Scotland accountancy firm bolsters financial offering with new London office

Scottish accountant and advisor Johnston Carmichael has opened a London office as part of a strategic expansion of its financial services sector offering.

The new location is the first premises the firm has opened outside Scotland since it was established over 80 years ago.

The initiative is being led by Ewen Fleming, a financial services partner. He joined Johnston Carmichael in March 2019 and has over 30 years of experience in financial services in both industry and advisory roles.

Since being appointed, Ewen’s aim has been to expand Johnston Carmichael’s financial services capability and meet growing demand for its UK team. In 2018, Johnston Carmichael led the high profile, independent review of 10 proposed Royal Bank of Scotland branch closures.

Ewen is based between the London office, located at Birchin Court in the heart of the City, and Johnston Carmichael’s large Edinburgh premises on the capital’s Melville Street.

He said: “With London and Edinburgh well established as the UK’s key financial services hubs, launching an office in the UK capital is the obvious next step for Johnston Carmichael in expanding its financial services offering.

“It will enable us to work much more closely with our clients based in the south east of England and it’s also important to building our network of contacts, including potential new staff as we add to our growing team.”

The UK’s financial services industry is amongst the biggest worldwide and in 2018 contributed £132bn to the UK economy, representing 6.9 per cent of total economic output. The sector was the largest in London where almost half - 49 per cent - of its output was generated.

Andrew Walker, CEO of Johnston Carmichael, added: “Our London office is a very significant step forward for our firm. Although we already carry out a range of cross-border work, this is our first permanent geographical base outside of Scotland.

“The UK has a long and proud history of providing financial services; indeed, it is where some of the world’s first banks were established.

“We are committed to playing a bigger role in the sector and contributing to a positive, resilient industry. Our London office is central to achieving our ambitious aims.”

“Johnston Carmichael is in this for the long term and we look forward to welcoming clients to our new London premises.”