WORCESTER-based accountancy firm Bishop Fleming has announced it will become a patron member of Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce.

Chris Walklett, partner in charge of Bishop Fleming’s office, said: “I’m very excited about the opportunity to partner with chamber in this way.

"So much of how we support and advocate business in the area mirrors the chamber’s ambition, and patron membership will enable us to work with chamber on a level that will be a game changer for both organisations, and I hope, businesses in the West Midlands too.”

Sharon Smith, chief executive of Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, said: “Our chamber manifesto is core to our strategy of supporting businesses in the West Midlands region and raising the profile of the counties of Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

"Bishop Fleming’s skills and resources are very complementary to this, including their Brexit, tax and business strategy teams.

"This partnership was the obvious move to make for both organisations.”

In November this year the chamber will be co-hosting an international joint event with Bishop Fleming, with a focus on signposting support to businesses looking to export, or structure internationally to manage Brexit.

Chris Walklett said: “The Brexit roadmap is reaching some key milestones, but the political noise and furor surrounding it is not helping businesses focus on what they can be doing now to evolve their international strategy.

"The event we will be hosting with the chamber will hope to address that; featuring speakers from the US, Ireland and The Netherlands, it underlines how we can work with the chamber to benefit business in the West Midlands and beyond.”