Smith Cooper Join PKF International

PKF International, the Global Accounting Network, has further strengthened its UK and Ireland presence by welcoming Cathedral Quarter based Smith Cooper into its ranks.

Smith Cooper, now rebranded to PKF Smith Cooper, is based on King Street in Cathedral Quarter and is one of the Midlands’ leading independent firms of accountants and business advisors, with over 250 team members.

The collaboration – effective from 1 September 2021 – marks the next phase in the strategic development of PKF Smith Cooper, whilst simultaneously complementing PKF’s desire to increase its regional footprint throughout the UK.

The network comprises over 220 member firms, with a presence in 150 countries.  UK members include PKF Littlejohn in London and Leeds, PKF Francis Clark in the South-West, Johnston Carmichael in Scotland, and PKF FPM in Northern Ireland.  Together, the UK firms have a combined fee income that makes them the 11^th largest UK accounting network.

James Bagley, Managing Partner at PKF Smith Cooper, comments: “We’re delighted to be the new home of PKF in the Midlands. Operating in unison with member firms across the world, we will be able to share our ideas, expertise, and specialist resources to enhance our client offering further, delivering highly personalised services and global connectivity through our client-centric culture.”

“We truly believe PKF is the right fit for us. Our collaboration with PKF will allow us to maintain our independence, whilst becoming part of something bigger, and joining a network that shares a very similar ethos and set of core values to us.”

David Nelson, Senior Partner at PKF Smith Cooper, adds: “As an ambitious, future-focused business, we consider a strong international network to be a key component in our armory.”

“In recent years, we’ve grown considerably in team numbers, fee income and, more specifically, client numbers, many of whom operate internationally.  Not only does a strong and meaningful international network allow us to cater to our clients’ international needs, but it allows us to differentiate ourselves within the regional marketplace through a combination of increased brand profile and the ability to leverage the combined strength, resources, and client credentials of other UK member firms.”

PKF International CEO, Theo Vermaak, states: “Throughout the comprehensive admission process, it was clear that the team at PKF Smith Cooper is comprised of highly skilled, service-oriented individuals who have fostered a client-centric culture, and it was a pleasure to work with James, David and the wider team throughout the process.”

“An ambitious and highly capable firm, we’re delighted to have PKF Smith Cooper on board. As the leading firm of accountants and business advisors in the Midlands, I am confident PKF Smith Cooper will strengthen our network further. Our shared cultural synergies make PKF Smith Cooper the perfect fit, and I look forward to welcoming the team to the wider PKF family as we grow together.”

PKF Smith Cooper group companies, PKF Smith Cooper System Partners and Infuse Technology, will be joining the PKF network as part of the collaboration.