It’s been nearly six months since Neil Norman joined Cooper Parry as Tax Partner and Regional Head of Scotland. Neil’s arrival marked a turning point in CP’s plans to scale north of the border – and the pace of change has been electric.
With over two decades of experience in the Scottish accountancy market, including senior roles at KPMG and a mid-tier firm, Neil brought not only deep technical expertise in tax, tech, international expansion and M&A advisory, but also a mindset that matched CP’s own: bold, optimistic, and ready to shake things up.
“I was, and still remain, raring to go,” Neil says. “Scotland punches above its weight in so many areas, and CP’s culture – brave, adventurous, fun and values-led – is the perfect match. We’re here to bring something fresh, exciting and high-quality to the market.”
Find out how we’re turning Neil’s words into a reality below.
WHY SCOTLAND? WHY NOW?
This is a country that’s been rewriting the rules for centuries. From the invention of the telephone and television to pioneering breakthroughs in medicine, engineering and fintech, Scotland has always led the way in innovation.
It’s a land of fiery thinkers, fearless creators and bold entrepreneurs – the kind of people who challenge convention and build with purpose.
That spirit of rebellion and reinvention is exactly what drew CP here. We see in Scotland a mirror of our own values: brave, adventurous, and relentlessly forward-thinking.
Today, the energy is stronger than ever. In the tech sector alone, the number of high-growth companies has surged by nearly 37% year-on-year, with £644 million raised in equity funding in 2024. Edinburgh ranks as the third most attractive UK city to start a business. The ambition is here. The talent is here. And CP is here for it.
We’ve spent the last few years listening, learning and growing in the region. Now, we’re stepping into the spotlight – not quietly, but with full force. This isn’t a beginning. It’s a breakout.
THE CP SCOTTISH STRATEGY
Since Neil joined, CP’s presence in Scotland has grown rapidly. What started as a team of two has become a 20-strong crew, with more growth on the horizon. In August, we opened our brand-spanking-new Scotland hub in Edinburgh – a modern, airy space with a distinctly CP vibe and a rooftop garden that’s already hosted a few sunny strategy sessions.
It’s the perfect pad for a team that’s shaking up the Scottish market and breathing new life into a professional services landscape that’s ripe for disruption.
And now, CP is going public with its presence – in a big way.
Our first-ever Scottish brand awareness campaign is now live. From bold projections on iconic landmarks to street marketing with CP’s own ice cream cart in the capital, the campaign is designed to be unmistakably CP – rebellious, playful and proudly different. Slogans like “Aye to Accountancy, Nae to Boring” and “People Make Glasgow, Rebels Make CP” are hitting the streets in Glasgow and Edinburgh.
And the centrepiece of it all? Tartan Rebelution.
TARTAN REBELUTION: THE LAUNCH EVENT
On Thursday 13 November, we’ll host a launch event under the captivating ceilings of Greyfriars Hall at the Virgin Hotel in Edinburgh. It’s a celebration of CP’s arrival in Scotland – and a statement of intent.
Guests can expect an evening of live music, DJ sets, immersive entertainment, interactive experiences and food & drink from some of Scotland’s finest providers. It’s designed for the movers, shakers and budding history-makers – the kind of people who are building something brave and are tired of the same old networking events.
“This is how the rebels of accountancy throw out the rulebook – and throw one helluva party,” Neil says.
A FINAL WORD FROM ME AS CEO…
“We knew the Scottish market was ripe for disruption,” says Ade. “Our deep sector expertise, growing boots on the ground and close links to CP’s specialists across the UK mean we’re well-placed to create something truly unique.”
“Neil’s arrival was a catalyst. With our campaign launching, our new hub open and our team expanding, we’re bringing CP’s energy, expertise and rebellious spirit to Scotland – and we’re just getting started.”
