Michael Blain, RSM: The Strategic vision for the South West & Attracting Quality Talent

We recently spoke to Michael Blain, Kate Reid and Mark Taylor to discuss their plans for growth of RSM's South West business across the region, the growing opportunities for their Swindon office as part of RSM South West and the importance of attracting quality talent.

RSM South West is a two-location business with offices based in Bristol and Swindon, employing over 160 staff, giving RSM access to both local and regional markets in a way that differentiates from their competitors.

Michael Blain is the Managing Partner of RSM UK's Swindon office and Kate Reid is the Managing Partner of Bristol, working alongside Mark Taylor who is the Regional Managing Partner for the region.

Kate, Michael and Mark are leading the strategic vision for the RSM South West business and RSM across the region.

With a vibrant and growing economy local to Swindon and the town being located on the M4 between Bristol and Reading, the Top 10 accountancy firm view the local market as a significant opportunity for them to grow into and expand their offering in the South West

"Having arrived in the Swindon office in April from the Basingstoke office, I was excited by the number of middle market businesses in the Swindon area and opportunity for growth that gives us.

Swindon has a vibrant and fast growing economy with significant inward investment and a strong technology focus , our vision for the office is to lead the way in digital accounting, grow our private client centre of excellence and expand our digital accounting expertise.

As the only top 10 firm located in Swindon ,our base in the town gives middle market business access to RSMs accounting and advisory services both nationally and internationally." commented Michael.

Linking the Swindon office with Bristol as part of RSM South West, a two location business, gives RSM both real critical mass and accesses the middle market in the South West to significantly grow the business, it’s a real market differentiator and the next step of investment RSM.

Swindon is the UK's 7th most 'investable town' suggesting that it is a location not only to invest in from a financial and commercial perspective but also a location that presents a wealth of opportunities for professionals and their careers.

The local area is one of the most innovative and knowledge intensive areas in the UK with a wide mix of businesses from entrepreneurial businesses through to corporates based in the area.

The opportunity for growth and strategic location has resulted in the firm looking to build Swindon as a private client and digital accounting hub for RSM South West, expanding the firm’s presence in the South West market and the services available to all businesses.

RSM is committed to working with clients to embrace the change that digital and AI brings to business, supporting them to modernise their digital accounting and drive operational efficiency, as well as playing a more strategic and advisory role in their business. RSM Swindon are a Platinum Xero Partner with a focus on becoming a leading digital accounting firm.

"We are focused on working with entrepreneurial businesses, leading on digital accounting and providing clients with the advice and support to help them focus effective management and efficient process.”

With this vision, the firm are looking to attract the very best talent from across the region so that the firm's growth is aligned with the South West economy and areas of growth.

The firm is looking for leaders and innovative individuals to join the with the ability to shape the direction and build RSM's presence across the South West.

Mark said, "Our vision for the coming years and the opportunity in the South West, presents a platform for senior professionals to join a growing firm at time when there is room to shape and direct the team.

We are looking to add individuals to our team who have a passion for technology and innovation."