FDUK, which provides part-time finance directors to fast-growing small and medium sized enterprises, has launched in Worcester.

The Bristol-based company, which has expanded rapidly across the south of England and Wales since 2001, has moved into the county after the appointment of new associate, Stephen Ellis.

Mr Ellis said: "It's a very exciting prospect and I'm looking forward to using my skills and experience to help the dynamic businesses in the area.

"Smaller businesses often dismiss the idea of a finance director either because of the cost, or because they believe things are alright as they are.

"However, an experienced finance director can add significant value to a business, helping it to achieve the best possible results and sometimes to avoid failure.

"FDUK associates work on a part-time basis, so the service is flexible enough for small businesses."

Mr Ellis qualified as a Chartered Certified Accountant at British Airways and went on to work with Tetra Pak, the Swedish packaging group, initially as chief accountant and then finance director.

In 1999, he was appointed managing director of Plastic Omnium and in five years helped to grow the business from a £5m to £17m turnover.