Yorkshire festive focus: Ian Beaumont, KPMG Enterprise

As Christmas is less than a week away, and the businesspeople of Yorkshire are preparing to hang up their stockings, Bdaily is catching up with the region’s business leaders to reflect on the highlights of 2016 and how they plan on spending the holiday period.

For the series’ next instalment, we are speaking with Ian Beaumont, Partner and Yorkshire Head of KPMG Enterprise

Your business

What were the three biggest highlights for your business in 2016?

The continued expansion of our KPMG Enterprise offering in Yorkshire stood out for me this year. It helps privately owned, regional businesses achieve their growth ambitions with expert advice and 2016 has been our most successful year to date.

When helping a company take that next big step it’s essential the advisor is based in the region and has the breadth and depth of expertise to support the business in the UK and overseas. We’ve recently demonstrated our commitment to the region even further by investing in new offices in Leeds and Sheffield.

The growth and development of our team in Yorkshire has been another highlight for me. We now have over 1,000 people here helping regional organisations tackle the challenges they face today.

I’d also say that the strength and vibrancy of Yorkshire’s business community has been particularly impressive and encouraging this year. This, of course, is not all down to us! But, we’ve always viewed our clients’ achievements and success as our own and seeing the progress they and the rest of the region’s firms have made this year is a true testament to Yorkshire grit and entrepreneurialism.

What are your business’ goals going into 2017?

Outside growing the KPMG Enterprise team further, our primary goal in 2017 will be to continue to help our clients navigate the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead at home and overseas.

Yorkshire’s business leaders are eager to see the Government’s plans for the UK economy. Companies need clarity so solid, long term plans can be established, risks managed and, importantly, opportunities identified.

Anything you/your business would have done differently over the past year?

Expanding our KPMG Enterprise services quickly enough to meet demand has been a challenge. We have also been lobbying hard to ensure Yorkshire businesses engage in discussions around the Northern Powerhouse, but next year it is vital that mid-market firms join the debate in earnest.

Collectively the mid-market business community in Yorkshire has a powerful voice and by playing an active role in the creation of the Northern Powerhouse it will be able to influence something that will have a significant impact on the economic health of the region.

Your region

Why do you think Yorkshire is a great place to do business?

As a Yorkshireman I think it’s the openness, honesty and warmth you get when working with the local business community. This, and the never say die attitude, makes Yorkshire such a great place to do business.

The entrepreneurial spirit and determination to succeed of Yorkshire businesses has not been dampened by the recession and it will endure through the challenges that lie ahead.

I think this is one of the reasons such a wide variety of sectors find success in Yorkshire. In recent years we’ve seen a resurgence in our traditional industries, at the same time as investment from advanced manufacturers, innovative technology firms and healthcare businesses. We also can’t forget the fantastic educators and teaching hospitals across the region.

Any other company/companies in the region stand out for you?

Yorkshire’s burgeoning technology scene has a raft of exciting firms that really stand out. The region has become the hub of the UK’s healthcare technology sector, in both software and hardware.

Major industry players - BJSS, EMIS Health, Servelec Group and The Phoenix Partnership - are based in the region, alongside a growing community of SMEs that benefit from the investment that their larger competitors bring to area. It’s going to be interesting to watch this sector grow further in 2017.

What does Yorkshire want to see happen in the future/next year?

Businesses need clarity over the future direction of the British economy so that they can start properly planning for the future. In particular, discussions around the Northern Powerhouse will be followed closely.

The Yorkshire business community, and indeed the rest of the North of England, want to see plans crystallise in 2017 and to be involved in the discussion to ensure it delivers for business.

There is a danger that the establishment of the Northern Powerhouse will become a political event, rather than a business led one. It’s important it’s fully appreciated in local and central government that it will be the strength of the region’s business community which will fuel the Northern Powerhouse. It must be consulted throughout the process to ensure its success. Equally, there is an onus on businesses to actively engage in the debate.

Yourself

What individual goals did you achieve personally/professionally in 2016?

Re-establishing our Sheffield office was something I was proud to see happen in 2016. It’s now easier for businesses local to Sheffield to come into visit us in person. Personally, maintaining my golf handicap and completing a round at The Old Course in St Andrews on par are certainly up there!

How do you unwind after a stressful day at work?

A healthy mix of talking to myself on the golf course, spending quality time with the family, walking the dog and being cautiously optimistic about Leeds United.

What would be the perfect Christmas gift for you?

More time for friends, family and work. An extra day a week would go a long way. Aside from that, a round at Augusta certainly wouldn’t hurt!