AN expanding firm of Devizes accountants is determined to give a bit back to the community and will be raising cash to help good causes and organisations.

Charlton Baker, which now employs more than 25 staff, has just moved into new premises in Snuff Street, Devizes. Managing director Scott Sartin said: “We have decided that we would like to share our successes with people in and around Devizes.

“It’s great to be able to transfer the successes of others to our own community, and really make a difference to people’s lives. In fact our core purpose and passion is to be the difference maker to the lives of our clients businesses, so our community fund is just an extension of that.”

In addition to traditional accountancy work the company, through its sister company David Weise and Associates, is responsible for helping manage the business' and finances of well known singers, bands, writers and music producers. This niche area of expertise has really elevated Charlton Baker forwards, and it was a trip to America this summer that helped the team to come up with the idea. Mr Sartin said "The David Weise head office is based in Encino, California, and there is a lot of homelessness and poverty in and around LA. They've devised a volunteer scheme called Accounting For Others, which works in a very similar way to our Community Fund.

Mr Sartin is no newcomer to fundraising as last year he took part in a trek to Iceland along with motorcycle ace Carol Fogarty and X Factor contender Jake Quickenden for the NSPCC. He now plans for the firm to undertake a major charity challenge once a year and put the money raised directly back into the Devizes community.

Employees will also take on regular fundraising activities on a smaller scale such as dress down days and bake-offs. Mr Sartin said: “We hope to come up with a lot of fun ideas and Charlton Baker will match the team donations pound for pound. We have already raised £600.

“Any local organisation can apply for funding, or if they would prefer, equipment or other items relevant to their cause can be supplied. These could be sports clubs, after school activity groups, pre-schools, charities or any organisation that needs help.”

To apply email accountants@charltonbaker.co.uk or call into the Snuff Street office.