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Institute of Chartered Accountants launches free advice scheme

The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales has launched a new free advisory scheme to help SMEs and start ups gain more information about running their business.

The Business Advice Service will provide help on a variety of issues to help businesses on a variety of issues, with no obligation to sign up to future services.

Accountancy firms across the region have already signed up to the scheme, and David Swallow, president of the Northern Society of Chartered Accountants has received excellent feedback on the scheme.

Speaking at the launch of the scheme in Newcastle, he commented: “We hope to play our part in stimulating the recovery, because without a vibrant SME market, the economy will not be able to grow.

“This scheme has provided a unique opportunity for our members to bridge the gap which will be left as current advice sources begin to disappear by pointing business people in the right direction – which is something we have already been doing quietly for many years.”

Mark Spofforth, deputy president of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales was also in attendance at the event, now hopes more people will take advantage of the services they plan to provide.

“Accountants already offer free advice as a marketing tool, but through the new Business Advice service this will be formalised, and we are working to ensure it is advertised in a way to ensure smaller clients don’t think its too expensive for them to afford.

“When you’re setting up a business, you’re watching cash all the time so the last thing you want to think about is going to a business advisor, when really what you need to do it sit down and formalise your plans.

“Equally we are there when businesses need help getting over barriers when running a business, so we’re hoping that if people know we can offer free advice they will walk through the door.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .