JOHNSTON Carmichael has launched a Dundee office, taking its growing footprint of premises in Scotland to 12.

The firm, which claims it is the country’ largest independent accountancy and business advisory company, has established a new hub in the city to provide services to Dundee’s growing sectors including technology and life sciences.

Its team will also support businesses from its other key sectors including food and drink and agriculture as it harnesses technology to boost operations and grow.

Sir Pete Downes, former principal and vice-chancellor of the University of Dundee and a leading figure in the pharmaceutical industry, has been appointed as a senior adviser to the firm to support them in this expansion.

He said: “Johnston Carmichael is a highly ambitious firm with the experience and knowledge to help Dundee’s businesses to achieve their growth plans.”

The Dundee team will be based in the landmark building set amid the Dundee Central Waterfront, Dundee One and will include recently appointed Jenn Stewart, who joins Johnston Carmichael as a restructuring director.

Also based in the office will be innovations taxes senior manager Andrew McMillan and business advisory manager Ryan Milne. They will be supported by a “mobile and highly experienced team”.

According to the Tech Nation 2018 report, Dundee’s digital technology sector was worth over £200 million to the economy in 2017 and supported over 2,500 jobs.