Coventry chartered certified accountants, Askews, are reassuring companies in the Midlands area that the combining of professional services can promote business growth despite recent speculation that the economic situation will get worse over the course of 2012.

Recent changes to the Legal Services Act 2007 mean that law firms can now trade with other professional service companies to form partnerships known as Alternative Business Structures (ABS).

Taking advantage of the new legislation, Askews recently launched Askews Legal which offers a range of commercial legal services alongside their existing accountancy and taxation services. This will help local SMEs weathering the economic storm to keep their key professional services from one trusted supplier under one roof, achieving cost savings in terms of time and money.

In addition, by now offering legal services Askews aim to fill the gap left by the break up last year of the Regional Development Agencies which drastically reduced business support for companies across the region.

Some clients are already expressing a positive response to the addition in services. Simon Allen from Health Assist Limited in Kenilworth said: “Askews has been looking after our accounts for a number of years, so it just makes sense for us to use them for legal services as well, and saves us the hassle of shopping around. We have received good advice over the years, and as they already know and understand our business, we won’t have to go through the process of explaining it all to someone new. It’s just one less headache for us to worry about.”

At a recent conference for professionals in Manchester, organised by Nat West and Huthwaite Legal, Professor Stephen Mayson spoke about the new ABS partnerships adding value for clients, and moving away from time-billing.

Senior partner of Askews, Neil Askew is keen to assist growth in the region and said: “With clients being able to approach us for a range of their professional services we will really gain a strong connection with their company. This is ideal for start-ups, or busy small business owners who just want to focus on growing their business and want the quickest and easiest way to access professional services. It simply makes good business sense for companies to be able to access key professional services from one practice.”

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