Date of issue: 27th September 2004

NEW ACCOUNTANT TO SUPPORT GROWTH IN PROPERTY SERVICE CHARGE UNIT

A top Birmingham firm of chartered accountants has recruited a new accountant to support the growth of their Property Service Charge Unit.

Clement Keys, Birmingham has appointed 30-year old Richard Whittle, whose remit will be to support Gavin Whitehouse, the partner responsible for developing this area of the business.

Richard's arrival at Clement Keys, Birmingham will help to strengthen the firm's Property Service Charge Unit, which has a growing portfolio of clients in the residential and commercial property sectors.

Clement Keys, Birmingham has unrivalled expertise in this area. They were the first specialist from outside the field to join the Association of Retirement Housing Managers (ARHM) and the Association of Residential Managing Agents (ARMA), whose members manage the day-to-day running and maintenance of an estimated 1.5 million private leasehold flats throughout England and Wales.

In addition, Gavin Whitehouse is a member of the Institute of Residential Property Management (IRPM), a professional association which supports individuals working in the management of residential properties, especially leasehold block accommodation.

Gavin sits on the technical committee of ARMA that is currently meeting with the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister to discuss the implications on service charge issues related to the new system of commonhold contained in the Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act 2002.

"I am delighted that Richard has joined our team. I know that he will rise to the challenge and prove to be a valuable addition to our team," says Gavin.