Mr. John Trethowan:

Our capacity would be exhausted very quickly. We will have to consider expanding our team because the demand is rising. However, local accountants could be more proactive in giving advice to businesses. The financial accounts we see are being produced on spreadsheets. It would not require much extra effort to generate some key ratios and have a cup of coffee with the borrower to outline the debt level associated with the business. There is also a role for the county enterprise boards and the LEOs, as they will come to be known, in respect of business mentoring and advice. The Credit Review Office does not necessarily have to be involved as there are other bodies with capacity.