A CLECKHEATON accountancy firm has reported a “substantial” uptake from local businesses for a free financial health check.

Clough & Co launched the Yorkshire Forward-backed initiative at the start of the year to provide local companies with free finance advice worth £1,500 to help safeguard them against the economic downturn.

The financial health check provides a firm with a comprehensive understanding of their financial situation through a full business assessment – which includes looking at revenue, cash flow performance and costs of overheads and sales.

Simon Wilson, client relationship partner at Clough & Co, said: “The financial health checks have provided local businesses with a viable way to operate as effectively and economically in the current climate to ensure that they are best equipped to take advantage of the market when it improves.”

Funded by regional development agency Yorkshire Forward, the scheme is open to businesses in Yorkshire that have been trading for a minimum of 12 months and employ at least five staff.

To apply for the scheme, firms can contact their existing accountancy firm or Business Link to be put in touch with an approved accountancy supplier.