ACCOUNTANTS and business advisors, Horsfield & Smith have a new managing partner.

Martin Hardman (pictured), has taken charge of the six-partner firm which has been based in Bury since 1892.

Chartered accountant Martin plans to build on the firm's recent successes, notably its award as the IT Advisor of the Year at the Sage/Datel North West Chartered Accountants Dinner, with a push to win new work.

"Providing a professional accountancy and business advice service has increasingly become an IT-based activity," he stressed.

"We have invested a lot of time, money and effort to ensure that we're at the cutting edge of technology; and winning the award was testimony to all the efforts put in by my partners and staff."

Martin added: "It was very satisfying to be selected in front of some heavyweight competition. I also believe that this success reflects our emphasis on helping our clients achieve their business objectives.

"We offer a much wider array of services than ever before, including computer hardware and software selection and maintenance, financial services, and specialist profit enhancement services.

"I feel we are poised to expand this firm. Many of our clients already recommend us to others and this happens because they feel we provide value for money."

He went on: "But we are also seeking to attract other new clients by communicating with a wider audience."