Grant Thornton, the business and financial advisory firm, has opened a new office in Colchester, set to accommodate around 50 colleagues. The practice, based at Unit 7, Tollgate Business Park, aims to strengthen the firm’s presence in North Essex, where it has worked with local businesses for more than 25 years.
The Colchester office will also create pathways into professional services careers for alumni of the University of Essex and Colchester Sixth Form College, including school-leaver programmes, graduate schemes, and mentoring. Several team members began their careers locally through apprenticeships or trainee programmes and have since progressed to senior roles within the firm.
Tim Taylor, partner and practice lead for Grant Thornton’s Colchester office, said: “Our roots here run deep. The strength of the local economy and the ambition of businesses in this region have always inspired us. Opening our new Colchester office allows us to build on that heritage, continue supporting our long-standing clients, and forge new relationships with innovative, fast-growth businesses. Colchester is a vibrant city with a brilliant business ecosystem, and we’re excited to play an even bigger role in its future.”
Jake Fewell, entrepreneurial services manager at Grant Thornton, added: “I grew up in the area – not far from Stanway, which is just minutes from our new office – and started my Grant Thornton career through a school-leaver programme. I had the opportunity to gain international experience with Grant Thornton in Sydney, before ultimately returning to Essex with the firm. I’m incredibly proud we’ve made the move to my hometown, helping local businesses thrive and mentoring the next generation of professionals. We’re passionate about giving back to the area.”
