FRP opens Exeter office with senior restructuring appointment

Specialist business advisory firm FRP has opened a new office in Exeter following the appointment of Luke Venner as a restructuring advisory appointment taking director, continuing its investment in expanding its national footprint.

Luke joins FRP after more than 20 years at South West-based accountancy and advisory firm, where he began his career as a trainee accountant before progressing through its restructuring practice and becoming a partner in 2023.

A Licensed Insolvency Practitioner and FCCA-qualified accountant, Luke brings extensive experience advising lenders, company directors and shareholders on businesses facing financial pressure, as well as supporting solvent companies considering their strategic options.

In his new role, Luke will lead the establishment of FRP’s Exeter office and develop its restructuring advisory practice across Devon and the wider South West region. Based in the city centre, the new office will complement FRP’s existing operations across the South of England, including Bristol, Southampton, Bournemouth and Brighton.

Luke will work closely with colleagues across FRP’s national network, giving businesses in the region access to the firm’s wider corporate finance, debt advisory, forensic services, real estate advisory and financial advisory expertise.

Its launch comes during a period of continued investment by FRP in its people, geographical coverage and specialist capabilities. The firm has grown to more than 950 employees, including 108 partners, and operates from a network of 31 locations across England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Cyprus and the Isle of Man.

Luke Venner, restructuring advisory appointment taking director at FRP, said: “Exeter has a vibrant and varied business community, and I have spent my career working with companies and advisers across the city and the wider South West. Opening an office here gives FRP the opportunity to build on those relationships while bringing the depth of expertise available across the firm closer to local clients.

“Businesses across all sectors continue to manage pressure on costs and funding, and clear advice at the right time can help management teams choose a course of action and move early enough to protect value. I look forward to working with colleagues across FRP to support Exeter’s businesses when the decisions they face matter most.”

Geoff Rowley, chief executive officer at FRP, added: “Luke’s appointment is an important step in FRP’s continued growth and gives us a strong foundation from which to build in Exeter. He has the experience and leadership to develop our presence in the city and connect it effectively with our wider network.

“The new office reflects our ongoing approach to growth of investing in markets where we see a clear opportunity and have the right people to build for the long term. Exeter fits that approach well, and its addition will further strengthen our national proposition.”