Member Article

John Coates steps up to Partner as GT Midlands audit practice grows

Business advisory firm Grant Thornton has announced the promotion of John Coates to Partner.

John, 45, is based in Birmingham but works across the audit practice in the firm’s Central region, which covers the East and West Midlands, Cambridge, Milton Keynes, and East Anglia. Having joined Grant Thornton in 2016, John previously worked for Jaguar Land Rover and PwC.

The promotion recognises the role John plays supporting dynamic mid-market businesses in a diverse range of industries, along with the experience he brings to advising global groups that have UK operations. Closer to home, he is also one of Grant Thornton’s Audit Quality Leads, with a brief to ensure the firm retains the highest professional standards.

John Coates said: “Partnership is a big milestone in any professional service career and I’m very pleased to commit my future to the ongoing success of Grant Thornton. I enjoy the empowered culture within the firm, which offers huge opportunities for all of our people. There is also a collegiate approach to the way we go to market. It ensures our clients receive support and advice that considers all the angles on the issues that matter most to them. Our Central region covers some of the most significant economic geography in the country, including automotive and manufacturing in the Midlands and life science and tech around Cambridge. A year of lockdown, plus our pending exit from the EU, has created operational and financial risks for businesses of every shape and size, but our client base is proving to be highly resilient in the face of these challenges. I’m excited that Grant Thornton remains well placed to be the advisor of choice in supporting them as the trading environment and opportunities improve as we move into 2021 and beyond.”

David Hillan, Partner and West Midlands practice leader at Grant Thornton said: “We warmly welcome John to our partnership. His ability to help clients with complex audit issues, international experience and focus on ensuring the firms’ professional excellence is maintained will continue to make a valuable contribution to our growth aspirations.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Helena Young .