Supporting business growth and success

OVER more than two decades of advising clients about how to best achieve business success, Claire Richards continues to be passionate about shaping strategy, managing risk and identifying opportunities for growth in businesses and organisations across the Geelong region.

Reflecting on the most-asked questions she has received over that period, Claire says the top three have informed the direction of the advice provided:

Where should my business be headed for sustained success and prosperity?

How do I tap into the potential of risk-taking to enable growth?

Where should I direct my efforts to optimise success in business growth?

As a Geelong local, and now an advisory partner at KPMG Geelong, Claire’s experience will be a significant asset to fast-growing businesses and organisations in Geelong and the wider region.

KPMG Geelong covers everything from start-ups or entrepreneurs to small or medium businesses and larger organisations. In supporting businesses, Claire heads a team focused on growth with skills including risk strategy, governance, regulatory reform and compliance, bringing local knowledge and global expertise to the region.

KPMG Geelong works across all sectors including manufacturing, health, transport, logistics, tourism and government, and all levels of educational providers.

“It’s not about the size of a client’s business, as KPMG Geelong assists a wide range of individuals and enterprises – it’s about developing the right strategy and focus to support both short and long-term growth,” Claire says.

“One of the highlights in my work is to be able to meet with business leaders and staff at their premises. Seeing an organisation from the ground up is a great way to better understand the operation.”

Claire is also excited about the growth she is seeing in the CBD and more broadly in the region.

A graduate of Deakin University holding a Bachelor of Commerce degree and membership of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, Claire also has an extensive track record having worked with KPMG Melbourne. She was appointed as a partner there in 2019.

Claire passed another significant and proud milestone when it was announced in July 2024 that she was to be the first female partner at the KPMG Geelong office.

This followed the opening of the premises at 60 Moorabool Street in October 2023.

“In Geelong, I see the diversity of local businesses, the commitment of enterprise owners, and their ambition to grow and succeed,” Claire says.

“There is huge potential for businesses and organisations here to achieve significant strategic growth.

“Having an adviser who understands the business risk landscape and who, at the same time, can help with their current needs and provide a future focus, is incredibly valuable.”

Claire says KPMG Geelong’s particular focus is on providing a local team and local office but also offering access to a global firm.

Head to kpmg.com for more.