Milton Keynes, UK - 11th September 2012 - Xero, the provider of online accounting software, has announced that Nick Longden is joining the company as its National Sales Manager.  Previously UK Sales Director at global accountancy software giant CCH, a Wolters Kluwer Business, Nick brings over 20 years’ experience of the accounting and technology markets in the UK.

Longden’s first task will be to introduce himself to 250 accountants and bookkeepers at Xerocon, the company’s annual partner conference in London on 27 September.

Said Gary Turner, Managing Director for Xero, “Having established Xero at the centre of the shift to the cloud in the UK, we conducted an extensive search to find the best individual to lead our growing sales organisation. Being able to attract someone of Nick’s calibre is vital to the next stage of our growth in the UK.”

While at CCH, Nick Longden was in charge of the CCH’s UK sales operation and sat on the senior management team and was twice voted Motivator of the Year. Nick started his professional career as a trainee chartered accountant at PKF (UK) LLP. He holds a BA (Hons) in Geography from the University of Hull.

Said Nick Longden, “I am joining Xero at a very exciting time. The shift to cloud software is accelerating because it transforms the relationship between small businesses and their accountants, giving business owners much needed visibility of their financial affairs.  It provides accountants with a framework for offering higher value services, rather than just meeting basic compliance and statutory filing deadlines.”