fee income on audit, FRC Key Facts and Trends in the Accountancy Profession, Figure 33, July 2021)
• Risk Consultancy of the Year 2022 for the third consecutive year (InsuranceERM)

Employees from national audit, tax, advisory and risk firm Crowe spent a day helping to build new outdoor facilities at Acorns Children’s Hospice in Worcester.

Teaming up with HandsOn, 55 people from Crowe used their DIY skills to build activity facilities for children and their families.

These included a new outdoor cabin, dismantling an old structure to make way for new facilities, constructing a wooden toy storage shed and they cleared turf and pathways around the gardens.

Tony White, Partner and Chief People Officer at Crowe, said: “This is the second national Crowe Community Day. We launched the programme back in November 2022 with the refurbishment of a children’s adventure playground in East London.”

Johnathan Dudley, Midlands and South West Managing Partner at Crowe, said: “I am very proud to be an Acorns Ambassador and I am delighted that people from our team at Crowe have been able to support the hospice.

“Acorns is an amazing place – they make the time that these young people and their families have together to be the best it possibly can. We really enjoyed taking some time away from our desks to do something really practical to help them. We really care about our communities at Crowe and it’s important to us to give something back.”

Emma Harewood, from the Fundraising Team at Acorns, said: “A huge thank you to Crowe and HandsOn for all their hard work building the outdoor cabin. It looks fantastic and I know the children and young people who use the hospice will be thrilled when they see it!

“A major part of the work we do is making memories for families. Our gardens are places for reflection and wellbeing, where children can play and where memories are made. The work that the team at Crowe has done is vital to Acorns and we really appreciate it.”

Tony White added: “At Crowe we acknowledge the role we play in, not only the career development of the great people that work for us and the clients that we support daily with the professional service they expect but also our support for the local communities and great charitable causes that we want to support throughout the year.

“We hope that the work we have done leaves a lasting legacy that can provide support and amenities that the hospice and its team, children and families can use for many years to come.”

The charity HandsOn designs and build new facilities for communities, schools and charities all over the UK, often involving local companies and organisations to deliver projects. These facilities can be anything from outdoor classrooms to community gardens to exciting playgrounds for children.

Ends (454 words)

Contacts:

• Jennifer Spencer Charles, Senior Communications Manager, +44 (0)20 7842 5273, Jennifer.Sencer-Charles@crowe.co.uk

Notes to Editors:

About us
Crowe is a national audit, tax, advisory and risk firm offering global reach and local expertise. We are an independent member of Crowe Global, one of the top 10 accounting networks in the world. With exceptional knowledge of the business environment, our professionals share one commitment, to deliver excellence.

We are trusted by thousands of clients for our specialist advice, our ability to make smart decisions and our readiness to provide lasting value. Our broad technical expertise and deep market knowledge means we are well placed to offer insight and pragmatic advice to all the organisations and individuals with whom we work. Close working relationships are at the heart of our effective service delivery.

For more information, visit: www.crowe.co.uk

• Follow Crowe UK on LinkedIn
• Follow Crowe UK on Twitter @CroweUK

Crowe industry recognition

• UK Member of one of the top 10 accounting networks in the world (International Accounting Bulletin World Survey 2022)
• Top charity auditor for 14 consecutive years (Charity Financials Auditor Benchmarking and Charity Finance Audit Survey, 2009 – 2022)

• Awarded Silver in the 2022 Citywealth Brand Management and Reputation awards – Best Overall Marketing Campaign category for Your Life Builder
• Awarded Bronze in the 2023 Citywealth Magic Circle awards

• Ranked 5^th in the AIM auditors ranking by number of audits (AIM Advisers Rankings Guide, January 2022)
• 9^th largest audit firm in the UK (UK fee income of audit firms that audit PIEs – by fee income on audit, FRC Key Facts and Trends in the Accountancy Profession, Figure 33, July 2021)
• Risk Consultancy of the Year 2022 for the third consecutive year (InsuranceERM)

Sales soared 104.4% at fast growing UK floor covering distributor Likewise Group plc during 2022, with turnover up to £123.6 million from £60.5 million in 2021.

The result, for the year ended 31 December 2022, was a combination of organic growth of 25.7% and the contribution of Valley Wholesale Carpets Ltd and Delta Carpets Ltd, which were acquired during 2022.

Chief executive Tony Brewer said the result was driven by continued investment into sales and marketing initiatives and an increase in distribution capacity from circa 8 million cubic feet in 2021 to circa 15 million cubic feet.

Underlying profit before tax was up 84.8% from £1.38 million in 2021 to £2.56 million.

Mr Brewer said: “Likewise Group is now clearly established as a leading company in the UK flooring industry and is well on target to achieve its medium term targets.

“Sales revenue for the first four months of 2023 has shown a further increase of 17.8% over the corresponding period last year, reflecting strong performance against macro-economic headwinds.”

He said the organic growth of the Likewise branded businesses of 25.7% in 2022, followed by a further 23.5% in the first four months of 2023, had been achieved through a significant increase in market presence through substantial investment in point-of sales displays and sampling, combined with the ongoing development of sales teams throughout the UK.

“The acquisition of Valley in January 2022 was a very important step for the group. Valley performed particularly well during the year and is an important contributor to profitability and cash flow.”

Mr Brewer concluded: “Likewise has made a positive start to the first four months of 2023 and in market conditions which continue to be challenging, has undoubtedly gained market share.

“This has been achieved through continually increasing market presence and the success of our experienced sales teams throughout the UK, supported by the logistics infrastructure being established.

“We would like to thank all of our suppliers, customers, management, staff and shareholders for their ongoing support and huge contribution to the ongoing development of Likewise.

“We continue to be very optimistic in achieving our medium term objectives.”

A final dividend of 0.2p per ordinary share is proposed by the board.

Likewise Group includes Likewise Rugs & Matting, Floors by Lewis Abbott, H&V Carpets, Valley Wholesale Carpets and Delta Carpets as well as Likewise-branded divisions in the north, north-east, Midlands, south and south-east and Scotland.

Ends (397 words)

Issued on behalf of Likewise Group plc, Unit 4, Radial Park, Birmingham Business Park, Solihull Parkway, Birmingham B37 7YN

For further information, please contact:

 Andy Skinner, at ASAP PR – 07990 978257

Editors’ Notes

Likewise Group plc is a distributor of floorcoverings and mattings established with the intention of consolidating the domestic and commercial floorcoverings markets to become one of the UK’s largest distributors in this sector. The UK floor and wall covering market is worth circa £3.2 billion and is expected to increase at a compound annual growth rate of 2.1% from 2019 to 2024 to reach £3.5 billion, split between the residential, commercial, public and industrial markets. Likewise Group’s strategy is to focus on the residential and commercial sectors.

Social media

@LikewisePlc

linkedin.com/company/79711376/

@likewise_group_plc

facebook.com/Likewise-Group-PLC-109865531380022

Audit, tax, advisory and risk firm Crowe has appointed Steve Maslin and Gary Kildare as its first Independent Non Executives (INE),

A chartered accountant, Steve Maslin has over 40 years’ experience in the profession and has held key audit and leadership roles during his time at Grant Thornton, prior to retiring in 2019.

During his tenure at Grant Thornton, Maslin was appointed chair of the Global Public Policy Committee (GPPC), which represents the six largest accounting networks in dialogue with stakeholders such as global institutional investors, banking authorities, the OECD and audit regulators.

Maslin also spent seven years as xhair of the same firm’s Partner Oversight Board, which ensures the firm acts in the partnership’s interest and meets the public interest responsibilities expected of a leading accounting firm.

He also held a variety of leadership positions including office managing partner (first for London West and subsequently for the London Gatwick office) and national head of audit, running an audit portfolio of the firm’s highest profile audits, as well as significant not for profit bodies.

Today, Maslin holds two commercial non-executive positions on the board of Nuffield Health and Carey Group Ltd, and two charitable roles with The Royal Collection Trust and The Gurkha Museum.

Gary Kildare spent over three decades with software and professional services organisation, the IBM Corporation. He is the former chief human resources officer for Europe and global head of Labour Relations and was a member of IBMs Senior Leadership Group appointed by the CEO to provide global leadership and stewardship across key strategic areas to accelerate growth.

Working at country, European and global level, Kildare undertook major transformation projects covering people and culture, M&A, divestitures, growth markets, business start-ups, restructuring, enterprise risk, and business control.

Kildare also sat on IBM’s UK Pension Board, as well as chairing the Diversity and Inclusion Council, Enterprise Risk Committee, the European Works Council, leading the Global Investigations function and chairing the Disciplinary Action Review Committee. His remits spanned from identifying and mitigating global business risks to managing employee and union risks and DEI.

Kildare holds a number of INE and governance roles and is experienced as an INE in a regulatory environment. He has a portfolio of non-executive director and board advisory roles in the public sector, education and for charities.

Nigel Bostock, Chief Executive Officer of Crowe,csaid: “The role Independent Non Executives play in protecting the public interest, promoting the enhancement of audit quality and safeguarding the sustainability and resilience of both the audit practice and the firm, is vital. At Crowe, we understand the importance of this, alongside the need for accountability, challenge and continual improvement. We are therefore delighted to welcome Steve and Gary as our first Independent Non Executives. Their appointment comes at a moment of significant growth for the firm and both bring a wealth of experience, as well as new and fresh perspectives into governance and compliance.”

Steve Maslin, Independent Non Executive at Crowe, said “My touchpoints with Crowe’s leadership globally and in the UK stretch back over 20 and so I have witnessed Crowe’s professionalism over a long time. I was genuinely excited, therefore, to be invited to join Crowe UK in the next stage in its growth, and to help the firm to play its part in building sustained confidence in public interest sectors through consistent audit excellence,“

Gary Kildare, Independent Non Executive at Crowe, said “I am delighted to be joining Crowe at a critical time and excited to have the opportunity to work with an outstanding leadership team and professional services firm. The importance of good governance, constructive challenge, oversight and independence has never been greater and I look forward to collaborating with and being part of the team.”

Ends

 Contacts:

• Angela Pitsillides, National Director of Brand, Marketing and Communications, Crowe UK. Tel: (0)20 7842 7208, pitsillides@crowe.co.uk
• Matthew Gilleard / Charlotte Hole, Infinite Global. Tel: 020 7269 1430, matthewg@infiniteglobal.com / charlotteh@infiniteglobal.com

Notes to Editors:

About usCrowe is a national audit, tax, advisory and risk firm offering global reach and local expertise. We are an independent member of Crowe Global, one of the top 10 accounting networks in the world. With exceptional knowledge of the business environment, our professionals share one commitment, to deliver excellence.

We are trusted by thousands of clients for our specialist advice, our ability to make smart decisions and our readiness to provide lasting value. Our broad technical expertise and deep market knowledge means we are well placed to offer insight and pragmatic advice to all the organisations and individuals with whom we work. Close working relationships are at the heart of our effective service delivery.

For more information, visit: www.crowe.co.uk

• Follow Crowe UK on LinkedIn
• Follow Crowe UK on Twitter @CroweUK

Crowe industry recognition

• Top charity auditor for 14 consecutive years (Charity Finance Audit Survey, 2009 – 2022)
• Risk Consultancy of the Year 2023 for the fourth consecutive year (InsuranceERM)
• UK Member of one of the top 10 accounting networks in the world (International Accounting Bulletin World Survey 2022)

• Awarded Silver in the 2022 Citywealth Brand Management and Reputation awards – Best Overall Marketing Campaign category for Your Life Builder
• Awarded Silver in the 2022 Citywealth Magic Circle awards

• Ranked 4^th in the AIM auditors ranking by number of audits (AIM Advisers Rankings Guide, January 2023)
• 9^th largest audit firm in the UK (UK fee income of audit firms that audit PIEs – by fee income on audit, FRC Key Facts and Trends in the Accountancy Profession, Figure 33, August 2022)

Audit, tax, advisory and risk firm Crowe has promoted Paul Cox, a director within the Corporate Tax team, and Kieran Smith, VAT and Customs Duty director, to the partnership.

Paul Cox is promoted to partner within the Corporate Tax team with almost 20 years of experience in the accountancy profession, including more than a decade of Big Four experience. He advances to partner from his previous role as a director at Crowe, having worked at the firm for six years.

With 23 years of experience, including three years spent working as a VAT inspector at HMRC, Kieran Smith steps up to partner within the VAT and Customs Duty team, with a particular focus on consulting in the not-for-profit sector.

He works very closely with several non-profit organisations, including educational charities involving schools and academies, and in the care sector, helping clients to improve VAT efficiency and chart economic uncertainty. His work ranges from VAT inspections to advising clients on matters such as partial tax exemption methods and the purchase of new buildings and other assets.

Paul Cox said: “Almost 20 years after beginning my career in tax and accounting, I’m delighted to be promoted to partner at Crowe.

“Given the economic challenges over the last few years and increasing tax complexity and burden, there’s no shortage of opportunities and risks to discuss – especially given the latest increase in corporation tax.

“Now more than ever, companies need to have an appropriate tax strategy to ensure they are equipped to navigate the changes ahead, and I look forward to assisting clients in this space.”

Kieran Smith said: “While VAT celebrates its 50^th anniversary this April, it continues to pose new challenges for a range of sectors that my colleagues and I are equipped to help with. We pride ourselves on being able to simplify the complexity of tax in order to assist our clients in making smart decisions and I am proud to have been part of the growth of the VAT team since joining the firm in 2006.”

Johnathan Dudley, Midlands & South West Managing Partner and Head of Manufacturing Business, said: “‘I’m delighted to welcome Paul and Kieran to the partner group. Their promotions underline our commitment to providing excellent high quality client service in the Midlands and South West.”

Ends 

Contacts:

• Miriam Sherwood, Director, People Communications & Marketing, Crowe UK. Tel: (0)121 543 1900, sherwood@crowe.co.uk

Notes to Editors:

About us
Crowe is a national audit, tax, advisory and risk firm offering global reach and local expertise. We are an independent member of Crowe Global, one of the top 10 accounting networks in the world. With exceptional knowledge of the business environment, our professionals share one commitment, to deliver excellence.

We are trusted by thousands of clients for our specialist advice, our ability to make smart decisions and our readiness to provide lasting value. Our broad technical expertise and deep market knowledge means we are well placed to offer insight and pragmatic advice to all the organisations and individuals with whom we work. Close working relationships are at the heart of our effective service delivery.

For more information, visit: www.crowe.co.uk

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Crowe industry recognition

• UK Member of one of the top 10 accounting networks in the world (International Accounting Bulletin World Survey 2022)
• Top charity auditor for 14 consecutive years (Charity Financials Auditor Benchmarking and Charity Finance Audit Survey, 2009 – 2022)

• Awarded Silver in the 2022 Citywealth Brand Management and Reputation awards – Best Overall Marketing Campaign category for Your Life Builder
• Awarded Silver in the 2022 Citywealth Magic Circle awards

• Ranked 5^th in the AIM auditors ranking by number of audits (AIM Advisers Rankings Guide, January 2022)
• 9^th largest audit firm in the UK (UK fee income of audit firms that audit PIEs – by fee income on audit, FRC Key Facts and Trends in the Accountancy Profession, Figure 33, July 2021)
• Risk Consultancy of the Year 2022 for the third consecutive year (InsuranceERM)