South: James Cowper shortlisted for enterprise investment scheme award

Thames Valley and South Coast accountants and business advisers James Cowper has been shortlisted for a prestigious award by the Enterprise Investment Scheme Association (EISA) – a not-for-profit organisation to assist the flow of investment into small and medium-sized businesses.

Shortlisted for Best EIS Tax Adviser, the firm is going head-to-head against some of the world’s largest accountancy firms, with the awards to be announced at a reception at the House of Lords later this month.

The nomination follows James Cowper's being named Tax Team of the Year at the British Accountancy Awards in November last year for the second time in three years. The firm’s work around Enterprise Investment Schemes and the junior Seed Enterprise Investment Schemes was highlighted by the judges.

Chris Lee, a partner in James Cowper’s tax team, said: “We are delighted to have been shortlisted for this award so soon after the British Accountancy Awards. To be recognised by this organisation and named alongside our peers is a real honour.”

At the same time, four of James Cowper's tax accountants have passed their latest tax exams. Amandeep Bahia has successfully qualified as a chartered tax adviser, while Anna Murkin, Vicky Davies and Keri Purdy have also passed their latest chartered tax adviser and Association of Taxation Technician exams respectively, but have yet to qualify.

Steve Clarke, managing partner, said: “Our congratulations go to Amandeep, who has now qualified, and to Anna, Vicky and Keri who continue to work hard towards qualification. These are not easy exams to pass and they should all be proud of their achievements.”

In September 2013 James Cowper took on nine graduates and modern apprentices onto its student training programme. The nine will spend the next three years training to qualify as either chartered or certified accountants and account or tax technicians.

Clarke added: “James Cowper has a long tradition of taking on students and trainees each year and supporting them through their study and exams. It is extremely pleasing to see staff taken on in previous years progress towards qualification.”