A WINSFORD-based computer company has warned that Cheshire's small accountants could be in danger of being swallowed up by bigger companies unless they get their IT act together.

While more small to medium businesses are putting their account details on computer, many small accountancy firms are still resisting change and continuing to rely on the pencil and ledger methods.

Tony Leach, Information Technology manager at Winsford-based Plan-It Computer Solutions, warns: "We've reached the stage where smaller firms of accountants must get to grips with IT if they are not to be left behind."

Larger accountancy companies are embracing IT to such an extent that new technology would enable them to vastly increase their customer base at the expense of the smaller accountants.

Mr Leach, who recently conducted a research project into business and IT in Cheshire, continued: "Ironically, if the smaller accountancy companies really learned what IT could do for their business it could level the playing field in their favour. They could leapfrog the larger practices.

"IT usage in business is accelerating. You can now get banking on line and with many small businesses using sophisticated accounting and bookkeeping software, senior managers have come to expect financial information to be available instantly at the touch of a button.

"My research clearly showed that while the big accountancy firms had latched on to IT quickly, the smaller firms adopted a 'let's wait and see' policy.

"Well they can't afford to wait much longer, so I have set up a range of training especially for accountants at Plan-It Computer Solutions.

"Whether they need basic training or specific training on particular software packages, we can help."

He concluded: "I plan to be contacting many accountancy firms in the area to discuss their IT strategy but companies and individuals are welcome to contact me direct."

For more information call Plan-It Computer Solutions on 01606 556413.

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