A WORCESTERSHIRE accountancy firm has marked its tenth anniversary with a charity fund raising programme.

Curo Accountants in Bromsgrove organised or took part in 10 different events, these included various team members undertaking 5km runs, sponsored cycle rides and even an office-based "doggy decathlon" featuring sponsored events for team members’ dogs.

Partner and audit expert Anna Madden said: "It’s hard to believe it’s already been 10 years. We started from scratch without a client to our name, but our experience as a start-up, facing the same challenges as any other new business proved a great foundation for our success.

“Nothing offers insight into the particular issues faced by owner-managed entrepreneurial businesses and start-ups, quite like actually being one yourself. We talk to our clients and prospects from the perspective of personal experience and that makes a huge difference when trying to understand what they need; and how they need it explained and delivered.”

The team now numbers 20 and the firm’s commitment to bringing through the next generation of accountants has led to it being an ACA accredited training office.

Business co-founder and chartered tax adviser, Julia Whelan added: “The business grew quickly in the early years, demonstrating the validity of our strategy to focus on supporting owner-managed entrepreneurial businesses, which don’t get the recognition for the job they are doing.

“There’s a lot made of the UK’s biggest businesses in the media. Exciting start-ups, many of whom never make it past year one, also get a lot of attention. But less is given to the huge number of owner-managed and family run businesses turning over millions and employing the bulk of the UK workforce.”

Curo has become the first accountancy practice in Worcestershire to achieve probate qualification, allowing it to deal with all aspects of probate and estate administration for individual clients.