Bristol-based R&D tax credit consultancy ForrestBrown is forecasting further expansion this year having grown its turnover by more than 100% in 2016 and doubled its staffing by taking on 19 more staff.
The Clifton firm, launched by managing director Simon Brown in 2013, also opened its first London office – at WeWork Moorgate – last year to give its team with a base to service its London clients – and last month took on an additional 3,400 sq ft at its Whiteladies Road head office to support its continued growth.
It also won a clutch of awards last year, including Best Independent Consultancy Firm at The Taxation Awards, was shortlisted for Lloyds Bank New Business of the Year at the National Business Awards 2016, and was placed at number 13 in the Start-ups 100 index for 2016.
The firm’s 19 new joiners throughout 2016 included four tax associates, two tax consultants, six tax managers, a technical specialist, a research consultant, legal counsel, a marketing manager, a business process manager and a partnership manager. The appointments took ForrestBrown’s staffing to 39.
2016 was the first year ForrestBrown recruited professionals at the beginning of their tax career – those who want to develop a specialism in the R&D tax industry.
As well as having its own dedicated professional development programme for recruits, ForrestBrown will also supports five staff through their tax qualifications in the next year.
Simon Brown said: “The success we have enjoyed in 2016, and which has been sustained since we started, is down to the incredible dedication and hard work shown by each member of the team.
“We have surpassed all of our targets for growth and with the new additions to the team we are all excited for what 2017 holds.
“Following last year’s pro-innovation Autumn Statement that promised a number of incentives and direct funding for R&D, we are expecting to see further economic growth within the South West’s creative, science and technology industries. We are hopeful of exciting new opportunities for the region as a result.”
Pictured: ForrestBrown’s new joiners
