UHY and Russell Bedford add member firms in Georgia

Professional services firms UHY and Russell Bedford have added new member firms in Georgia. Both Geword and Akhvlediani are based in the country’s capital city of Tbilisi. 

Founded in 2010, Geword is an accounting and consulting firm that provides a full suite of services including audit, tax, bookkeeping, accounting, management consultancy and legal. The Tbilisi-based employs 30 professionals, including two partners, and works mainly for clients in the energy, construction, transportation, hospitality and retail sectors. 

“We are delighted to welcome Geword to the UHY network,” said Bernard Fay, chairman of UHY. “The firm's membership reinforces our footprint in the EMEA region.” UHY has over 320 office globally in nearly 100 countries, with global headcount at over 8,100 professionals. 

Partner, Kakha Khmelidze of Geword, elaborated on the firm’s motivation to join the international network: “We have joined the UHY network for many reasons. The UHY branding, quality standards and integration with the UHY community will give us a great opportunity to expand our own local and international footprint. The global presence of the network combined with the expertise and knowledge of UHY's people around the world not only strengthens our own capabilities but also these of our current and potential clients and their operations.”

Two years ago, UHY also added Tbilisi-based ABG Consulting to its network in Georgia. The firm, established in 2009, employs over 100 accountants and advisors. 

The move comes shortly after rival network Russell Bedford – with around 6,000 staff and 300 offices slightly smaller than UHY – also expanded its Georgian footprint. “It is a pleasure to welcome Akhvlediani to the Russell Bedford network. The firm’s full range of services is a welcome addition to the network in Tbilisi.”

Based in the Georgian capital, Akhvlediani supports its clients with audit, accounting, consulting, tax and financial advisory services. “We are confident that our new network membership will aid the development of our new firm as we work towards offering our clients optimum support wherever they need it. We look forward to working with network members around the world in achieving our mutual business goals,” remarked Zviad Akhvlediani, partner at Akhvlediani.

With a gross domestic product of roughly $14.4 billion, Georgia is one of Europe’s smaller economies. The former Soviet republic’s economy however booked nearly 5% growth in 2018, growing faster than Europe’s average.