When reflecting on the entrepreneurial endeavour behind this annual listing of the region's fastest growing private companies, I feel a sense of pride in my business community. New names regularly appear, highlighting the dynamic nature of business in the North-East and showing there is always room for an ambitious company to trade its way to recognised commercial success. The list reflects the region's diverse business base with a healthy mix of business types, creating an interesting marketplace, full of potential. Of course, it's not just the corporates that are growing. Those local advisors, such as KPMG, that support and add value to ambitious and developing home-grown businesses are also prospering. Indeed at KPMG we are investing in our capabilities on an ongoing basis, building our 160-strong team on the Quayside. We have made several senior appointments in recent months and rewarded hard work and achievements on behalf of clients with promotions. The management team at KPMG in Newcastle has increased by 50% this year, following the appointment of a new restructuring partner, Mark Firmin, and three new directors, Sara Caplan, government advisory; Chris Stott, transaction services and David Redhead, audit. By ensuring our best people can progress their careers to the highest level here in Newcastle, we play a part in retaining the region's business and advisory talent. Many of the opportunities and challenges for KPMG employees stem from the ambitions of the businesses in the region. As they plan for growth and seize opportunities, which may involve M&A activity, flotations and other ownership changes, such as succession planning, we bring our experience to bear, helping them to realise their objectives. As businesses grow they also stand to benefit more from cost and risk management advice, and support in handling employee reward and expense issues as well as the multitude of tax complexities and audit compliance requirements that seem to increase at least in line with organisational growth. Increasingly of course, growth prospects and efficiency opportunities are linked to international trade. I would hazard a guess that many of the region's fastest growing companies are now in business with overseas contacts, whether suppliers or customers, as more locations around the world begin to look like markets for goods and services originated here. The same nations offer supply advantages to local entrepreneurs, keen to achieve cost savings and lean operations. The increasingly global overview that's needed by the most ambitious companies is an exciting challenge, for both advisors and industry. At KPMG we leverage our international reach to benefit our clients here, increasing numbers of whom are seeking the same type of relevant, matter of fact advice on overseas issues as they receive regarding all manner of domestic business affairs. In fact, to maximise our international reach, we have taken the first steps to create KPMG Europe, by announcing plans to merge the UK and German firms. All the companies in this list have achieved success through maximising opportunities while managing their operations efficiently and getting the most out of their people. It's not easy - those at the helm of these businesses have undoubtedly worked extremely hard for their achievements - and I continue to be delighted to work alongside them.
Richard Bottomley is office senior partner at KPMG in Newcastle and can be contacted on (0191) 401-3762 or at richard.bottomley@kpmg.co.uk
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