Wilkins Kennedy’s flagship move to facilitate growth

From left, Ian Jefferson, Managing Partner at Wilkins Kennedy, with William Payne, Senior Partner at Wilkins Kennedy.

A rapidly expanding business services firm is heralding the start of a new era following the move to a flagship London office as a springboard for future growth.

Wilkins Kennedy – which is part of CogitalGroup – has signed a ten-year lease on a 12,000 square foot premises at Regis House, on King William Street after spending more than 40 years south of the River Thames on Borough High Street.

It comes off the back of several consecutive years of growth for Wilkins Kennedy’s London office – which services more than 1,500 businesses across a broad range of sectors covering manufacturing, engineering, financial services, property and not-for-profit.

The firm’s London office currently employs 100 members of staff, forming part of CogitalGroup’s 612 strong workforce in the capital, with the new office space allowing room for significant future growth.

Joining Wilkins Kennedy at their new London location is one of the art industry’s highly-rated business advisors, Phil Clark.

Phil joins from Moore Stephens where he was Head of Culture, Entertainment and Media, and he arrives at Wilkins Kennedy as a Partner with more than 35 years of accountancy experience.

Ian Jefferson, Managing Partner of the London office, said: “Following the acquisition by CogitalGroup last year, this new office is an indication of our commitment to the OMB market in London and builds on the strong reputation that Wilkins Kennedy have established over many years.

“Our new open-plan office space and suite of multi-purpose conference facilities reflects the evolving needs from of our clients for advice-led services rather than a compliance function. The office will be an excellent base from which to continue our growth.

“General business as well as tax advisory work, financial due diligence and lead advisory work continue to drive growth for the London office currently – demand from the Arts and Media sector is also increasing so to have Phil on board is a great coup for the business.

“Such is Phil’s expertise in the art market, he brings with him a range of interesting high-profile clients including artists, performers and galleries which will stand us in good stead to develop our expertise in this area.”

Phil Clark, Partner at Wilkins Kennedy, added: “I am delighted to be joining Wilkins Kennedy at such an exciting time for the business and I am looking forward to heading up the Arts and Media team.

“The creative industries are a vital part of the UK economy as well as being part of the soul of society, and Wilkins Kennedy has the expertise to help a wide range of businesses identify opportunities to invest and grow.”

Wilkins Kennedy is part of CogitalGroup – an international business services group with annual revenues in excess of £450m, employing around 6,000 people across 176 offices.