Rawlinsons is believed to be the largest independent firm of chartered accountants in the Greater Peterborough area.

Providing accountancy, taxation and business advice, the firm has been supporting Peterborough businesses and the community for more than 65 years.

So, it's even more appropriate that this year the award for Small Business of the Year is again being sponsored by the long-established firm.

Rawlinsons is now in its fourth year as a sponsor of the awards and of the Small Business of the Year Award 2008. the award will go to the business for exceptional performance in profitability and impact on the economy over the last year. Turnover should be up to £2 million.

Partner Ken Craig said the firm is delighted to be supporting the awards again, saying "we enjoyed being involved last year and are particularly pleased to have been asked to sponsor the Small Business of the Year Award again this year.

The ET Business Awards: nominate your business
Closing date for entries is Friday, September 12, 2008.
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"Clearly, this is an award that suits our profile in the city and one that rewards a small business that has grown in profitability and potential. We offer services which assist our clients to achieve such positive change."

Rawlinsons looks after the financial and fiscal needs of more than 3,000 clients with some associations going back over several generations.

Relationships have been built on trust and understanding, through the provision of cost effective, timely and relevant advice. Mr Craig added: "We provide everything you would expect from a large firm, but we are a local independent practice so you enjoy the added benefit of our personal attention.

"We deal with a wide diversity of sectors, from charities to professional practices and our skills range from audit and tax mitigation to due diligence work and business valuations.

"Building close relationships with clients enables us to offer sound, practical advice. We know that effective accountancy is about working closely with clients – getting to know you and your business."

Rawlinsons' partners and staff are very much involved in working with the community and have provided support to local charities, whether through business, as honorary auditors or as committee members, or through social dedication to the cause.

They have taken leading roles within organisations such as Peterborough Innovation Centre, Peterborough Business Link, Peterborough City Centre Forum, the Peterborough and Stamford Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and have assisted with the Peterborough Enterprise Programme.

Senior partner Chris Collier, who is a judge for the Business Awards 2008, is no stranger to fund-raising himself, as he has been chairman of the NSPCC Peterborough Business Support Group for the last 10 years.

Mr Collier said: "I am very pleased to be involved in the business awards.