ONE of the things that I loves doing is meeting all kinds of businesses of different shapes and sizes. It gives me a chance to learn and can also provide a lift, especially at a time when we are not exactly drowning in good news.

This week was one such occasion when I visited Paul Barnes and his team at Cloud Accounting Support Services in Tamworth.

This is a business that started from a front room and has grown to seven people operating from its office premises on the outskirts of the town.

Paul fell into accountancy after a professional footballing career did not work out. He was a goalkeeper with two clubs before making the switch.

Having qualified and worked in a number of businesses Paul set up on his own and has expanded with clients all over the country.

Whilst CASS can provide a full range of accounting services it is as much a technology as an accountancy business. It helps businesses to take advantage of the various accountancy software systems that are available. This includes implementation and training.

Digital record keeping and filing is become ever more important as HMRC change its requirements, adding to the pressures, especially upon small businesses.

The business is happy to work with your existing accountant.

Other services include Credit Control from invoicing and the issue of reminders to as a last resort debt recovery working with a legal partner.

The photograph shows me (Adrian Kibbler) talking to Paul whilst Lottie runs her eye over some numbers.