Grant Thornton bolsters its team in the South with relocation of senior partner

Her move is further evidence of Grant Thornton’s investment in the South East and commitment to providing the best expertise to vibrant businesses. The news also comes hot on the heels of other regional successes. In the last four months alone, the business has experienced significant growth and there have been more than 150 promotions across the South. The Thames Valley office in particular has celebrated more than 50 promotions including James Titheridge’s promotion to Director. Meanwhile, the Gatwick office has celebrated more than 30 promotions across audit, tax, assurance, deal advisory and consulting departments.

Karen Robb’s move will further strengthen the tax team in the region – she has 22 years’ experience of assisting large corporate and multi-national businesses with their VAT and indirect taxes and in particular advising on tax issues arising as a consequence of cross border and global trade. She has also spent five years working as a VAT inspector for the UK tax authorities.

Her work involves providing consulting and advisory services on the more complicated commercial aspects of large and complex businesses and she works across all sectors with extensive experience in the IT, technology, telecoms and digital media sectors. She will continue to service her existing clients as well as getting alongside businesses in the South East.

She is the chairman of Grant Thornton International’s EMEA indirect tax committee and works with member firms across the world, sharing knowledge and best practice, as well as training and mentoring teams. She also sits on various committees and consultation groups with HMRC and HM Treasury, including, recently, groups concerning new voucher rules and an EU-standardised VAT return.

Karen comments: “I am excited about this new chapter in my Grant Thornton journey and for what it represents for the tax team in the South. I started my career in the region so I feel really positive about coming home and using my many years’ international experience to benefit dynamic businesses as they trade in the UK and globally. I enjoy advising businesses on all matters around UK and international indirect tax and look forward to working alongside the local business community, particularly during this complex season as we wait for a final decision on Brexit.”

Ellen Walsh, Business Unit Leader for Grant Thornton UK LLP added: “Karen’s relocation from London is indicative of the growth we have been experiencing in the South region. We are proud of all the promotions the team have announced over the last quarter – they mark a significant step change for us and show that we are gearing up for further expansion. The South is an incredibly dynamic and buoyant area and we are committed to investing in our teams so we have the very best and most skilled professionals to support businesses as they expand both in the UK and abroad.”