Small businesses can receive free expert advice from ICAEW chartered accountants under a new initiative.

The Business Advice Service allows small and medium business (SMEs) to contact participating firms in their area on a variety of issues with no future obligation. More than 2,000 ICAEW practices have already signed up.

Keith Proudfoot, ICAEW Northern regional director, said: “The Business Advice Service will offer SMEs the opportunity to discuss their business with a qualified chartered accountant through a free initial consultation.

ICAEW chartered accountants will offer expert advice on a range of issues facing them – from starting a business to turnaround, restructuring, financial management or taxation issues.”

Chartered accountants taking part are listed at businessadvice service.com.

The service will be explained at a free launch event at the Malmaison Hotel, Newcastle, on Friday, October 21, 8am to 10am. To book a place, call Alison Tait on 0131-202-1252 or e-mail alison.tait@icaew.com.