The UK’s fastest-growing accountancy firm Sumer, which employs around 120 staff in its Belfast operation, is to join the GGI Global Alliance in a move it says will unlock new global growth opportunities for the firm and the SMEs it serves.
The GCI international network for professional services firms generates an annual cumulative fee income exceeding $6.35 billion (about £5.1bn) and boasts a network of over 870 offices in 126 countries, offering global accounting, legal and consulting services.
By joining the network as an independent member firm, Sumer says it strengthens its ability to support clients’ ambitions for international expansion, share best practices, and drive innovation at scale.
Since its inception, Sumer has grown rapidly through acquisition. It now employs more than 2,200 people at 56 offices and generates an annual turnover of more than £200 million.
Sumer only entered the Northern Ireland marketplace in June 2024 following a merger with chartered accountancy firm ASM’s base in the city, and since then it has seen a 20% growth in staff.
Led by managing director Brian Clerkin, it provides a range of services including audit and accounting, corporate finance, insolvency, forensic accounting, internal audit and tax services to public, private and not-for-profit sector clients.
Recognised as a top 20 UK accountancy practice by Accountancy Age’s Top 50+50, Sumer UK has rapidly scaled operations, achieving a 605% growth in total fee income since 2023.
Its UK chief executive Warren Mead said: “GGI has one of the strongest global networks of any accountancy association, and they stood out not only for the depth of their network but for their remarkable cultural alignment. Beyond professional credentials, they have made us feel genuinely valued and welcomed.”
Marco Izzo, chief operating officer at GGI Global Alliance, added: “With Sumer Group’s extensive presence across England, Northern Ireland and Scotland, we’ve no doubt its contribution will be instrumental in fostering even further the collaboration and business exchange opportunities between GGI members worldwide.”
Sumer’s strategy involves forming regional hubs, such as Belfast, to serve the SME market. These hubs play a key role in empowering local communities and strengthening the wider economy by providing greater access to expertise, technology and a comprehensive range of services.
