A PARTNER at Halesowen-based chartered accountancy firm Nicklin LLP is celebrating 25 years in the role.

Chris Cook became a partner at the firm, based in Stourbridge Road, in May, 1986. He first joined Nicklins - then known as Nicklin and Co - in 1982, having trained and qualified with another local practice.

Mr Cook, who was educated at King Edward VI Grammar School in Stourbridge, initially specialised in taxation. Today, he is the firm’s engagement partner, with a particular specialism in helping businesses obtain the finance they need to grow, particularly in an economic climate where more traditional funding methods such as bank loans are increasingly hard to come by.

His clients range from owner-managed businesses of all sizes through to UK subsidiaries of major overseas companies.

He has recently been a driving force in Consultants to Business Ltd, a consortium which has put in a bid for a £4 million share of the Government’s £1.4 billion Regional Growth Fund. If successful, the funding will be used to help businesses in the Black Country access a wide range of services in the local area, including business support, accountancy, marketing and sources of funding.

Commenting on his milestone, Mr Cook said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed the last 25 years as a partner. I truly believe that the Black Country has some of the most innovative business minds in the West Midlands and being able to play a part in helping these people succeed is the best part of the job for me.”

Managing partner Harvey Owen said: “As a firm, we are extremely fortunate to have someone with Chris’s experience, enthusiasm and local knowledge as a partner.

“On behalf of everyone at Nicklins, I would like to congratulate Chris on reaching 25 years as a partner. I know that clients and colleagues alike have benefited greatly from his expertise in that time.”