Stratford-based chartered accountancy firm Murphy Salisbury has signed up to a new scheme providing valuable advice to small businesses and start-ups.

The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) has launched its Business Advice Service in response to the Government's decision to close Business Link's regional advisory services.

Under the scheme, participating ICAEW member firms will offer SMEs and start-ups an initial free consultation to discuss their business needs. After this meeting, the business owner is then free to choose whether to end its association with the firm or appoint it in an advisory role.

ICAEW believes that offering this initial free consultation to owners of SMEs and start-ups, who may not otherwise know where to turn for advice, could help boost the economy.

Steve Smith, senior partner at Murphy Salisbury, said: "Starting a new business can be extremely rewarding, but it can also be daunting too, particularly if it is your first experience of running an enterprise.

"The key to running a successful business is ensuring you receive the right advice from qualified business advisers at an early stage, which is what ICAEW's Business Advice Service is designed to provide.

"At Murphy Salisbury, we have been advising owner-managed businesses for more than 30 years, meaning we are ideally placed to act as a first point of contact for SMEs and start-ups looking for expert advice.

"We hope that as many entrepreneurs as possible take advantage of this opportunity to ensure they are on the right track with their business plans."