Date of issue: 16th November 2004

100 INTERNATIONAL VISITORS ATTEND BIRMINGHAM ACCOUNTANCY CONFERENCE

On behalf of a leading global affiliation for independent accountants, chartered accountants Clement Keys, Birmingham recently welcomed more than 100 visitors to a four-day conference.

The delegates were all members of Polaris IA International - a worldwide network organisation which represents independent accounting, auditing and consulting firms - and travelled from Europe, the USA and South Africa to attend the event.

Clement Keys, Birmingham hosted the event, which was held in Birmingham for the first time, and arranged an official reception at its Edgbaston offices.

Delegates were welcomed by special guest Sir Adrian Cadbury, who entertained them with a brief history of Birmingham, explaining how hardworking and innovative Quaker and Unitarian craftsmen helped establish the city's manufacturing expertise. He also outlined Birmingham's rich jewellery, coins and silverware traditions and traced its emergence in more recent times as Britain's culturally diverse 'second city' with a reputation for excellence in legal and financial services.

In a vote of thanks, Clement Keys partner Alan Robertson presented Sir Adrian with a donation to The Birmingham Settlement, a charity set up at the turn of the century to assist disadvantaged women, with which Sir Adrian and the Cadbury family are closely involved.

While the business aspect of the Polaris IA International conference included an assessment of the challenges facing international accountancy networks and discussed taxation within the EU, guests also enjoyed a varied social agenda. Gala dinners were arranged at the Council House and Botanical Gardens along with trips to Stratford upon Avon, the Jewellery Quarter, the Bullring and Birmingham's Museum and Art Gallery.

"We were delighted that so many of our colleagues within the Polaris IA International network were able to join us and make the key decisions that will drive the organisation forward during the coming 12 months," said Alan Robertson.

"Business matters aside, we were particularly pleased to have the opportunity to promote our region and understand that several of our visitors have now added Birmingham to their list of city break destinations!"