KPMG decides to close down Preston office

The closure means 75 staff based at Edward VII Quay will have to relocate to Manchester or Liverpool. It is not thought redundancy is being offered.

A spokesman for KPMG said: “We have taken the decision not to renew our lease at Edward VII Quay in Preston, and as a result, will be closing the office at the end of May 2017.

“We remain deeply committed to supporting the business community both in Preston and across Lancashire and Cumbria, which together comprise an important centre for the North West economy, particularly in terms of the aerospace, energy, manufacturing and leisure sectors.

“However, the majority of our client-facing work across the region, particularly audit, is conducted at the premises of the businesses and organisations we support, rather than in a KPMG office. This evolution towards increased remote and flexible working, coupled with the fact that the lease on the premises is due to expire in early 2018, has led us to take the decision to close.

“Our Manchester and Liverpool offices will provide an operational base for all our staff who work with clients across Lancashire and Cumbria.”