Blackpool-based specialist accountants for contractors, Danbro, is bucking the trend of decreasing sales and rising unemployment by continuing to grow its business in 2009.

The town has suffered a big rise in its jobless total in recent months, with latest figures showing over 3,300 people now claiming jobseekers’ allowance, following cutbacks at several high-profile firms and the abandonment of job creation schemes such as the ‘super casino’.

But Danbro’s success has continued, with eight new members of staff recruited so far this year, buoyed by strong demand for its umbrella and limited company services, aimed at the thousands of temporary and freelance workers in the UK.

The firm opened an office in London last July, and expanded into Manchester earlier this year. It also acquired rival firm Safe Business Solutions (SBS), bringing its client base to around 2,700 active contractors and just over 1,000 limited companies.

It also recently achieved ISO9001 accreditation, which confirms it adheres to an internationally-agreed set of standards for its management systems, and an Investors in People award in recognition of the training and development of its staff, while it has continued to invest in IT with the launch of a new website and back office within the last six months.

Danbro’s Gareth Richardson said: “Blackpool’s unemployment figures are increasing at a higher rate than the national average and potentially undesirable job creation exercises such as the ‘super casino’ have failed. Danbro is creating and safeguarding long-term, highly skilled and highly trained jobs in the region.”

Danbro is not resting on its laurels, and is set to continue its expansion with plans to open a second office in London as well as one in Birmingham later this year.

For more information contact Danbro on:

Head Office: 01253 600140
London Office: 0207 836 84000
Manchester Office: 0161 238 4918

or visit www.danbro.co.uk

Specialist accountants Danbro are setting their sights on success in prestigious national awards for the accountancy sector in 2009 after being pipped at the post this year.

The firm, which specialises in working with contractors and freelancers had been shortlisted in the Small Firm of the Year and Best Use of Internet: Practice categories in  the 2008 Accountancy Age Awards, which were announced on the evening of 12 November at a ceremony at Battersea Park Arena, London.

The awards recognise the very best accountants in business, practice and in the public and voluntary sectors across the UK.

Managing partner Damian Broughton said: “While we are disappointed not to have won, being shortlisted for two Accountancy Age awards is a real achievement in itself and demonstrates the dedication shown by the whole Danbro team. Now we are hoping to go a step further in 2009 and become an award winner.”

Danbro’s shortlisting for the awards was another significant event in an excellent year for the company. During 2008, Danbro has opened a London office, been ranked one of the fastest growing private companies in the UK in the Sunday Times Fast Track 100 league table and rated in the top six in the best accountancy firm and best umbrella service categories by voters in a poll on the Contractor UK website. [Read more →]