Pictured above: Chris Cook

A partner at Halesowen-based chartered accountancy firm Nicklin LLP is celebrating 25 years in the role.

Chris Cook became a partner at the firm, based in Stourbridge Road, in May 1986. He first joined Nicklins - then known as Nicklin and Co - in 1982, having trained and qualified with another local practice.

Chris, who was educated at King Edward VI Grammar School, in Stourbridge, initially specialised in taxation. Today, he is the firm's engagement partner, with a particular specialism in helping businesses obtain the finance they need to grow - particularly in an economic climate where more traditional funding methods such as bank loans are increasingly hard to come by.

His clients range from owner-managed businesses of all sizes through to UK subsidiaries of major overseas companies. His extensive corporate finance experience includes new business start-ups, business plans, refinancing packages, buying and selling and restructuring businesses.

A Black Country man through and through, Chris has a particular passion for helping businesses in what was once one of the most industrialised areas of the country get off the ground and then continue to grow.

Most recently, he has been a driving force in Consultants to Business Ltd, a consortium which has put in a bid for a £4 million share of the Government's £1.4 billion Regional Growth Fund. If successful, the funding will be used to help businesses in the Black Country access a wide range of services in the local area, including business support, accountancy, marketing and sources of funding.

Commenting on his milestone, Chris said: "I have thoroughly enjoyed the last 25 years as a partner. I truly believe that the Black Country has some of the most innovative business minds in the West Midlands and be able to play a part in helping these people succeed is the best part of the job for me.

"My time at Nicklins has enabled me to build strong, successful working relationships with a wide range of clients and I look forward to being able to continue helping businesses in our community and beyond succeed."

Managing partner Harvey Owen commented: "As a firm, we are extremely fortunate to have someone with Chris's experience, enthusiasm and local knowledge as a partner.

"On behalf of everyone at Nicklins, I would like to congratulate Chris on reaching 25 years as a partner. I know that clients and colleagues alike have benefited greatly from his expertise in that time."