Date of issue: 11th October 2004

CLEMENT KEYS TO HOST INTERNATIONAL ACCOUNTANCY CONFERENCE

One of Birmingham's leading independent firms of chartered accountants is hosting a prestigious conference this month on behalf of Polaris IA International, the worldwide network of independent accounting, auditing and consulting firms.

Clement Keys, Birmingham is a member of the Polaris IA International organisation and has been selected to host the four-day regional event, which commences on Saturday October 23.

The conference is being held in Birmingham for the first time and will bring together delegates representing member firms from Europe, the Middle East and Africa. International taxation, auditing and consulting across Europe and the development of Polaris IA International's services in the Europe, Middle East and Africa region will be among the topics discussed in a series of meetings and seminars.

Sir Adrian Cadbury will welcome guests to an official reception at Clement Keys, Birmingham's offices in Calthorpe Road, Edgbaston at 6.00pm on Saturday, October 23. This will be attended by Polaris IA International members plus leaders from Birmingham's banking, financial and legal sectors. The reception will be followed by a delegates' dinner at the Bank Restaurant in Brindley Place.

The keynote presentation will focus on the challenges facing international accountancy networks while the Europe, Middle East and Africa Region of Polaris IA International will also hold its board meeting. In addition, rugby legend Joe Lydon - currently coach to the England Rugby Union Sevens squad and a former Great Britain Rugby League international - will lead a session on teambuilding and motivational skills.

The itinerary also includes dinners at Birmingham's Council House and Botanical Gardens and a visit to Shakespeare's Birthplace and Mary Arden House in Stratford upon Avon. Trips to the Jewellery Quarter and Birmingham's Museum and Art Gallery plus a visit to Selfridges are being laid on for delegates' spouses.

"Polaris IA International is one of the world's leading international affiliations for independent professional accounting services and we are honoured to be hosting this key regional conference on its behalf," says Clement Keys, Birmingham partner Ian Yorke.

"A huge range of skills and expertise is available within the organisation and the conference provides an ideal platform for member firms to network, share best practice on key accountancy issues and plan the development of Polaris IA International's services."

Clement Keys partner Phil Cook, who heads the practice's specialist taxation division, was recently elected to Polaris IA International's Tax Steering Committee, which is responsible for promoting liaison on cross-border taxation and pan-European Tax systems.

Polaris IA international is dedicated to meeting the needs of private sector companies undertaking international business activities and major not-for-profit organisations. One of the 25 largest international accounting affiliations with a turnover of around $US400m, it comprises 170 independent firms operating from 227 offices in 90 countries and is acknowledged as one of the world's top 20 accounting organisations.