it@cork

Launch of First All Virtual Chartered Accountancy Practice In Ireland

Hardie Brown & Co. to Offer High Quality Services at Low Cost to Irish SMEs

Launched in October, 2009, Hardie Brown & Co is the first all virtual Chartered Accountancy practice in Ireland. This innovative model will use the power of the internet to deliver high quality services to clients in real time – when and wherever they require them.

'Hardie Brown & Co. understands the importance of SMEs in Ireland and their critical role in the future success of the Irish economy', said Gael Hardie-Brown, Principal.

Irish SMEs represent approximately 99% of private enterprises in Ireland with over 700,000 employees or nearly 67% of the private sector workforce (30% in enterprises with less than 10 employees, 20% with less than 50 employees and 17% with less than 2501). Approximately 50% of the Irish private sector workforce is employed in micro and small enterprises.

In the last six months Irish companies have seen a significant deterioration in their financial strength (78% reporting a fall in turnover and profit2), and with continuing reliance on the Banking sector to provide critical funds (39% received funding from Banks in the last two years of which 64% used for Working Capital2) the need for SMEs to have relevant, current financial information is key to their future prospects.

'It is the specific needs of SMEs we are seeking to address. Why should this critical sector lack high quality advice and analysis essential to their success? With the increased acceptance of online business services, Hardie Brown & Co. provides a much needed solution', said Hardie-Brown.

'There are a handful of Irish Chartered Accountancy firms that offer online web-based accounting solutions as part of their offering but this is the first that has embraced a fully online solution. As a firm we will provide all our services through the web - all the client needs is a laptop and access to the internet. With the adoption of Broadband increasing every day, now is the time for the SME sector to embrace the full possibilities that such access brings', explained Hardie-Brown.

For further information on Hardie Brown & Co visit www.hardiebrown.ie

1. Study on the representativeness of business organisations for SMEs in the European Union, May 2009
2. Flash Eurobarometer 271 – Access to Finance Analytical Report, September 2009