Pictured above: David Gardiner of Business Partners

A Staffordshire accountancy firm has achieved double digit increases in fee income over two consecutive years, despite tough trading conditions.

Business Partners, based in Cannock, has won a number of new clients in the current financial year. This represents a 13 per cent rise on the previous year's fees, which were 16 per cent greater than the year before.

The news is especially encouraging for Managing Partner David Gardiner, who now employs two people after starting Business Partners from scratch eight years ago.

A major factor in the firm's success is its fixed-fee arrangement. This sets Business Partners apart from other accountants, and means clients know exactly what they will receive, and how much it will cost before any work commences.

Business Partners' impressive expansion enabled the firm to relocate from a spare room at David's home, to premier offices at Centrix @ Keys in Cannock, in January 2010.

David has 27 years' experience in accountancy and finance, working in accountancy practices and industry in varied roles.

He said: "My ethos is to offer a friendly, no-nonsense approach to accountancy and bookkeeping, with affordable fees that are fixed before I start any work. There are no hourly rates or charges for incidentals. Also, we offer a range of payment options from weekly, monthly and quarterly, to standing orders, payment on presentation of invoice, and credit / debit card payments."

David continued: "In addition, we offer out-of-hours appointments, free consultations, and jargon-free advice in plain English that people can understand."

David's main client-base comprises sole traders, partnership and owner-managed limited companies. Business Partners provides complete accounts preparation and annual tax returns, bookkeeping, VAT returns and payroll services.

"Although there are many good accountants out there, many clients simply want their accounts completed for a reasonable price, and know that everything is above board. At Business Partners we understand that it's in our interest for our clients to be successful that's why we always try and go that extra mile," added David.

Business Partners' three-strong team of experienced people includes Wendy Wakeman, who joined in July 2010, and Sue Davis who was recruited in January 2010. Both Wendy and Sue are seasoned individuals with wide-ranging knowledge of the accountancy profession spanning many years.

David's policy is to employ experienced people with extensive, hands-on knowledge of accountancy and bookkeeping, rather than younger trainees who often need to be supervised for long periods.