Northwest schools and academies can now access specialist business advice, courtesy of a new department at Champion Accountants.

Champion’s Education Division has been created to meet the needs of a growing market of primary and secondary schools that have converted to “Academy” status, or are in the process of doing so, and are seeking financial and business support advice.

The Education Division will be headed by Director David Hardy, who will be working alongside a highly skilled team, providing a range of specialist in-house services including audit and accounts preparation, accounting systems development, budget planning, insurance, payroll and VAT.

The team will be based across Champion’s five offices, offering a local presence to schools and academies in and around Blackpool, Chester, Preston and Manchester.

David commented: “Academy schools have full responsibility for their own finances, accounting systems and policies – areas that would have previously been looked after by their Local Education Authority. Champion is offering a complete business and financial support package which will ease the burden of this responsibility, whilst ensuring compliance in all necessary areas.”

“The selection of services we provide will be tailored to each school’s individual needs and requirements. Our approach is very much a side by side one – working together with existing staff members in schools and allowing the Governors and Management team to concentrate on improving the education service they provide.”

For more information contact David Hardy on 01253 621 512 or by e-mail: david.hardy@championgroup.co.uk