April 2007

ACUMEN STRENGTHENS ACCOUNTANCY DIVISION

The Acumen Group has recently announced two senior appointments to its accountancy division. Chartered accountant, Steven McKenzie, has joined as an associate and Andrew Bell has been appointed as assistant tax manager.

Their appointments form part of the group’s recent announcement that it has created 26 new jobs and expects to further increase its recruitment opportunities by employing 10 to 12 new staff over the next quarter.

As part of the group's expansion into the central belt, Steven McKenzie will be based both in Aberdeen and Edinburgh. The newly created job will be key to strengthening the company's position in Edinburgh, and Steven will be responsible for building Acumen's accountancy interests in the area.

Andrew Bell has more than 15 years experience in taxation and finance, developing client relationships and managing portfolios. Andrew will play an important role in strengthening the accountancy division in the new refurbished Aberdeen office.

Steven McKenzie commented: "I am pleased to have been given the opportunity to join Acumen during one of the most exciting times in the company’s history. Having worked in Edinburgh previously, I am particularly excited to be included in Acumen's plans for the development of its operations in the central belt."

Andrew is also pleased to join the company at such an important time. He said: "All four divisions of the Acumen Group are experiencing consistent levels of growth which is hugely exciting for both clients and employees. As assistant tax manager it will be my aim to build on Acumen's already successful relationships with its clients and managing client portfolios. Going forward, I plan to develop the taxation section further and expand the current capabilities of the division."