Member Article

Grant Thornton adds VAT and Debt Advisory talent to Midlands team

The leading business advisory firm Grant Thornton UK LLP has recruited two senior specialists to its Midlands team, bolstering the support it provides to the region’s mid-market businesses as they grapple with the opportunities and challenges of the post-pandemic recovery.

Rob Outram has been appointed as Birmingham’s new regional Head of VAT, joining from national pharmacy chain Boots, while Jon Bramwell – a former commercial banker with 35 years’ experience - joins as Director, Clients & Markets, focusing on Debt Advisory. Both will be active across the Midlands and East of England.

In his role at Boots, Rob led the VAT team for both the UK and Ireland. Previously, he worked in specialist VAT roles at HM Revenue & Customs and TNT Express. These experiences gave him an extensive insight into the practical aspects of VAT and how it impacts a company.

Jon Bramwell has joined Grant Thornton following nine years at HSBC, where as a Managing Director of Corporate Banking he developed an extensive knowledge of central England’s large corporate and mid-market sector. Prior to that he spent twenty-seven years at RBS / NatWest, where he focused on front-line commercial banking, credit risk and lending.

Jon will support businesses in a number of ways, including how to access the most appropriate and cost-effective sources of funding, drawing on his extensive banking experience and understanding of the credit markets.

Dave Hillan, Partner and Practice Leader at Grant Thornton UK LLP in the region, said: “These appointments demonstrate our commitment to strengthening what is already a nationally leading team so that we can provide the support required to unlock the potential of businesses across the Midlands.

“As we collectively face a post-pandemic, post-Brexit world, the insights from Rob and Jon will be invaluable in helping ambitious mid-market firms to exploit growth opportunities and navigate obstacles. I’m delighted to welcome them both to our team and am excited to see the difference they will make to firms across the region.”

Rob Outram, Birmingham Head of VAT at Grant Thornton UK LLP, said: “There’s a lot of change in the market right now for a number of reasons, such as Brexit and COVID-19. Whenever there’s change it’s important for businesses to review the situation from a VAT perspective and ensure their set up is efficient and compliant. I’m looking forward to bringing my experience to Grant Thornton’s engaging and highly skilled team to help firms thrive whatever the challenges they face.”

Jon Bramwell, Director, Clients & Markets at Grant Thornton UK LLP, said: “Businesses have much greater choice when it comes to borrowing money to support their plans but the extensive range of options from different funders is complex and can be challenging to navigate. I am keen to work closely with businesses to carefully understand their plans and funding needs in order to identify the most appropriate and cost-effective finance the market has to offer. This may include revisiting existing commitments with a view to driving flexibility and best value.

“In my new role I’ll be working with clients to help them identify the best route forward, drawing on my knowledge of the credit approval process as well as my contacts across the credit markets. I’ve always been impressed by Grant Thornton’s collaborative, entrepreneurial and client centric approach and I’m excited to join their team and work to help add value and solve key challenges for clients.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sarah Jones .