Independent North West-based accountancy and business advice practice Pierce has appointed Kevin Steven as its new director of corporate finance.
The key appointment comes as Pierce records its best ever year in terms of fees and continues to widen its expertise for the benefit of its growing client base.
Kevin has a wealth of experience and knowledge in the sector and the appointment is a strong signal of intent from the team at Pierce as it looks to grow and develop its services. Strengthening the firm’s corporate finance offering is an integral part of the Pierce support strategy as the regions SME’s face challenging market conditions.
Managing director Jimmy King, who led a management buyout of the Blackburn-based practice a year ago, said: “Kevin has come on board to help our clients gain access to the right type of finance for them, he has fantastic experience both in traditional banking and alternative finance and has extensive experience is understanding what funders are looking for.
“He will be a major asset, both for the practice and our clients moving forward and we’re really pleased that he has made the move to Pierce.”
A Qualified accountant Kevin, whose CV includes senior roles at RBS and ThinCats, has a strong track record ofworking in the North of England with owner-managed SMEs – Pierce’s existing and target market.
Kevin, said: “These are exciting times for Pierce and I’m delighted to be a part of it.
“The external funding market is currently very dynamic, and clients will be required to engage with funders in a way that they have not had to historically. My background of direct lending will give clients a clear insight into what funders require of them and how best to structure that support in order for clients to meet their strategic objectives.
“Pierce recognise the importance of having a robust and well invested corporate finance function to support clients from both a day-to-day and succession planning perspective.
“That is what has attracted me to the role, along with the firm’s fantastic reputation and the Board’s very clear vision of where it wants to go.
“The Pierce approach is all about relationship building and that is something I’m looking forward to, working closely with businesses, while bringing a fresh pair of eyes and perspective for the benefit of our clients.
“The funding market has changed dramatically over the last five years. Getting the right information, to the right people, in the right format, is crucial and again, I believe that is where I can make a real difference.”
Pierce and its 65-strong team deliver audit and accountancy compliance services, as well as a range of additional value-added services such as corporate finance, forensic, research and development, corporate and personal taxation.
The firm also provides management and outsourcing services including firm secretarial, online services and payroll.
