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BDO CHANGES MARK TWO DECADES OF GROWTH 
Stephen Prenter, one of the founding partners of BDO in Northern Ireland, has taken on the new role as Chairman, while Francis Martin is the new Managing Partner.
Since BDO was established the Firm has grown to become one of the largest accountancy and consultancy firms in Northern Ireland and now employs more than 150 people. BDO works with a diverse range of clients including some of Northern Ireland’s most well known and prestigious businesses and organisations. Stephen Prenter says the time is now right for the change in management at the top of the organisation.
“I am proud to have been to the forefront of BDO since the Firm was established almost two decades ago. We have built up a tremendous team of expert professionals and an impressive range of clients. As the Northern Ireland economy has stabilised and grown, so too has BDO. We have been the fastest growing firm of accountants over many years.
“I look forward, in my new role as BDO Chairman, to looking at the firm from a different angle and to serve it in a new way, although I will retain ongoing client relationships. Francis Martin is uniquely positioned to take on the role as Managing Partner, having joined the Firm on the first anniversary of our opening, and having shared in the development of the distinct culture and values that set BDO apart. I firmly believe that Francis and the management team will grow BDO from strength to strength.”
Francis Martin joined BDO in 1990, becoming a Director in 1992 and a Partner three years later. Francis has enjoyed a senior leadership role within the Firm for many years. A Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland and of the Institute of Business Consulting, Francis is a leading and highly experienced Corporate Finance Adviser with experience across a wide range of industries and projects. He has recently assisted international businesses listing on the UK Stock Market and in this capacity he recently spent time in Zimbabwe and Tanzania working with mining businesses.
Francis said,
“I am delighted to have been part of the BDO story almost since the Firm was founded. In assuming the role of Managing Partner I will have lead responsibility for the ongoing operation of the Partnership whilst continuing also to actively work on Corporate Finance assignments with clients. All of us within the Firm are pleased that Stephen will remain involved with BDO and in creating and filling the position of Chairman and I believe that we are sending a very strong message to our clients and to the wider business community about our strength, our depth and about our ambition.
“I share Stephen’s passion for the business and will, as we drive forward our ambitious growth plans, ensure the Firm’s continued focus on strengthening both the quality of service for our clients and our reputation as a leading employer in Northern Ireland. Importantly we will also retain that distinctive culture which has been a hallmark of our success to date.
“This is an exciting time within BDO and we are all looking forward to embracing the challenges and opportunities which lie ahead.”