EY has welcomed a hat-trick of new hires to its Audit, Business Development and People Advisory Services (PAS) teams with the aim of strengthening its expertise and building on its work with privately-owned businesses across the South East.
The business has appointed Mike Reeves as an Associate Partner to lead the development and expansion of its services for clients in the private market (previously Private Middle Market) across the region. In addition, Dan Dennett has joined the business as an Associate Partner in Reading’s audit practice and Louise Morley has joined the team as a Tax Advisor in PAS.
Mike has extensive experience working in the banking industry across the Central and South East regions as well as in East Anglia. He joins EY in a business development role, from Santander in Reading, where he spent 10 years working alongside SMEs and large, multi-national, privately-owned businesses.
In his new role, Mike will lead a team to originate and develop relationships with privately owned businesses, connecting clients with experienced advisors in a variety of sectors and advising on cross-service line activity.
Dan is an experienced audit engagement leader and statutory auditor, having worked with a wide range of private and international business across the Thames Valley and West London regions. He has experience of working with business in various stages of development, from well-established private businesses to supporting companies through rapid growth, expansion and transactions.
In his new role, he will be responsible for developing client relationships and networks with private businesses in the region.
Louise brings many years’ experience working with private clients on global mobility, employment tax and share scheme activity. She has joined EY to help lead the growth of the Integrated Mobility team in Reading, supporting all aspects of employment tax and social security compliance and advisory work, plus the design and implementation of equity reward arrangements.
Commenting on his appointment Mike, said: “I’m delighted to be joining EY, as it looks to build its visibility and market share amongst private clients. My focus will be on supporting the growth of our operations in the privately-owned business market, in four of our UK regional offices, Reading, Cambridge, Luton and Southampton. I’m really looking forward to realising opportunities to provide a broader set of services to existing clients operating in this area of the market, as well as building new relationships with businesses in the region.
“My extensive experience in the banking sector and specifically working with privately-owned businesses has given me valuable insights into the challenges that businesses in this area of the market face. Privately owned businesses are the lifeblood of this region, contributing greatly to the success and growth of the South East. They have faced considerable obstacles due to the COVID-19 pandemic and are now looking to reevaluate their positions and look forward to the next 12 months, rebuilding and future proofing.
“My appointment is part of a wider EY commitment to the privately-owned market in the UK and Ireland, where we see a wealth of opportunities to support our clients meet their growth ambitions. I look forward to working with Dan and Louise and to developing the local team and working with clients across the South East, now, next and beyond, as we all emerge from the current COVID-19 crisis.”
Richard Baker, Managing Partner at EY in the South East added: “I’m really pleased to welcome Mike, Dan and Louise to the business. Their experience and expertise will help to strengthen the Reading office team as we focus on providing advice and support to our existing clients and building our presence amongst privately-owned businesses over the next 6-12 months.
“These appointments are part of our plan to grow the team in Reading, offering full-service capabilities to our clients. The last few months have been particularly difficult for businesses, due to COVID-19 and the necessary lockdown measures put in place by the Government. During this time, we’ve continued to work with owner managers and CFOs, supporting them through the many challenges of running a business at this time. As the lock-down restrictions are eased, businesses in South East are emerging to face a very different business landscape. We’re looking forward to playing our part in supporting their transition to the new norm.”
