HWB makes the grade at Perins and Amery Hill

TWO more of Hampshire's newest academy schools have appointed specialist accountants HWB as their auditors and advisors.

Perins School in Alresford and Amery Hill in Alton are both among the latest of the county's schools to become academies, which gives them financial independence from the local authority for the first time.

Since the introduction of academy schools, Chandler's Ford based independent accountants and business advisors HWB have developed market leading expertise in advising schools before and after conversion.

HWB, which also represents Thornden School in Chandler Ford and Freemantle School in Southampton, holds regular forums for business managers of schools that are considering making the change.

Clive Surry, business manager at Perins School, said: "It is a new era for us where budgets and finances are suddenly far more important than ever before. We need good quality advice to see us through this transitional period and that is why we appointed HWB.

"We were aware they already worked with other academy schools and we are confident they can deliver on their promise."

Karen Magill, school business manager for of Amery Hill, said: "Obviously we need quality advice, that's essential but HWB also seemed like people we could work with. They were approachable and offered a thoroughly professional service."

Richard Hurst, an academy school specialist and HWB director, said: "Having freedom from local authority control is a great opportunity for schools but also a big new financial responsibility and it's vital they get it right.

"Perins and Amery Hill are great schools and we are delighted to be able to help them with accounting, financial and VAT matters that they are now having to deal with."

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