Business adviser EY is set to recruit more than 1,000 staff over the next four years as it expands its operations in Manchester.
It said it will take on 1,200 additional technology, innovation and strategy -focused roles by 2026.
And it has promised to more than double its number at its Manchester office in St Peter’s Square.
The staff on the three floors there is expected to increase from 800 to 2,000 by 2026, boosted by the expansion of its business with UK Consulting, led by partner Chris Gallagher across the North of England.
EY said its new recruits will strengthen its capabilities in areas such as SAP, Microsoft, and ServiceNow, Cloud, Data Analytics, and Cyber. They also strengthen the company’s existing strengths in Finance, Risk, Supply Chain, Change Management, Change Culture, and Strategy.
Growth was driven by the response to the impact of the pandemic, which ran in the world after Brexit, geopolitical tensions, and the career net zero.
Stephen Church, Manchester office managing partner and North markets leader, said: “When it comes to recruiting tech talent, Manchester is a very attractive location to expand our UK Consulting practice.”
He accepted the investment to expand its business in the city, which is recognized as the fastest growing digital and tech hub in Europe.
He added: “As well as focusing on stimulating our own growth plans, we recognize our role in training the next business leaders, which will undoubtedly require enhanced innovation and technology skills throughout. They careers, to help their businesses keep pace with change, which, in turn, will help them make a bigger impact in the local market.
The Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said: “We welcome EY’s plans to expand its presence in Manchester, a decision that reflects the economic strength of our city’s region.
“Greater Manchester is Europe’s fastest growing digital and tech hub and we are home to the largest financial and professional services industry outside of London. Large global companies like EY understand that our city region offers access to talent and a supportive environment, while providing their employees with an amazing quality of life.
“This investment will deliver jobs, skills, and opportunities that will benefit people across Greater Manchester.”
The announcement follows the recent launch of EY’s Neuro-Diverse Center of Excellence (NCoE) in January, which creates up to 100 jobs, to stimulate innovation and meet clients ’business needs with emerging technologies, such as of artificial intelligence, data science, blockchain and cyber.
EY Manchester will also be the next location in the UK, followed by London and Edinburgh, for a Wavespace center. The Wavespace team helps organizations undergoing significant change to address key business challenges – from making complex global supply chains more sustainable to using AI to help manage tax compliance.