Step onto the floor of the vast open plan office that acts as the headquarters of Grant Thornton in Northern Ireland and it is immediately apparent this is a business advisory firm where things are ‘different’. The firm’s values adorn the walls of the modern and exceptionally well-appointed space at the landmark Belfast DSW (Donegall Square West) office building. Written in huge, oversized lettering, it’s not a gimmick, rather a reflection of a deeply embedded culture that permeates every level of the organisation. Managing partner Richard Gillan has witnessed incredible growth across the firm’s Audit, Tax and Advisory service lines since he joined the practice in 2014 – revenues have increased more than fourfold in that time – a fact he attributes to the firm’s unique culture.