ASM celebrates 20 years on top of its game A ugust marked the twentieth anniversary of one of Northern Ireland’s leading accountancy firms, ASM Chartered Accountants. Since its launch in 1995, the firm has grown rapidly and today stands as one of the largest accounting and management consultancy firms in Ireland, with offices in Belfast, Dublin, Dundalk, Dungannon, Magherafelt and Newry, with a 160 strong team. The firm specialises in a range of accountancy disciplines that include: corporate finance, audit and accounting, internal audit, consultancy services, taxation, hotels, tourism and leisure, insolvency and forensic accounting. Norman Adams, Stephen Sproule and Michael McAllister were the founders of the business and are still very much part of the firm today. Speaking at the recent anniversary event, founding director, Stephen Sproule said: “I am absolutely delighted to be here today with the entire team, many of whom have been here since the very beginning. “From day one, myself, Norman [Adams] and Michael [McAllister] had a vision to be one of the leading accountancy firms in the country with the ability to work in both jurisdictions. “The business grew quickly and we soon established a reputation as a provider of professional services around the Belfast area, and subsequently Magherafelt, which broadened our reach into new markets offering more specialist requirements to our clients. “The acquisition of local firm, Robinson & Co gave us our base in Dungannon. Which, alongside Magherafelt gives us a very strong presence in mid-Ulster area.” ASM made a definitive step into the Republic of Ireland in September 2009, with its merger with O'Hare Finnegan. With both directors, Michael O’Hare and Ian Finnegan remaining within the firm and heading up the
Founding directors of ASM Chartered Accountants, Michael McAllister, ASM Magherafelt and Norman Adams, ASM Dungannon are pictured with Mentalist David Meade, who entertained the 160strong team at the recent 20th birthday celebrations alongside Stephen Sproule, ASM Belfast
Dundalk and Newry offices. Today ASM’s local presence across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland exceeds a number of its international rivals. The client base spans small, owner/managed and family businesses to large public bodies and corporates across Ireland. Michael McAllister commented: "Our point of difference lies in our local market focus, our commercial approach and our desire to consistently use more senior and experienced
staff than our competitors. “This approach has enabled us to obtain a market leading reputation in our key disciplines. “We are constantly looking for ways to innovate in order to improve our offering to clients. "That, together with our strong local presence, means we can always match an advisor to the requirements of a particular job.
From the celebrations
Mark McNeill, Kelly Hamilton and Mary McGuigan
Michael McAllister, Lisa Doherty and Sinead Heaney
Stephen Sproule, Majella Hughes, Amanda McMaw and Michael O'Hare
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