-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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 appointment of Non-Executive Directors to the Boards of SMEs in Northern Ireland is becoming much more common.
A Non-Executive Director (NED) is an individual who works part-time for a business, bringing knowledge and experience to a board. NEDs will often have a number of directorships, dividing their time between different businesses and will typically have enjoyed a successful business career. For growing businesses looking for honest and inexpensive strategic advice a Non-Executive Director can be key to their success.
Whilst for public companies Non–Executive Directors are a statutory obligation and essential in dealing with corporate governance matters, NEDs often undertake a very different role for growing SMEs. For large/ public organisations NEDs are principally responsible for overseeing and monitoring the performance of senior management, including Executive Directors. In SMEs their role is more focussed on providing strategic advice and guiding your growing company through the financial and regulatory hurdles which impede your progress.
As NEDs do not have a hands on role, they will bring significant benefits to companies of all sizes by providing an objective perspective on the business and recognising opportunities that may otherwise be overlooked. They are often chosen to provide expert insight and knowledge in a particular sector and their experience and awareness of potential competitors. Alternatively their skills may provide financial expertise to help raise capital or sell businesses, or to help with management recruitment. NED s often add credibility and professionalism to a company’s Board as it prepares for certain transactions or investment opportunities.
Private Equity Funds and Venture Capital Investors value the input of NEDs and will normally look to appoint individuals who have a wealth of experience to the board as a condition of their investment.
Executive directors, which in SMEs are frequently also shareholders, will often value the involvement of an independent but knowledgeable person to mediate and resolve strategic differences between the executive team.
Before appointing a NED SMEs should consider the qualities they need within their organisation. The ideal candidate would be one with extensive and relevant experience in their industry, but also someone who has strong relationships with business advisors can also help in determining your particular business needs.
Smaller businesses tend to opt for a NED with a finance background as they can be helpful in executing transactions correctly and often provide a valuable skillset for businesses on a growth curve.
NEDs will be most effective where management have clear, specific reasons and objectives for the NED appointment at the outset. Management need to be sure the company’s views and the NEDs views for the future are aligned in advance of an appointment in order for the NED to deliver the best value for money.
It is generally accepted, however, that the appropriate NED with the relevant experience will provide skills which are helpful in controlling the growth strategy and adding real value. It is likely the perfect NED is someone you may already know!
First appeared in the Belfast Telegraph 07 February 2017
