One of the world’s “Big Four” professional services firms is to move its Aberdeen business from the west end into prestigious new offices in the heart of the city.
EY’s 170-strong Granite City team, currently based in Blenheim House on Fountainhall Road, will relocate to Marischal Square next year.
The firm will occupy more than 9,500sq ft of office space on the fourth floor of the 2MSq building, which is also home to Royal Bank of Scotland.
EY said its decision to move into 2MSq underlined its “ongoing commitment” to the Granite City and was part of wider growth plans for Scotland.
The firm – formerly Ernst and Young – has had its Aberdeen base in Blenheim House since 2006, when it moved from Huntly Street under a lease deal that reportedly set a new rental record for the city.
Muse Developments, the firm behind the award-winning, £107 million Marischal Square development, said securing a client of EY’s standing was further evidence of the buildings becoming “firmly established as one of the city’s landmark office projects”.
Stephen Turner, regional director Scotland for Muse, added: “We are genuinely delighted that EY has chosen Marischal Square as the base for its future development in north-east Scotland.
“The buzz around Marischal Square is palpable and we continue to make steady progress with other potential occupiers who are showing strong interest.”
Aberdeen City Council co-leader Douglas Lumsden said: “It is fantastic news an international company such as EY is moving off-ices to the grade A space at Marischal Square. EY is a global business with long-standing presence in Aberdeen – the kind of business we wish to see locating in the city centre.
“One of the main goals of Marischal Square was to bring jobs and investment back to this part of the city centre. This move will bring increased footfall to the area through EY’s already busy client base which will benefit the other businesses in the east end of Union Street and, in turn, help the economy of the city and wider region.”
EY’s relocation plans come at a busy time for the firm in Aberdeen.
There have been 19 hires for the Granite City practice this year alone, with 10 graduates and school-leavers recently welcomed into the firm.
Derek Leith, EY’s global oil and gas tax leader and Aberdeen senior partner, said: “It’s an exciting time to be part of our business.
“Not only are we celebrating 10 years of continued strong growth in Aberdeen, but we are also investing in local talent and developing our skillset to meet industry needs and the ever-changing challenges our clients face in the global energy market.
“Aberdeen is strategically important to our firm and the forthcoming move to MSq demonstrates our ongoing commitment to the city and its economy by being based in the heart of the community.
“We want to provide our people with high-quality office space, whilst also being in close proximity to our clients and local amenities.
“The global energy industry continues to face fundamental changes, but there are also real opportunities for the region’s businesses.
“EY’s ongoing commitment to the region and further investment in our people will ensure we continue to support Aberdeen’s local business community.
“Our ambition to grow our business and workforce in Aberdeen over the next year is a key component of our Scotland-wide drive to increase headcount by 25% in 2020.”
EY recently reported record global revenue of £29.4 billion.
The London-headquartered firm employs more than 260,000 people around the world.
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