A GROWING internet accounting business in Droitwich has been shortlisted for a major national award.

The Finance Department, which was set up by David Lockett in 2009 to provide small and start up businesses with the same accounting support that large companies have, has been shortlisted in the innovation category of the Online Accounting Awards.

Now the company, which comprises Mr Lockett and two bookkeepers, is in a straight battle with eight other firms from across the UK, many of them much larger operations.

The competition is among the most fiercely-contested across the entire country for upcoming companies. “It is absolutely fantastic to make the shortlist,” said Mr Lockett. “It shows the way we are going and is just brilliant.

“Initially we provided monthly reports and regular ad-vice so that clients were engaged in their own finances and making better decisions.

“It was not until the end of 2012 that offering a fully on-line service to clients emerged as a better way of achieving our objectives.

“During 2013 we have implemented a staggering change in our working practices.

“We now have a small, disparate, home-based team of accountants and bookkeepers, who all have significant and diverse business experience, using cloud-based practice management software and almost all of our accounts and tax returns are approved and submitted on-line.”

The Online Accounting Awards are organised by trade publication Accountancy Age and the winners will be announced at a lavish ceremony in London on Wednesday, November 20.

Unfortunately Mr Lockett won’t be there, because he is already committed to attending a free Best of Worcester and Drotwich event titled Making 2014 Your Best Year Yet at the Chateau Impney Hotel, Droitwich.

Although if The Finance Department wins in London, then 2013 could be his best year yet.