Stavros Ioannou: Our partnership with Grant Thornton UK opens doors to global opportunities

Stavros Ioannou, CEO, Grant Thornton Cyprus has underlined the importance on the recent investment in the company from Grant Thornton UK, noting the move symbolises a shared vision and deepening of the existing collaboration between the two.

In an interview with CBN, Ioannou suggests, "This partnership with Grant Thornton UK opens doors to global opportunities—collaborating on cross-border projects, gaining exposure to diverse industries, and accessing top-notch training resources. For us, ultimately, it is about transformative growth—not just for the firm, but for every individual who is part of it."

He also reveals that the goal now is to amplify the positive impact Grant Thornton Cyprus already delivers to its clients.

“This investment reinforces our commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainable growth. It is about building a future where Grant Thornton Cyprus is recognised as a leader—not only in terms of scale but also in the exceptional value we provide to our clients and our community,” he says.

Ioannou a;sp goes into further detail on how the investment has impacted the company and, among other things, shares his view of the local professional services scene.

Grant Thornton Cyprus recently secured a milestone investment from Grant Thornton UK. Can you tell us more about the investment and the impact it is anticipated to have on Grant Thornton Cyprus and the company’s plans for the future?

This investment from Grant Thornton UK is a significant milestone for Grant Thornton Cyprus, symbolising a shared vision and a deepening of our collaboration. It is not just about growth—it is about transformation. For us, this partnership reflects the confidence Grant Thornton UK has in the expertise and capabilities of our team here in Cyprus.

Our goal is to amplify the positive impact we already deliver to our clients while continuing to raise the bar for the professional services sector in Cyprus. This investment reinforces our commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainable growth. It is about building a future where Grant Thornton Cyprus is recognised as a leader—not only in terms of scale but also in the exceptional value we provide to our clients and our community.

Practically, we expect this to allow us to do several things. We are already working on larger, more complex projects, which will challenge us and help us grow. Additionally, we will be leveraging advanced technologies and processes from Grant Thornton UK, giving us a competitive edge in our local market. Our future, it is all about scaling up—expanding our teams, enhancing our offerings, and building a stronger presence not just in Cyprus but in the region as well.

Grant Thornton Cyprus plays a major role in the country’s professional services sector. What are your thoughts on the creation of a single supervisory authority for professional services providers?

I believe that the creation of a Single Supervisory Authority for administrative and legal services is a step in the right direction. Establishing a centralised supervisory body would significantly enhance transparency and trust within Cyprus’s professional services sector. For me, transparency should be the cornerstone for building a healthy and reliable financial and professional community.

The creation of such an authority would demonstrate our country’s commitment to achieving high standards in areas such as combating money laundering and adhering to international regulations. Furthermore, I see this as an opportunity to foster collaboration and coordination among all relevant stakeholders, ultimately strengthening investor and international confidence in the country.

Again, within the company’s significant role in the professional services scene in Cyprus, what is your view of the current state of the sector and how do you believe the investment will further impact your company’s role?

The professional services sector in Cyprus has come a long way—it is more dynamic and competitive than ever. Clients today are not just looking for a service provider; they want a trusted partner who really understands their needs, offers tailored solutions, and delivers real value. This is something we have always been proud to do at our firm.

With the recent milestone investment from Grant Thornton UK, we are now strengthening our ability to deliver on those expectations. It has given us access to more resources, international expertise, and new opportunities to collaborate on a deeper level. This allows us to keep enhancing the quality of our work and offer even more innovative and integrated solutions to our clients.

I am happy to say that the feedback we have received from our clients about this development has been incredibly encouraging. They see it as a strong statement of our commitment to continuous improvement and growth. In fact, many of them look forward to seeing what this means for their own businesses, knowing they will benefit from the enhanced capabilities we can now offer.

I genuinely believe this investment is not just a turning point for us as a firm; it is also a reflection of how far the Cypriot professional services sector has evolved—connecting more globally while continuing to serve the local market with excellence.

Looking ahead, what do you believe the longer-term impact of the investment will be, say in five years down the line?

Five years from now, I see Grant Thornton Cyprus as a firm that is no longer just a leading player in Cyprus but a firm with a significant regional role as well. This investment is setting the foundation for sustainable growth. We will have stronger teams, more advanced tools, and a much broader client base.

What excites me the most however, is the potential for our people. This partnership with Grant Thornton UK opens doors to global opportunities—collaborating on cross-border projects, gaining exposure to diverse industries, and accessing top-notch training resources. For us, ultimately, it is about transformative growth—not just for the firm, but for every individual who is part of it.

When it comes to recruitment, is Grant Thornton Cyprus investing in bolstering existing departments or creating new one? Or perhaps both?

It is a combination of both! We are strengthening our core departments because that is where our expertise lies, but at the same time we are also looking at emerging areas. Sustainability services, for example, is an offering which is proving to be very valuable, and we are keen to grow our capabilities there as well.

We are also expanding our advisory and technology-related services. The world is changing rapidly, and businesses are looking for partners who can help them navigate these changes. This is an area where we see an opportunity to make a real impact.

Further to the above, is recruitment sometimes a challenge? What are some of the other main challenges at this time and how do you believe these can be overcome?

Recruitment can be a challenge, yes. The talent pool in Cyprus is competitive, and we are always looking for the right mix of skills and cultural fit. However, what sets us apart is our commitment to developing people once they are here. When you join Grant Thornton, you are not just taking a job; you are embarking on a career journey with opportunities for growth, learning, and impact.

Another challenge is navigating an increasingly complex business environment. Regulatory changes, economic uncertainties, and shifting client expectations require us to be agile. Our strategy is to stay ahead, investing in technology, staying close to our clients, and fostering a culture of innovation within the firm.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Yes, there is. I would like to take a moment to thank our people. Everything we have achieved—and everything we are aiming for—would not be possible without the dedication, talent, and hard work of our team.

As we look to the future, I am filled with optimism. We are building something truly special here at Grant Thornton Cyprus. With this investment from Grant Thornton UK, we are taking bold steps forward, but what excites me the most is the opportunity to grow together—as a firm, as professionals, and as a part of the communities we serve.