Colchester, UK – 26 January 2010 – Access, the mid-market consulting, software and solutions provider, has named leading industry expert, Paul Druckman, as its non-executive chairman. He will take up the position from Monday 1st February 2010. Paul has been a non-executive director of the company since 2004, when the business first started to accelerate through acquisition.

Alistair O’Reilly, CEO and founder of Access, commented, “Following the rebrand and restructure of our business, we’ve become a much larger organisation. The business is evolving from owner-led to a mid-market business in its own right, which requires a completely different perspective. Paul has exceptional credentials and his specific knowledge and expertise, both in our industry and the mid-market, makes him a valuable asset in helping drive the business forward, both through organic growth and acquisition.

“The business has already experienced huge benefits in the six years Paul has been on our board of directors. We trebled our turnover and quadrupled our profitability during Paul’s tenure, due to his input and direction in business decisions. He has also been instrumental in championing the business case for investing in Accounting for Carbon Emissions, and challenged the board on the importance of investing in business sustainability. The value that Paul has already brought to the business is immense, which is why I’m truly delighted that he has accepted the position, and will help us take the business to the next level.”

Paul’s role will see him become more involved in the business on a day-to-day basis, advising senior management as the organisation embarks on its aggressive three year growth plans to surpass £30m turnover by 2012. He will also continue to chair the board and provide guidance on corporate governance issues.

Paul commented, “Access is entering a new and exciting phase in its evolution; since the rebrand, it has positioned itself to take on the Goliaths of the consulting, software and solutions industry.  Bringing five companies together under the one brand was a huge task, and with the structures and procedures now in place, Access is not only able to sustain its position within the mid-market, but also to accelerate its growth.  Having many years experience in medium-sized enterprises, I understand the challenges that they face if they are to evolve and grow. I’m delighted to be invited to help Access realise its ambitions and take part in the future success of the company at this level.”

Paul has enjoyed a long and high profile career in the UK business and accounting profession, spanning more than 25 years. An entrepreneur, he built a number of very successful software businesses before going on to lead some of the industry’s most highly respected institutions. His positions included: President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales; chairman of the CCAB (the six UK accounting bodies); a board director and council member of the Financial Reporting Council and chair of the Audit Committee; and a member of the City Takeover Panel. Recognising there was a gap in the support for representing mid-market businesses, Paul was also responsible for co-founding the M-Institute, the UK's only policy think-tank that focuses exclusively on medium enterprises.

Currently, Paul is also chairman of both the HRH Prince of Wales Accounting for Sustainability Project and FEE Sustainability, along with a number of other companies.

To hear more from Paul on his appointment and why he thinks mid-market businesses like Access are vital to the British economy, watch his short video blog. Visit Paul Druckman’s LinkedIn profile to read more about his expertise and business background.

For further details on Access visit http://www.theaccessgroup.com/ or contact 0845 345 3300. Alternatively, keep up-to-date by following Access on twitter, http://www.twitter.com/theaccessgroup