EY’s Aberdeen business has confirmed plans to move to new office space on Marischal Square as part of the firm’s continued investment in the city and further growth plans in Scotland.
The current office, at Blenheim House, Fountainhall, has been occupied by EY since 2006. EY will be moving to Marischal Square, occupying more than 9,500 sq ft of office space on the fourth floor of the city centre complex. EY currently employs around 170 people in Aberdeen.
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EY’s office relocation, planned for next summer, is part of a bigger move to support the continued growth of its Aberdeen practice and re-emphasise its capability and commitment to exploration and productions companies, oilfield services and the wider supply chain.
This year alone EY has made 19 hires to its Aberdeen practice, with 10 graduates and school leavers recently welcomed into the firm.
EY’s skills within Scotland’s energy sector were also boosted by the appointed of a new equity partner to lead its growing Innovation Incentives team in July. Jonathan Boddy is already familiar to many EY clients in Aberdeen having joined the firm in 2011. Jonathan’s appointment reflects the work he has been leading to assist businesses access R&D tax credits and innovation grant funding, including large scale multi-nationals based in Aberdeen.
Derek Leith, EY’s Global Oil and Gas Tax Leader and Aberdeen Senior Partner said:
“It’s an exciting time to be part of our business – not only are we celebrating 10 years of continued strong growth in Aberdeen we are also investing in local talent and developing our skillset to meet industry needs and the ever-changing challenges our clients face in the global energy market.
“Aberdeen is strategically important to our firm and the forthcoming move to MSq demonstrates our ongoing commitment to the city and its economy by being based in the heart of the community. We want to provide our people with high quality office space, whilst also being in close proximity to our clients and local amenities.
“The global energy industry continues to face fundamental changes, but there are also real opportunities for the region’s businesses. We are pleased to have advised on the Aberdeen City and Shire deal, to be involved with the Oil and Gas Technology Centre, and to be working closely with Opportunity North East – an organisation focused on the diversification, and continued success of the North East economy. As EY’s global oil and gas tax leader, I am in the privileged position of being able to bring EY’s global insight on energy transition into the Aberdeen market and to play a small part in ensuring the North East embraces the challenges and opportunities that flow from such a fundamental change.
“Our ambition to grow our business and workforce in Aberdeen over the next year is a key component of our Scotland-wide drive to increase headcount by 25% in 2020. I am delighted that Jonathan’s expertise in incentives and innovation has been recognised in his admission to the partnership.
“The Aberdeenshire market is brimming with ambitious and talented individuals who want to work with a diverse range of clients. Ranging from owner-managed scale ups seeking local support with funding and people strategy, through to established blue-chip brands with global operations. EY’s ongoing commitment to the region and further investment in our people will ensure we continue to support Aberdeen’s local business community.”
Stephen Turner, Regional Director, Scotland, at Muse Developments said securing a client of EY’s standing was further evidence Marischal Square had become firmly established as one of the city’s landmark office projects.
He added: “We are genuinely delighted that EY has chosen to Marischal Square as the base for its future development in north east Scotland.
“It is clear the Grade-A office space and excellent amenity on site delivers exactly what progressive firms are looking for. The buzz around Marischal Square is palpable and we continue to make steady progress with other potential occupiers who are showing strong interest.”
Aberdeen City Council City Centre Co-leader Councillor Douglas Lumsden said: “It is fantastic news that an international company such as EY is moving offices to the Grade A space at Marischal Square.
“EY is a global business with long-standing presence in Aberdeen and is precisely the kind of business we wish to see locating in the city centre – one of the main goals of Marischal Square was to bring jobs and investment back to this part of the city centre.
“The move will bring increased footfall to the area through their already busy client base which will benefit the other businesses in the east end of Union Street and in turn helps the economy of the city and wider region.”
