Firm clicks to online marketing leader UK web media
28th March 2008One of the largest online marketing specialists in the UK has appointed accountancy and financial services group Smith & Williamson as its new auditor and tax adviser.
UK Web Media, a pay per click (PPC) company that helps big brand names advertise on the internet, selected the firm following a three-way pitch involving two other unnamed market competitors.
The south coast office of Smith & Williamson, based in Southampton, will handle the account of UK Web Media, which is headquartered in Andover, the home town of founder Jamie Harwood.
He started up the fast-growing company seven years ago from his bedroom with a £7,000 bank loan and a marriage gift list website that is still going strong today.
UK Web Media now has more than 300 clients, including 50 blue-chip companies like Sky, BT, Vodafone, Dell, the AA and P&O Ferries.
Chris Appleton, senior director with Smith & Williamson in Southampton, said: "We're delighted to have been chosen by such a high-calibre company with an enviable reputation for driving tens of millions of pounds of sales every year for its partners through PPC marketing.
"Our demonstrable track record as a big player auditor and tax advisor helped seal the contract, as did our Nexia International network. It would be fair to say we also clicked with management."
Smith & Williamson is a UK member of Nexia International, one of the longest established global networks of independent accounting and consulting firms. UK Web Media's territory includes mainland Europe and North America.
Jamie, UK Web Media's managing director, said: "We always endeavour to provide the results our clients are looking for, which includes a better return on their investment. With that in mind, Smith & Williamson struck us as like-minded professionals with a similar outlook.
"It's great to have Chris and his team on board as we grow our network of businesses across various sectors and implement strategies to keep us ahead of the competition as the UK market leader in affiliate advertising."
UK Web Media, which has doubled its staff to 20 over a year, recorded a turnover of more than £10.9m for 2006-07.
PPC is an increasingly effective form of affiliate advertising used to drive traffic to the websites of clients.
Advertisers pay when a user clicks on to an advert to visit the advertiser's website, which can relate to anything from electric goods and computers to finance, gadgets and mobile phones.
UK Web Media is the latest success for Smith & Williamson in Southampton, which has grown from a handful of staff to nearly 60 after starting up from scratch there six years ago.
In the past few months, in its capacity as auditor and tax advisor, the firm has helped float two companies on the Aim.
Adili, an online ethical fashion e-tailer based near Blandford in Dorset, made its debut in December, while Salisbury-based horseracing data provider TurfTrax raced on to
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Disclaimer
By necessity, this briefing can only provide a short overview and it is essential to seek professional advice before applying the contents of this article. No responsibility can be taken for any loss arising from action taken or refrained from on the basis of this publication. Details correct at time of writing.
Note to editors
Smith & Williamson is an independent professional and financial services group employing over 1,400 people. The group is a leading provider of investment management, financial advisory and accountancy services to private clients, professional practices and mid-to-large corporates. The group operates from offices in London, Belfast, Bristol, Glasgow, Guildford, Maidstone, Salisbury, Southampton, and Worcester.
Smith & Williamson Limited
Regulated by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales for a range of investment business activities. A member of Nexia International, a worldwide network of independent accounting firms.
