Date of issue: 4th April 2006

INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS STRIKE THE RIGHT BALANCE

Increasingly, small and medium-sized companies (SMEs) are looking to strike a balance between value for money and access to a broad range of accountancy services and are finding their needs are best served by an independent accountancy firm.

Chartered accountants Clement Keys, one of the largest independent practices in the Midlands, has seen payroll and corporate finance business double in the past 18 months and attributes this major upturn to its personalised approach to meeting clients' needs.

"We are finding that many more businesses are looking for combined financial and business advice delivered by one individual who has an in-depth knowledge of their business," says managing partner Michael Meakin.

Clement Keys ensures that one of its partners has hands on involvement with every client, providing a service that is simply not replicated by the 'Big Four' or national accountancy practices.

The firm also believes that its ability to offer a range of services has also contributed to its growth. As well as dealing with traditional audit accountancy and tax, Clement Keys has developed its credentials in specialist areas, being particularly successful in providing corporate finance, strategic planning and business development advice to SMEs like WRG Partitioning Systems, Passenger Lift Services and the Back Group - ensuring they are well-equipped to achieve their full potential.

Owner-managed firms in particular are looking to develop a business plan for the medium to long term, while also managing their day-to-day operations, and are looking for specialists to provide this all-round support.

Clement Keys partner Ross Cocker has been instrumental in developing this area of Clement Keys' expertise, as he is highly experienced in management buy outs and cost-effective exit strategies that not only facilitate a company's future development, but also safeguard jobs.

"Once we have finalised a management buy out we are invariably retained by the new owners to act as auditors and financial advisers, and this has had a direct effect on the growth of our general practice work," says Michael Meakin.

"We enjoy long-established relationships with many of our clients, like West Bromwich Albion FC, and are particularly pleased that we are considered to provide the most relevant support to a variety of businesses seeking independent advice."