The Global Association for Contact Center Best Practices & Networking

United Kingdom - 9th March, 2009 - According to Sage, a supplier of business software, small businesses are turning to their accountants before banks in their hunt for sound business advice. As a trusted advisor to SMEs, Sage works with 780,000 businesses and over 14,000 accountants in the UK.

A survey which was commissioned by Sage’s Accountants’ Division to identify the current issues facing businesses and their accountants, reveals that 75% of accountants believe they are now a key source of business advice for SMEs. It also highlights that dealing with the effects of the recession; remaining competitive in a global market; being recession proof, and changes in tax legislation are the top challenges for business for the coming five years.

As banks step up to promote their image as trusted advisors, accountants are already viewed by their clients as their key confidents. This year, businesses are calling for accountants to get under the skin of their business with half of SMEs stating they will stay with their accountant and continue to seek their counsel because they understand the ins and outs of their business - and are asking for more face-to-face time to provide them with a higher level of reassurance.

In addition to core accounting services and management accounting, the survey reveals that the SMEs are also contacting their accountant for advice on tax planning (44%) and financial advice (e.g. pensions and investment – 39%).

Greg Ford, Managing Director of Sage’s Accountants’ Division comments; "The research reinforces that during these difficult times, businesses expect more from their accountant and are going to them for general business consultancy rather than just number crunching. Our role is to support and help accountants overcome the day-to-day practicalities of running their practice so they can focus on what’s important to them and their clients."