A NEW home for the standard-bearer for the country’s accountants was formally opened by the Princess Royal in Glasgow.

Princess Anne opened ACCA’s global operational centre on Queen Street yesterday.

Helen Brand OBE, the chief executive, said: “It was an honour for me and my 600 strong team here in Glasgow to welcome the Princess Royal to ACCA’s new offices. Glasgow has always been an essential home for our global operations.”

ACCA’s hub of operations has been based in the city since the 1970s.

Welcomed by Helen Brand OBE, ACCA’s chief executive, and ACCA’s president Brian McEnery, Her Royal Highness’s visit marked an exciting new episode in ACCA’s proud history in Glasgow and Scotland, where it has had operations since the 1970s.

Helen Brand commented: – from technology, to exam delivery, to our 24/7 365 customer contact centre ACCA Connect. It’s an operational centre of excellence that deserves our new home. This marks an exciting new chapter for ACCA in the city which is a thriving financial and cultural centre.

In his launch address, Brian McEnery said: “ACCA has a long and proud history in Scotland, with exceptional people working for ACCA here. These talented individuals ensure that members and students are fully supported as they follow and achieve their dreams.

‘It is fitting that our dynamic and successful professional body is moving into new, modern premises. In fact, I am proud to acknowledge that this very office has been named a finalist in the British Council for Offices (BCO) Awards 2017. This new Glasgow home both recognises our rich heritage here in the city, while also looking to our future vision for ACCA and the profession.’

VIP guests including employers and learning providers and contractors who worked on the new premises attended the event, with ACCA’s partners receiving a special mention from ACCA’s President, who said: ‘ACCA thrives because of the wonderful working relationships we have with employers, learning providers and regulators. I am delighted that so many of you are also here with us to share today’s celebration, which also gives me an opportunity to thank you for your support of ACCA.’

The fit-out of ACCA’s new premises was managed by Clark Contracts, based in Paisley, Scotland, with the design heavily influenced by the refurbishment of ACCA’s London headquarters in the iconic Adelphi Building, with the ACCA brand and new ways of open plan and flexible working being embedded.