A THRIVING Bury company is truly adopting a hands-on approach to help clients ease their hi-tech headaches.

For the computer services arm of long-established chartered accountants Horsfield & Smith is reflecting on a significant successful year.

The company itself has been trading for a remarkable 110 years and while it can look back on the past with credit, its sights are fixed firmly on the future.

In January, the practice's H & S Computer Services division changed its name to Hands-On Computer Solutions Ltd. It was the climax of a highly successful 12 months of trading.

Managing director Nigel Billings said: "We had achieved year on year growth in turnover just short of 100 per cent and the company also had the distinction of becoming a Sage Premier dealer." This enviable accolade is only attained by dealers who meet rigorous sales and quality standards.

Nigel added: "There are approximately 300 Sage dealers in the UK and only 100 are Premier dealers. Hands-on Computer Solutions is one of only nine based in the North West."

The company offers a package of computer solutions and among the services it offers are:

All Sage business software

Fixed price network support contracts

Internet and e-mail software supplies

Sage software training

Network provisions.

Nigel explained: "We are a forward thinking company which prides itself on the service it offers to existing and potential customers.

"We take the care to assess the true needs of the client and provide them with a solution that best suits their needs, rather than just trying to sell some off-the-shelf package.

Nigel feels that the recent change of name is an important aspect of the company's development.

"The new name reflects our expanded range of services and the change in our business activities."

Horsfield & Smith, of which Hands-On is a key part, was established in 1892. Today, it is an independent six-partner practice.

In the early 1990s, the business transferred from its previous headquarters in Manchester Road, Bury, to Tower House in Walmersley Road.

Although fiercely guarding its traditions, the company has shown it is quick to embrace new business opportunities.

Hands-On has its own impressive web site on www.ishas2b.com.