TWO Worcester accountancy firms have narrowly missed out on a prestigious accolade.

Kendall Wadley accountants and Rabjohns business and tax advisers were both nominated for the 2003 National Accountancy Awards.

While neither firm ended up winning, both said they were thrilled to have been shortlisted in the scheme, which is run by the magazine for the accountancy profession, Accountancy Age.

"We were delighted when we found out we'd been shortlisted," said Mark Ashworth, Kendall Wadley's chief executive, who took a team of 10 people to the awards ceremony, at Battersea Park Arena, London, last Wednesday.

Huge

"It was a huge affair, with 1,200 people there and some really big companies, such as Microsoft, British Airways, Deloitte & Touche and KPMG, as well as accountancy practices from all over Britain.

"This was the first year we were nominated so we'll hopefully be nominated again next year, and maybe win it."

This year the top firm was named as Wingrave Yates, from Mayfair, London, described by David Cornelius, from Rabjohns, as a "very worthy" winner.

"I'm delighted for them, they're actually very good. It's great they've gone for it," said Mr Cornelius, adding that Rabjohn's, based in College Yard, had been shortlisted in the awards for four successive years.