Hall Morrice creates new business development director role to spearhead growth strategy

Aberdeen-based accountancy firm Hall Morrice LLP has strengthened its senior management team with the creation of a brand new post to grow its client base across the north east.

Mike Innes, who has worked in the banking sector for three decades, has been appointed to the newly created position of business development director.

He will be working with partners and directors to expand the independent firm’s wide-ranging portfolio, which includes clients from energy and construction to retail and third sector.

Mr Innes spent 29 years working with both the Clydesdale Bank and RBS in Aberdeen within their commercial banking divisions, and was responsible for supporting commercial operations across the north east and beyond.

As well as growing Hall Morrice’s client base, he will be working with the firm’s existing customers to help to improve or streamline their operations, and will also provide specialist advice on banking issues.

Mr Innes said: “This was a great opportunity for me to move into a very different sector which, at the same time, has many similarities to the world of banking.

“Hall Morrice is a mid-size firm with an excellent reputation in Aberdeen. The city is operating in a very difficult economic environment, but there are opportunities to grow the business. As well as bringing on board new clients, I’ll be working with our existing portfolio, taking an overview of their operations and ensure they are operating in the most cost-effective way.”

The comapny celebrates its 40th anniversary this year and is one of only a handful of independent mid-tier accountancy firms in the north east.

The firm, which was founded in 1976, said the appointment of Mr Innes is “central to a long-term strategy to increase staffing levels at the firm”, which currently employs 50 people at its offices in Aberdeen and Fraserburgh.

Three new appointments have been made since the start of the year and Hall Morrice said it will be focusing on growing its specialist tax team and while it anticipates that staffing will increase in line with new business, the firm expects to have its full team in place by 2017.

Bob Bain, partner of Hall Morrice, said: “Mike has knowledge of banking built up over almost 30 years, and he will be able to apply that experience to help businesses grow and develop, and to ensure they are in a robust position to tackle the challenging situation facing many businesses in the region.

“A key focus for Mike is to ensure is that existing clients are aware of all that we can do to help support their operations and take their business to the next level.”

Hall Morrice is based at 6 and 7 Queens Terrace in Aberdeen.