KPMG appoints new head of tax for Northern regions

Professional services giant KPMG has chosen a new Northern head of tax.

Partner Jon Meeten will work to strengthen the firm’s services in the North, overseeing its tax practices across Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds and Newcastle.

Based at the company’s offices in Manchester, Jon will work alongside other KPMG practice and sector heads to deliver a multi-service advisory offering for the region’s business community.

Jon’s remit also includes helping Nicola Quayle, senior partner at the Manchester office, develop the firm’s North West footprint.

Jon, who previously led KPMG’s Scottish tax team, said: “The vibrancy and vitality of any region is underpinned by the strength of the advisory community that serves it.

“The North of England is no exception and I’m thoroughly looking forward to building on the exceptional tax offering we currently provide clients across the region, especially in an increasingly challenging regulatory and economic environment.”

He continued: “We recently surveyed 700 UK businesses on their attitudes to tax policy. While respondents were broadly optimistic, it was also clear that concerns over the complexity of tax rules and regulations is an issue.

“38% of mid-sized businesses said the current system was too complex. A big part of our role as advisors is to combat this and to show that the right tax strategy is the key to unlocking business growth.”

KPMG North region chair Chris Hearld commented: “As we kick off 2018, we are reaffirming our commitment to helping the region’s businesses achieve their goals.

“An important part of delivering this is ensuring we have strength in depth across all our capabilities. I’m confident Jon will be a hugely valuable addition to our tax practice, which is our biggest business area.”