RSM strengthens education portfolio

RSM Robson Rhodes, Leeds, has added a further two academic institutions to its education portfolio.

The University of Leeds and The Leeds College of Music have both chosen RSM Robson Rhodes for its expertise in internal audit work in the UK higher education sector.

With a turnover of approximately £380m, The University of Leeds is one of the UK’s largest universities with over 7,500 staff and RSM Robson Rhodes have won a three-year contract. The University has over 32,000 students and aims to be one of the top 50 universities in the world by 2015.

Berenice Smith, finance and commercial director at The University of Leeds comments: “RSM Robson Rhodes were chosen for our internal audit work, not only because of the firm’s expertise in the sector, but because the team’s approach to working with our faculties was exactly the sort of partnership relationship we were looking for. We’re looking forward to working with the team.”

The Leeds College of Music has also awarded the firm a five-year internal audit contract. The college is the UK's largest music college, with over 1,000 full-time and 2,000 part-time students. 2005 saw the transfer from the further education sector to the higher education sector as part of its long-term strategy, allowing the college to improve its service to students and staff by investing heavily and bringing them inline with other UK conservatories

Paul Smith, ddirector of ffinance and aadministration at the college comments: "RSM Robson Rhodes's appointment as internal auditors was significantly influenced by the college's move to HE status and the firm's demonstrated ability, capacity and its approach to working in partnership to help the college move from a further education to a higher education regulatory environment over the crucial initial years.”

The RSM Robson Rhodes’ team is headed by Ian Falconer. Ian comments: “We are now in a strong market position to offer education institutions one of the best services in the UK. Our reputation has grown considerably over the last few years, and our appointment to the University of Leeds and Leeds College of Music confirms our reputation in the region is extreamely pleasing."

Ends

Press contact:
Joanne Fletcher-Wall at Bell Pottinger North (01625) 506425
jfletcher-wall@bellpottingernorth.co.uk
or Alex Henshall (01625) 506414 ahenshall@bellpottingernorth.co.uk

Notes to editor:
RSM Robson Rhodes LLP is a Limited Liability Partnership. The firm practices from nine offices in the UK and Ireland, offering a full range of services to the public and private sectors. As the UK member of the world’s sixth largest accounting and consultancy organisation, it is able to call upon the skills and experience of more than 20,000 professionals in over 70 countries. RSM Robson Rhodes is registered to carry on audit work by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales and is regulated and authorised by the Financial Services Authority for investment business.

For further information on Leeds College of Music visit:
http://www.lcm.ac.uk/info/

For further information on University of Leeds visit:
http://www.leeds.ac.uk/