---
title: UK professional services media reputation tracker – September 2026
canonical_url: https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-professional-services-2026-09
type: dataset
publisher: Omniscan
sector: UK Professional Services
period: September 2026
coverage_start: '2026-09-01'
coverage_end: '2026-09-30'
date_published: '2026-10-04'
last_updated: '2026-10-04'
organisations: 8
articles_analysed: 352
mentions: 264
data_download: https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-professional-services-2026-09/data.json
summary: KPMG had the highest average monthly share of coverage (20.5%) among 8 firms
  in UK earned media from 1 September 2026 to 30 September 2026, ahead of Deloitte
  (17.8%) and PwC (16.7%).
---

# UK professional services media reputation tracker: September 2026 (1 September 2026–30 September 2026)

> KPMG had the highest average monthly share of coverage (20.5%) among 8 firms in UK earned media from 1 September 2026 to 30 September 2026, ahead of Deloitte (17.8%) and PwC (16.7%). Grant Thornton had the most favourable net tone (+71). Omniscan analysed 352 articles containing 264 mentions of the firms tracked.

Interactive version: https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-professional-services-2026-09

## UK Professional Services ranking by share of coverage, September 2026

| Rank | Organisation | Average monthly share of coverage | Mentions | Positive | Neutral | Negative | Net tone |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 1 | KPMG | 20.5% | 54 | 6% | 46% | 48% | −43 |
| 2 | Deloitte | 17.8% | 47 | 30% | 59% | 11% | +19 |
| 3 | PwC | 16.7% | 44 | 20% | 55% | 25% | −5 |
| 4 | Grant Thornton | 13.3% | 35 | 71% | 29% | 0% | +71 |
| 5 | BDO | 11.7% | 31 | 32% | 65% | 3% | +29 |
| 6 | EY | 9.5% | 25 | 12% | 76% | 12% | 0 |
| 7 | RSM UK | 6.8% | 18 | 33% | 67% | 0% | +33 |
| 8 | Forvis Mazars | 3.8% | 10 | 50% | 50% | 0% | +50 |

## Firms in detail

### KPMG

**UK advisory cuts dominate KPMG’s September coverage**

KPMG ranked 1st of 8 by average monthly share of coverage (20.5%) in the UK Professional Services benchmark for September 2026, with 54 mentions and a net tone of −43.

KPMG’s proposal to cut about 200 UK advisory roles, including positions in data, AI and cyber teams, led the month’s company-focused reporting. The firm ranked first with 54 mentions, representing 20.5% of tracked-company mentions. Talent and workforce was the leading subject with 27 mentions, ahead of technology and AI with seven, while fines and investigations and clients and market share each recorded six. The FRC’s investigation into KPMG’s audits of Prax Group’s State Oil business provided another material strand of independent reporting. Technology coverage included KPMG International’s dispute with Grant Thornton UK over AI-related audit savings, which featured in wider scrutiny of audit fees and quality. Client-related reporting included Tata Chemicals replacing KPMG as auditor of four UK subsidiaries following disagreement over fees, while Fellwood Advisory recruited two senior debt-advisory specialists from the firm.

Key messages:

- KPMG accounted for 20.5% of tracked-company mentions and ranked #1 among 8 in September 2026.
- Coverage concentrated on Talent & Workforce and Technology & AI.
- 54 captured company mentions were recorded in September 2026.
- KPMG proposed about 200 UK advisory redundancies, including AI and cyber roles — Financial Times.

Leading themes:

- Talent & Workforce: 50.0% of KPMG's coverage (theme index 1.4, net tone −56)
- Technology & AI: 13.0% of KPMG's coverage (theme index 1.13, net tone 0)
- Fines & Investigations: 11.1% of KPMG's coverage (theme index 5.83, net tone −100)

Notable positive coverage:

- 3 September 2026, businesscloud.co.uk: [Hearld announces KPMG exit after 34 years](https://businesscloud.co.uk/news/hearld-announces-kpmg-exit-after-34-years/). KPMG group managing partner Chris Hearld will retire in 2027 after 34 years with the firm. Vicki Heard, currently head of tax and legal services, will succeed him.
- 4 September 2026, accountancytoday.co.uk: [KPMG UK appoints new group managing partner](https://www.accountancytoday.co.uk/2026/09/04/kpmg-uk-appoints-new-group-managing-partner/). KPMG UK/Swiss Group has appointed Vicki Heard as group managing partner designate, with full responsibility beginning in January 2027. Alan Turner will replace Heard as head of tax and legal services, while outgoing group managing partner Chris Hearld retires.

Notable negative coverage:

- 15 September 2026, cityam.com: [KPMG wields axe again with 200 tech and cyber roles on the block](https://www.cityam.com/kpmg-wields-axe-again-with-200-tech-and-cyber-roles-on-the-block/). KPMG UK is consulting on 200 redundancies in its data, technology and cyber advisory teams, around 4% of its permanent advisory workforce. The cuts follow several other reported UK redundancy rounds during 2026.
- 15 September 2026, thetimes.com: [KPMG lays off more UK consultants because too few are leaving](https://www.thetimes.com/business/companies-markets/article/kpmg-uk-consultants-big-four-staff-6zrt59wf0). KPMG plans to cut about 200 UK advisory roles because low attrition and weaker consulting demand have left it overstaffed. The cuts form part of a broader cost-control programme and follow substantial job reductions earlier in the year.
- 15 September 2026, ft.com: [KPMG to cut another 200 jobs in UK advisory business](https://www.ft.com/content/b2e7f97c-7c80-4dac-bfb8-24301a4366fa?syn-25a6b1a6=1). KPMG is proposing approximately 200 redundancies in its UK advisory data and technology division, including AI and cyber teams. The reductions follow earlier UK job cuts amid low attrition and weak consulting demand.

- [KPMG deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-professional-services-2026-09?entity=kpmg&view=deep-dive)
- [KPMG PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-professional-services-2026-09/reports/kpmg.pdf)

### Deloitte

**Deloitte combines profit growth with hiring and AI investment**

Deloitte ranked 2nd of 8 by average monthly share of coverage (17.8%) in the UK Professional Services benchmark for September 2026, with 47 mentions and a net tone of +19.

Deloitte UK reported 2% revenue growth to £5.81bn, a 14% increase in distributable profit to £899m and average equity-partner profit of £1.125m, alongside workforce reductions and a return to consulting growth. The firm ranked second with 47 mentions, representing 17.8% of tracked-company mentions. Talent and workforce led the subject mix with 16 mentions, followed by technology and AI with 10, partner pay and profits with six, and consulting and advisory with five. Deloitte recruited 1,353 graduates, apprentices and industrial-placement recruits across 21 UK offices, with technical-academy entrants taking its early-career intake to about 1,500, while Andrew Wright was appointed to lead its South West and Wales practice. Technology coverage included a planned $3bn investment in AI and modernisation through 2030, research into employees’ use of generative AI and Deloitte’s role in an NHS surgical AI pilot. Further reporting covered the roughly $8m Deloitte received for work on Corporate Travel’s accounts, while KPMG was separately engaged to review that work and received most of the $23.7m in forensic-accounting fees.

Key messages:

- Deloitte accounted for 17.8% of tracked-company mentions and ranked #2 among 8 in September 2026.
- Coverage concentrated on Talent & Workforce and Technology & AI.
- 47 captured company mentions were recorded in September 2026.
- Deloitte UK’s revenue and partner-profit results, reported by the Financial Times.

Leading themes:

- Talent & Workforce: 34.0% of Deloitte's coverage (theme index 0.86, net tone +19)
- Technology & AI: 21.3% of Deloitte's coverage (theme index 2.2, net tone +20)
- Partner Pay & Profits: 12.8% of Deloitte's coverage (theme index 1.98, net tone +33)

Notable positive coverage:

- 1 September 2026, insidermedia.com: [Deloitte Legal announces new UK MD - corporate lawyer is based in Manchester](https://www.insidermedia.com/news/north-west/deloitte-legal-announces-new-uk-md-corporate-lawyer-is-based-in-manchester). Deloitte Legal has appointed Manchester-based corporate lawyer Chris Hardman as managing director of its UK business, succeeding Richard Punt. The firm also announced three partner promotions and highlighted its AI-powered legal-services strategy.
- 2 September 2026, accountancytoday.co.uk: [Deloitte hires 1,500 early-careers staff in regional push](https://www.accountancytoday.co.uk/2026/09/02/deloitte-hires-1500-early-careers-staff-in-regional-push/). Deloitte UK has recruited more than 1,500 early-careers staff, including graduates, apprentices and technology trainees. Forty-four percent of the latest intake will be based outside London across regional offices.
- 4 September 2026, accountancydaily.co: [Numbers hold up at Deloitte with intake of 1,353 accountancy trainees](https://www.accountancydaily.co/numbers-hold-deloitte-intake-1353-accountancy-trainees). Deloitte UK has recruited 1,353 graduates, apprentices and placement students, alongside around 150 additional starters, taking its trainee population to about 2,800. The intake is broadly comparable with last year despite concerns that AI may reduce entry-level hiring.

Notable negative coverage:

- 4 September 2026, globallegalpost.com: [Travers Smith bolsters employment ranks with Deloitte partner hire](https://www.globallegalpost.com/news/travers-smith-bolsters-employment-ranks-with-deloitte-partner-hire-1544718420). Travers Smith has hired Andrew Howard as an employment-law partner from Deloitte in London. Howard had led Deloitte's people and employee relations team since 2024.
- 3 September 2026, legalbusiness.co.uk: [Norton Rose Fulbright hires Deloitte partner for digital regulation build](https://www.legalbusiness.co.uk/law-firms/norton-rose-fulbright-hires-deloitte-partner-for-digital-regulation-build/). Norton Rose Fulbright has hired digital regulation partner Joanna Conway into its London office from Deloitte Legal. Conway had spent nearly six years at Deloitte.

- [Deloitte deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-professional-services-2026-09?entity=deloitte&view=deep-dive)
- [Deloitte PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-professional-services-2026-09/reports/deloitte.pdf)

### PwC

**PwC results and partner pay dominate September coverage**

PwC ranked 3rd of 8 by average monthly share of coverage (16.7%) in the UK Professional Services benchmark for September 2026, with 44 mentions and a net tone of −5.

PwC reported 2% UK revenue growth to £4.365bn and an 8% rise in profit per partner to a record £935,000, while its UK-led group revenue fell 3% amid a 15% decline in Middle East revenue. These results led the month’s coverage, with partner pay and profits accounting for 11 of PwC’s 44 mentions, followed by talent and workforce with 10. Consulting and advisory accounted for seven mentions and clients and market share for six, including PwC’s work as NCP’s administrator in discussions over the sale of roughly 100 sites to Martin Property Group. Leadership developments included the appointment of Joga Singh as central region market leader and Birmingham senior partner, succeeding David Morris as he prepared to take a consulting leadership role at PwC Middle East. PwC UK also appointed Jeremy Bassinder as chief AI officer, while reporting linked its wider technology agenda to a standalone technology and AI unit and a proposed US-India venture of about 40,000 people. Overall, PwC ranked third with 16.7% of tracked-company mentions in September, giving it a substantial competitive presence shaped principally by financial results, workforce matters and senior appointments.

Key messages:

- PwC accounted for 16.7% of tracked-company mentions and ranked #3 among 8 in September 2026.
- Coverage concentrated on Partner Pay & Profits and Talent & Workforce.
- 44 captured company mentions were recorded in September 2026.
- PwC’s UK business grew while Middle East disruption affected wider group revenue — City AM

Leading themes:

- Partner Pay & Profits: 25.0% of PwC's coverage (theme index 6.11, net tone −36)
- Talent & Workforce: 22.7% of PwC's coverage (theme index 0.54, net tone 0)
- Consulting & Advisory: 15.9% of PwC's coverage (theme index 1.09, net tone 0)

Notable positive coverage:

- 14 September 2026, eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk: [PwC UK appoints regional market leader for its central region](https://www.eastmidlandsbusinesslink.co.uk/mag/featured/pwc-uk-appoints-regional-market-leader-for-its-central-region/). PwC UK has appointed Joga Singh as central region market leader and Birmingham market senior partner. He succeeds David Morris, who is becoming COO of PwC Middle East's consulting practice.
- 14 September 2026, insidermedia.com: [Deals partner to head up PwC's Central Region](https://www.insidermedia.com/news/national/deals-partner-to-head-up-pwcs-central-region). PwC UK has appointed Deals partner Joga Singh as Central Region market leader and Birmingham market senior partner. He succeeds David Morris, who is moving to become COO of PwC Middle East's Consulting practice.
- 17 September 2026, accountancytoday.co.uk: [PwC appoints Joga Singh as central region market leader](https://www.accountancytoday.co.uk/2026/09/17/pwc-appoints-joga-singh-as-central-region-market-leader/). PwC UK appointed Joga Singh as central region market leader and Birmingham market senior partner. He succeeds David Morris, who is moving to a consulting leadership role at PwC Middle East.

Notable negative coverage:

- 16 September 2026, independent.co.uk: [WH Smith set for sharp fall in profits amid cost and trading pressures](https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/wh-smith-shares-financial-conduct-authority-pwc-deloitte-b3050961.html). WH Smith expects annual underlying pre-tax profit to fall to about £75m amid trading, margin and inflation pressures. The FRC has opened an investigation into PwC's audit of WH Smith following accounting problems in the retailer's North American division.
- 16 September 2026, bloomberg.com: [PwC UK and Middle East Revenue Falls on Iran War Hit](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-09-16/pwc-uk-and-middle-east-revenue-falls-on-iran-war-hit). PwC’s UK and Middle East business reported a 3% annual revenue decline, attributing the result to the Iran war. Middle East revenue fell 15% to £1.68bn in the year to June 30.
- 16 September 2026, ft.com: [PwC revenues fall for first time in two decades](https://www.ft.com/content/bb2c178f-08e8-4de2-af49-6c184217cfb3?syn-25a6b1a6=1). PwC UK revenue fell 3% to £6.2bn, driven by a 15% decline in its Middle East business despite growth in UK-based operations. Partner pay reached a record £935,000 as the firm cut more than 4,000 staff across the UK and Middle East.

- [PwC deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-professional-services-2026-09?entity=pwc&view=deep-dive)
- [PwC PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-professional-services-2026-09/reports/pwc.pdf)

### Grant Thornton

**Grant Thornton’s £40,000 graduate offer leads September profile**

Grant Thornton ranked 4th of 8 by average monthly share of coverage (13.3%) in the UK Professional Services benchmark for September 2026, with 35 mentions and a net tone of +71.

Grant Thornton’s £40,000 London graduate salary, £5,000 bonuses and trainee-to-partner programme led September coverage, reported by the Financial Times, City AM and trade outlets. The firm recorded 35 mentions and a 13.3% share of tracked-company mentions, placing fourth among the tracked firms. Talent and workforce dominated the subject mix with 19 mentions, ahead of consulting and advisory with seven, technology and AI with four, and clients and market share with three. Recruitment coverage also included six tax and advisory partner appointments, Amanda Askham’s appointment to lead local-government transformation work and Sam Mills’s arrival in turnaround and restructuring. The Financial Times separately reported chief executive Malcolm Gomersall’s defence of Cinven-backed ownership, alongside the firm’s audit-quality safeguards and recruitment ambitions. Technology coverage included Grant Thornton’s discussion of AI governance, finance automation and digital-skills training for Thames Valley businesses.

Key messages:

- Grant Thornton accounted for 13.3% of tracked-company mentions and ranked #4 among 8 in September 2026.
- Coverage concentrated on Talent & Workforce and Consulting & Advisory.
- 35 captured company mentions were recorded in September 2026.
- £40,000 graduate salaries and £5,000 bonuses — Financial Times

Leading themes:

- Talent & Workforce: 54.3% of Grant Thornton's coverage (theme index 1.5, net tone +95)
- Consulting & Advisory: 20.0% of Grant Thornton's coverage (theme index 1.43, net tone +86)
- Technology & AI: 11.4% of Grant Thornton's coverage (theme index 0.97, net tone +25)

Notable positive coverage:

- 3 September 2026, accountancytoday.co.uk: [Grant Thornton training provider achieves record Ofsted rating](https://www.accountancytoday.co.uk/2026/09/03/grant-thornton-training-provider-achieves-record-ofsted-rating/). Grant Thornton's apprenticeship training provider Estu received seven 'Strong' Ofsted judgements out of eight assessed areas. Estu co-designed an innovation and change leadership programme for Grant Thornton's Centre for Innovation and Change.
- 11 September 2026, accountancytoday.co.uk: [Grant Thornton appoints Sam Mills as partner in Turnaround and Restructuring team](https://www.accountancytoday.co.uk/2026/09/11/grant-thornton-appoints-sam-mills-as-partner-in-turnaround-and-restructuring-team/). Grant Thornton has appointed Sam Mills as a Manchester-based partner in its Turnaround and Restructuring team. The appointment is part of the firm's North West advisory and wider partnership expansion plans.
- 18 September 2026, consultancy.uk: [Sam Mills joins Grant Thornton as turnaround partner](https://www.consultancy.uk/news/45617/sam-mills-joins-grant-thornton-as-turnaround-partner). Grant Thornton has appointed Sam Mills as a turnaround and restructuring partner in Manchester. The firm said the hire supports growth of its North West and national restructuring practices.

- [Grant Thornton deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-professional-services-2026-09?entity=grantthornton&view=deep-dive)
- [Grant Thornton PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-professional-services-2026-09/reports/grantthornton.pdf)

### BDO

**Trainee recruitment leads BDO’s September profile**

BDO ranked 5th of 8 by average monthly share of coverage (11.7%) in the UK Professional Services benchmark for September 2026, with 31 mentions and a net tone of +29.

BDO recruited 525 UK trainees across its audit, tax, deals, consulting, risk and outsourcing teams, with more than half based outside London. The firm ranked fifth, recording 31 mentions and an 11.7% share of tracked-company mentions. Talent and workforce and consulting and advisory were the joint largest subject areas with 10 mentions each, ahead of clients and market share with eight, and tax and legal services with two. Advisory and client-related developments included BDO partners administering Salo Property Services and Leigh Spinners, alongside research on barriers to innovation and regional decision-making. BDO also called for UK tax simplification and appointed Tommy Nguyen as a tax partner in its capital allowances team. Separately, City AM reported Deloitte’s concerns about BDO’s audit work and cited continuing scrutiny from the Financial Reporting Council.

Key messages:

- BDO accounted for 11.7% of tracked-company mentions and ranked #5 among 8 in September 2026.
- Coverage concentrated on Consulting & Advisory and Talent & Workforce.
- 31 captured company mentions were recorded in September 2026.
- BDO’s recruitment of 525 UK trainees — Accountancy Today

Leading themes:

- Talent & Workforce: 32.3% of BDO's coverage (theme index 0.82, net tone +50)
- Consulting & Advisory: 32.3% of BDO's coverage (theme index 2.59, net tone +20)
- Clients & Market Share: 25.8% of BDO's coverage (theme index 2.23, net tone +13)

Notable positive coverage:

- 18 September 2026, accountancytoday.co.uk: [BDO calls for tax simplification with upcoming budget](https://www.accountancytoday.co.uk/2026/09/18/bdo-calls-for-tax-simplification-with-upcoming-budget/). BDO has urged the Treasury to simplify the UK tax system, reduce regulatory burdens and avoid further business-tax rises. Its recommendations include corporation-tax reform, VAT and business-rates changes, and expanded investment incentives.
- 25 September 2026, accountancytoday.co.uk: [BDO welcomes latest cohort of 525 UK trainees](https://www.accountancytoday.co.uk/2026/09/25/bdo-welcomes-latest-cohort-of-525-uk-trainees/). BDO has recruited 525 trainees across its UK offices, including graduates, apprentices and industrial-placement students. The firm highlighted its regional intake, early-career participation and outreach initiatives.
- 25 September 2026, insidermedia.com: [More than 50 trainees welcomed at BDO in the North West](https://www.insidermedia.com/news/north-west/more-than-50-trainees-welcomed-at-bdo-in-the-north-west). BDO has hired 53 trainees in the North West as part of a UK-wide intake of more than 500 early-career recruits. The firm highlighted regional investment, apprenticeships and social-mobility initiatives.

Notable negative coverage:

- 10 September 2026, cityam.com: [Exclusive: Big Four giant turns on its own auditor BDO over sloppy standards](https://www.cityam.com/exclusive-big-four-giant-turns-on-its-own-auditor-bdo/). Deloitte has reportedly raised concerns with BDO about the quality of BDO's audit of Deloitte. The article details the FRC's continuing concerns over BDO audit quality, including inspection results and planned targeted follow-up reviews.

- [BDO deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-professional-services-2026-09?entity=bdo&view=deep-dive)
- [BDO PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-professional-services-2026-09/reports/bdo.pdf)

### EY

**AI audit rollout anchors EY’s September profile**

EY ranked 6th of 8 by average monthly share of coverage (9.5%) in the UK Professional Services benchmark for September 2026, with 25 mentions and a net tone of 0.

ICAEW reported that EY had embedded multi-agent AI tools in its global Canvas audit platform, with auditors retaining responsibility for reviewing outputs and end-to-end audit support targeted by 2028. The Belfast Telegraph shortlisted EY Northern Ireland for Audit Team of the Year and employee Mark Lawther for Accountant of the Year. EY recorded 25 mentions, representing 9.5% of tracked-company mentions and sixth place in September. Talent and workforce was the largest subject area with 11 mentions, followed by technology and AI with six, clients and market share with three, and fines and investigations with one. Big4News included EY’s Post Office audits in a timeline of Big Four controversies. Wider sector coverage addressed AI-related audit risks and training, challenger firms’ recruitment and pay strategies, and an analysis reporting 20 FTSE 100 audit engagements for EY, compared with 27 for Deloitte, 25 for PwC and 24 for KPMG.

Key messages:

- EY accounted for 9.5% of tracked-company mentions and ranked #6 among 8 in September 2026.
- Coverage concentrated on Talent & Workforce and Technology & AI.
- 25 captured company mentions were recorded in September 2026.
- How EY embedded AI agents into its audit operations — ICAEW

Leading themes:

- Talent & Workforce: 44.0% of EY's coverage (theme index 1.16, net tone −9)
- Technology & AI: 24.0% of EY's coverage (theme index 2.29, net tone +33)
- Clients & Market Share: 12.0% of EY's coverage (theme index 0.9, net tone 0)

Notable positive coverage:

- 22 September 2026, icaew.com: [How EY embedded AI agents into its audit operations](https://www.icaew.com/insights/viewpoints-on-the-news/2026/sep-2026/how-ey-embedded-ai-agents-into-its-audit-operations). EY has embedded multi-agent AI tools in its global Canvas audit platform, with EY UK partner Richard Harrison describing the rollout and controls. The firm says auditors remain accountable for reviewing AI-generated work and that end-to-end audit support is targeted by 2028.
- 22 September 2026, belfasttelegraph.co.uk: [Inaugural Belfast Telegraph Accountancy Awards shortlist revealed](https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/events/inaugural-belfast-telegraph-accountancy-awards-shortlist-revealed/a/161739742.html). The Belfast Telegraph published the shortlist for its inaugural Accountancy Awards. EY Northern Ireland is shortlisted for Audit Team of the Year and EY employee Mark Lawther is shortlisted for Accountant of the Year.

- [EY deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-professional-services-2026-09?entity=ey&view=deep-dive)
- [EY PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-professional-services-2026-09/reports/ey.pdf)

### RSM UK

**Risk hire and restructuring mandates frame RSM UK’s September**

RSM UK ranked 7th of 8 by average monthly share of coverage (6.8%) in the UK Professional Services benchmark for September 2026, with 18 mentions and a net tone of +33.

RSM UK appointed Chris Mayo as a partner to lead its financial-services internal-audit business in London and the South East. Its restructuring work included joint-administrator appointments at Cambium Networks and CT4N, while a pre-pack sale of S&PB Retail secured 48 Sayers and Poundbakery stores and more than 400 jobs. RSM UK recorded 18 mentions, representing 6.8% of tracked-company mentions and seventh place among the tracked firms. Consulting and advisory and tax and legal services were the joint largest subject areas with five mentions each, followed by talent and workforce and clients and market share with four each. The talent coverage also included Sarah Sullivan’s appointment as a Birmingham-based tax director to support the expansion of private-client services. Four wider-sector articles referenced RSM UK in dealmaking awards, transaction round-ups or advisory rosters, including its tax-structuring role on Orega’s management buyout.

Key messages:

- RSM UK accounted for 6.8% of tracked-company mentions and ranked #7 among 8 in September 2026.
- Coverage concentrated on Consulting & Advisory and Tax & Legal Services.
- 18 captured company mentions were recorded in September 2026.
- Chris Mayo’s appointment to RSM UK’s financial-services risk practice — International Accounting Bulletin.

Leading themes:

- Consulting & Advisory: 27.8% of RSM UK's coverage (theme index 2.01, net tone +20)
- Tax & Legal Services: 27.8% of RSM UK's coverage (theme index 17.08, net tone 0)
- Talent & Workforce: 22.2% of RSM UK's coverage (theme index 0.56, net tone +100)

Notable positive coverage:

- 11 September 2026, finance.yahoo.com: [RSM UK appoints new partner to support financial services risk practice](https://finance.yahoo.com/economy/policy/articles/rsm-uk-appoints-partner-support-151456586.html). RSM UK has appointed Chris Mayo as a partner in its financial services risk and governance practice. Mayo will lead the firm's financial-services internal-audit business in London and the South East.
- 22 September 2026, insidermedia.com: [RSM UK bolsters private client team with new tax director](https://www.insidermedia.com/news/south-westyorkshire/rsm-uk-bolsters-private-client-team-with-new-tax-director). RSM UK has hired Sarah Sullivan from Azets as a Birmingham-based tax director for its private client services team. The firm says her shareholder-transaction and private-business experience will support the team’s expansion.
- 28 September 2026, consultancy.uk: [Sarah Sullivan strengthens RSM tax team as director in Birmingham](https://www.consultancy.uk/news/amp/45692/sarah-sullivan-strengthens-rsm-tax-team-as-director-in-birmingham). RSM UK has appointed Sarah Sullivan as a Birmingham-based tax director to help expand its private-client-services offering. Sullivan joins from Azets and previously worked in KPMG's private-client team.

- [RSM UK deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-professional-services-2026-09?entity=rsmuk&view=deep-dive)
- [RSM UK PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-professional-services-2026-09/reports/rsmuk.pdf)

### Forvis Mazars

**Trainee intake and Manchester expansion shaped Forvis Mazars’ September profile**

Forvis Mazars ranked 8th of 8 by average monthly share of coverage (3.8%) in the UK Professional Services benchmark for September 2026, with 10 mentions and a net tone of +50.

Independent reporting led with Forvis Mazars recruiting 268 UK trainees, including 93 school leavers, across audit, tax, advisory and support roles. The firm also opened a 26,000 sq ft Manchester office for more than 400 employees, more than doubling its previous local footprint. Christos Vernardos joined the UK Executive Board as head of Risk and Quality, with responsibility for risk management, quality, regulation and governance. Forvis Mazars ranked eighth with 3.8% of tracked-company mentions, recording 10 mentions; talent and workforce accounted for five, while leadership and strategy accounted for three. Further reporting covered Stephen Skeels leaving his role as global head of valuations to join FRP Advisory. Wider sector coverage included the firm’s single FTSE 100 audit mandate and Mazars’ international Dext rollout.

Key messages:

- Forvis Mazars accounted for 3.8% of tracked-company mentions and ranked #8 among 8 in September 2026.
- Coverage concentrated on Talent & Workforce and Leadership & Strategy.
- 10 captured company mentions were recorded in September 2026.
- Recruitment of 268 UK trainees — Accountancy Today

Leading themes:

- Talent & Workforce: 50.0% of Forvis Mazars's coverage (theme index 1.31, net tone +20)
- Leadership & Strategy: 30.0% of Forvis Mazars's coverage (theme index 7.62, net tone +100)
- Clients & Market Share: 10.0% of Forvis Mazars's coverage (theme index 0.75, net tone 0)

Notable positive coverage:

- 3 September 2026, accountancytoday.co.uk: [Forvis Mazars welcomes 268 trainees across the UK](https://www.accountancytoday.co.uk/2026/09/03/forvis-mazars-welcomes-268-trainees-across-the-uk/). Forvis Mazars has recruited 268 UK trainees in its 2026 early-careers intake, including 93 school leavers. The intake covers audit, tax, advisory and support roles and includes development in data and AI skills.
- 9 September 2026, accountancytoday.co.uk: [Forvis Mazars opens new Manchester office](https://www.accountancytoday.co.uk/2026/09/09/forvis-mazars-opens-new-manchester-office/). Forvis Mazars opened a 26,000 sq ft Manchester office for more than 400 employees, more than doubling its previous local footprint. The firm said the move reflects growth in North-West audit and advisory demand.
- 23 September 2026, accountancytoday.co.uk: [Forvis Mazars appoints new head of risk and quality](https://www.accountancytoday.co.uk/2026/09/23/forvis-mazars-appoints-new-head-of-risk-and-quality/). Forvis Mazars has appointed Christos Vernardos, previously its head of audit quality, to its UK executive board as head of risk and quality. He will oversee risk management, quality, regulation and governance as the firm pursues growth.

- [Forvis Mazars deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-professional-services-2026-09?entity=forvismazars&view=deep-dive)
- [Forvis Mazars PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-professional-services-2026-09/reports/forvismazars.pdf)

## Methodology

- **Share of coverage**: an organisation's mentions divided by all mentions of the organisations tracked in the same sector that month, in UK earned media. It is the central measure of media visibility in Omniscan benchmarks. "Average monthly share" is the mean of the monthly shares across the reporting period.
- **Mention**: one article that covers an organisation, classified as positive, neutral or negative in tone. Articles are deduplicated, and an organisation's own websites and passing sponsorship name-checks are excluded, so only earned media counts.
- **Net tone**: positive mentions minus negative mentions, as a percentage of all mentions (range −100 to +100).
- **Themes**: every article is assigned to one of the sector's editorial themes. A theme index above 1 means the organisation is covered on that theme more than its peers are; below 1 means less.
- **Calculation**: every figure is computed directly from the classified articles; narrative summaries are checked against those figures.
- **Sources**: UK national and international, trade and specialist, regional and local, and aggregator and syndication earned media.

## Other UK Professional Services editions

- [UK professional services media reputation tracker – 2026 year to date](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-professional-services-2026-ytd.md)
- [UK professional services media reputation tracker – H1 2026](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-professional-services-2026-h1.md)
- [UK professional services media reputation tracker – July 2026](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-professional-services-2026-07.md)
- [UK professional services media reputation tracker – August 2026](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-professional-services-2026-08.md)
- [All Omniscan media benchmarks](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks.md)

## How to cite

Omniscan, "UK professional services media reputation tracker", September 2026 (1 September 2026–30 September 2026), published 4 October 2026. https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-professional-services-2026-09