Thomson Cooper, a Scottish accountancy firm, has opened a third office and promoted Chris Steedman to audit director, changes it announced on September 24. The firm said the expansion followed growing demand from clients and was intended to strengthen the way it delivers services across different business sectors. The promotion came as the practice reported growth in its audit team, and the two moves were presented together as evidence of that momentum.
Steedman joined Thomson Cooper in 2025 as a senior audit manager, having previously held a senior role at one of the Big Four accountancy firms. He has since gained Responsible Individual status from ICAS, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland. That status is a requirement for auditors who lead engagements and sign audit reports on behalf of a firm, and marks a step up in his responsibilities.
The firm did not specify where the new office is located. Adding a third base is a notable step for a mid-sized regional practice, and reflects wider competition among accountancy firms in Scotland for staff and clients as demand for audit and advisory work has held up. Recruitment and retention of qualified auditors remain challenges across the profession, and firms have moved to promote from within to keep experienced staff. Thomson Cooper has built its business serving owner-managed companies and family firms across central Scotland.
“I have always enjoyed the variety that audit brings, working closely with businesses across different sectors and helping to provide confidence in financial reporting,” Steedman said. Alan Mitchell, the managing partner, said the promotion recognised Steedman’s technical ability and reflected the growth and success of the audit team at the firm.
Audit has faced heightened scrutiny in recent years following corporate failures that raised questions about the quality of financial reporting. Firms have responded by investing in their audit teams and tightening standards. Smaller companies still require annual audits and advisory support, and regional practices have positioned themselves as an alternative to the largest players. Thomson Cooper said the changes would help it serve clients across a wider area, and did not name a figure for the investment tied to the new office.
