Date of issue: 18th October 2004

CLEMENT KEYS APPOINTS MANNY AS NEW PARTNER

Chartered accountants Clement Keys, Birmingham has promoted 30-year old Manny Sahota to partner with the firm's taxation department.

"Taxation is a highly specialised and increasingly important aspect of accountancy and we are delighted to recognise not only Manny's expertise but also his commitment to developing the firm's credentials in this key area and growing our business," says Phil Cook, partner and head of the tax department at Clement Keys, Birmingham.

Manny, who is believed to be one of the youngest Asian accountants in the West Midlands to hold partner status, joined Clement Keys, Birmingham as an auditor in 1999. He moved into the tax department in late 2000 and began studying for the Chartered Institute of Taxation qualifications, which he gained in 2002.

While he advises on most areas of tax, Manny specialises in corporate taxation and so deals with a wide variety of company taxation matters - from giving basic advice to handling detailed group reconstructions.

He is also experienced in corporate finance, having advised on major acquisitions and disposals involving everything from preparing due diligence reports and disclosure letters to reviewing tax warranties and tax deeds.

"Becoming a partner is a huge personal achievement for me and I am delighted about the appointment and excited about the new challenges that will be coming my way," says Manny.

"I look forward to continuing to assist the firm in expanding the scope of its specialist tax services and to tapping into new marker sectors. In particular I am keen to build on our relationships with the Asian business community."

Manny Sahota is married and awaiting the birth of his first child. He lives in Harborne and enjoys reading and playing squash, pool and football in his spare time.