Date of issue: 13th August 2003

Birmingham Accountants Cut the Mustard in the Black Country
Start-up and recently formed businesses in the Black Country will have the opportunity to boost their business growth with the help of Chartered Accountant Clement Keys, Birmingham, who has been nominated as a lead adviser to Mustard.uk.com

Clement Keys, Birmingham will provide accountancy services to new enterprises under the unique private/public sector partnership designed to help high growth potential businesses which are less than 18 months old and businesses which have been established for between 18 and 36 months.

The Mustard.uk.com initiative is managed by the region's Business Links and targets companies deemed to have high growth capabilities in a bid to generate prosperity and create jobs.

"There are many businesses in the Black Country that could take advantage of this initiative," says Clement Keys, Birmingham partner Gavin Whitehouse.

"We know from our extensive portfolio of businesses in the Black Country that this kind of help can give a growing company the extra boost they need to move forward successfully."

New companies, which have been in business for up to 18 months, are eligible for seven days of external consultancy, while those which have been trading for between 18 months and three years - and already have a turnover in the region of £200,000 - can apply for 15 days of consultancy support.

Clement Keys, Birmingham is one of a team of professional advisers and will operate in conjunction with Birmingham solicitors Lee Crowder and Sheffield-based CQM Nascent Ventures, which will provide legal and marketing consultancy support respectively.

"Mustard.uk.com is an excellent initiative which utilises funding supplied by the Business Links, Advantage West Midlands and the European Regional Development Fund to give
up and coming businesses in the Black Country every chance of success," said Clement Keys, Birmingham partner Michael Meakin, who was instrumental in the firm securing professional adviser status.

Mustard consultancy is tailored to meet individual business requirements and Clement Keys Birmingham will provide assistance via Management Link, its specialist division which provides a range of accountancy services including book-keeping, payroll, IT and HR services.

Management Link is headed by Clement Keys, Birmingham partner Gavin Whitehouse, who added:
"We are delighted to be supporting Mustard and providing young businesses and entrepreneurs with accountancy consultancy to address the specific needs which arise at this key stage of their development and ensure they get off to a flying start."

Clement Keys, Birmingham has also been appointed to provide this service in Staffordshire.