International accountancy group EY is to double the size of its West of England-based advisory team to 100 people over the next 12 months as it continues to grow its staffing levels in the region.
The group also said it plans to increase its total head count in the office in Bristol from 350 to 500 by 2020, from which it covers the South West and Wales. 
The announcement of the new jobs came as the group posted its UK financial results, which showed revenue up by 2.7% to £2.41bn in the year to June 30, with a five-year compound annual growth rate of 7%.
Among the high points during the year for the Bristol office was being ranked as one of the ‘Best Companies to Work For’ in the South West by The Sunday Times in its first regional list celebrating employee engagement.
EY South West & Wales managing partner Andrew Perkins, pictured, said: “Our results reflect the momentum we’re seeing in the market and the continued economic success of Bristol and the South West & Wales region, underpinning our confidence in the investments we are making to drive growth for our clients and for our business.
“To be named one of the ‘Best Companies to Work For in the South West’ is a fantastic achievement and recognition of the importance we place on the mental and physical wellbeing of our people.
“Building on our global commitment to build a better working world, we also invest in local communities – this year, we took part in the annual South West Byte Night, sleeping out on the streets of Bristol and raising funds for Action for Children; we invited staff to volunteer with organisations such as Avon Wildlife Trust; and are proud sponsors of the Gromit Unleashed 2 charity initiative in support of Bristol Children’s Hospital.”
South West & Wales head of financial services Andy Blackmore added: “We have big ambitions for our South West & Wales practice after reporting growth in financial year 2018, and we continue to recruit to meet the growing demands of our clients and strengthen our focus on the impact of new technologies to support regional businesses.
“A renewed focus on the regional mid-market and continued commitment to the financial services sector will support the next phase of our growth with expected headcount in Bristol to grow in excess of 500 people by 2020.”
