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Business Risk Services
Our Business Risk Services team deliver practical and pragmatic solutions that support clients in growing and protecting the inherent value of their businesses.
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Corporate Finance and Deal Advisory
We offer a dedicated team of experienced individuals with a focus on successfully executing transactions for corporates and financial institutions. We offer an integrated approach, with our corporate finance specialists working seamlessly with tax and other specialists to ensure that every angle is covered.
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Economic Advisory
Our all-island Economics Advisory team combines expertise in economics and business with a wealth of experience across the public and private sectors.
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Forensic Accounting
We have a different way of doing business by delivering real insight through a combination of technical rigour, commercial experience and intuitive judgment. We take pride in delivering responsive and tailored solutions to all our clients, capitalising on the wealth of experience housed within our Belfast and wider Forensics team
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People and Change Consulting
The Grant Thornton People & Change Consulting practice works with clients on these issues as well as on all aspects of how they attract, retain, engage develop, deploy and lead their people.
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Restructuring
We work with a wide variety of clients and stakeholders such as high street banks, private equity funds, directors, government agencies and creditors to implement solutions which provide the best possible outcomes.
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Technology Consulting
Motivating and assisting our clients to pursue, maintain and secure the benefits of digital solutions is at the core of our Digital Transformation teams' agenda and goals. We work with business leaders to deliver efficient digital strategies and operating models that provide new or enhanced capabilities.
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Corporate and International Tax
Northern Ireland businesses face further challenges as they operate in the only part of the UK that has a land border with a country offering a lower tax rate.
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Employer Solutions
Our team specialises in remuneration and incentive planning and works closely with employers, shareholders and employees to ensure that business strategies are aligned and goals achieved in the most tax efficient, cost-effective manner.
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Entrepreneur and Private Client Taxes
Our team of experienced advisors are on hand to guide you through any decision or transaction ranging from the establishment of new business ventures, to realising value on exit, to succession planning and providing for loved ones.
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Global Mobility Services
Grant Thornton Ireland offer a different approach to managing global mobility. We have brought together specialists from our tax, global payroll, people and change and financial accounting teams across Ireland and Northern Ireland, while drawing on the knowledge and insights of our global network of over 143 offices of mobility professionals to provide you with a holistic approach to managing global mobility.
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Outsourced Payroll
Our outsourced service provides valued service to over 150 separate PAYE schemes. These ranging from 1 to 1000 employees, working for micro, SME and global employers. The service is supported by the integrated network of tax and global mobility teams and the wider Grant Thornton network delivering a seamless service. Experienced staff deliver a personal service built around your business needs.
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Tax Disputes and Investigations
Our Tax Disputes and Investigation team is made up of tax experts and former HMRC investigators who have years of experience in dealing with a variety of tax investigations. Our expertise and insight can guide you through all interactions, keeping your cost at a minimum while allowing you to continue with the day to day running of your business.
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VAT and Indirect Taxes
At Grant Thornton (NI) LLP, our team helps Northern Ireland businesses manage their UK and global indirect tax risks which, as transactional taxes, can quickly become big liabilities.
The 5 Principles of Good Governance
17 Apr 2018Following a number of high profile corporate failures, the corporate governance arrangements in many large companies have been in the spotlight throughout the first quarter of 2018. The UK government has reacted by issuing a consultation on further reforms to the corporate governance and corporate insolvency frameworks, designed to target "irresponsible" behaviour by companies and their directors when a business is in or is approaching financial difficulty.
Ultimately the Boards of Directors are responsible for the governance of their companies. The shareholders' role in governance is to appoint the Directors and the auditors and to satisfy themselves that an appropriate governance structure is in place. Whilst the formal Corporate Governance Code applies to all listed companies, many local business owners now recognise the benefits of applying the ‘best practice’ set out in the Code, to the systems that direct and control their companies.
There are 5 key principles forming the core for the governance under the Code. Those companies striving towards ‘best practice’ should consider all of them.
Those wishing to benchmark their company against ‘best practice’ should consider the following 5 key principles, that are the core of corporate governance under the Code:
Leadership: every company should be headed by an effective Board which is collectively responsible for the long-term success of the company. The Board should consist of the correct balance of skills and experience to allow effective operation. A clear division of responsibilities should be in place to ensure that one individual does not have excessive power over decision making.
Effectiveness: in our previous article “ignore board auditing at your company’s peril” we emphasised the requirement for an annual review of the effectiveness of Boards and Committees. This is to ensure that the functions being carried out by Board and Committees are effective.
Accountability: Board reporting should present a fair, balanced and understandable assessment of the company’s position and prospects. Reporting should address the accountability of the Board; address the business risks and viability; and communicate performance and outcomes in the context of the company’s business model and strategy. The Audit Committee is particularly important, in its consideration of the annual report; principal risks and risk management, internal control systems and how they are monitored.
Remuneration: the company’s remuneration report should be clear and concise. It should be easily identifiable how the remuneration strategy connects to the company strategy and purpose, with an explanation as to why the remuneration policy is best suited for the company. Executive remuneration should be proportional and focused on the long-term.
Relationship with Shareholders: the Board as a whole has responsibility for ensuring that a satisfactory dialogue with shareholders takes place. Shareholders should be encouraged to participate in general meetings as a method of communicating with the Board.
It is too early to determine whether the government’s consultation will impact all companies, or only listed entities. However strong corporate governance principles and the way in which they are applied should be a key focus for any Board, irrespective of size.