Smith & Williamson LLP has joined the Association of Short Term Lenders (ASTL) as an associate member.

Founded in 1881, Smith & Williamson is one of the 10 largest firms of accountants in the UK and its investment business has around £16bn of funds under management and advice.

With over 1,500 employees in 13 offices in the UK, Ireland and Jersey, and an international capacity in over 100 countries, the independently owned firm provides services to the real estate and construction sector. This includes restructuring advisory and recoveries, corporate finance and transaction services, debt advisory, audit and assurance and corporate tax including planning, tax efficient structuring and VAT advice.

Nick Myers, an insolvency practitioner at Smith & Williamson, said: “We have become increasingly involved in advisory work in the short term lending arena and have a particular expertise in acting as fixed charge receivers and administrators for secured creditors outside the traditional clearing banks.”

“It is a logical step for us to become an associate member of the ASTL where we believe we can provide valuable insight, experience and expert services across multiple disciplines for the benefit of existing members.”

Benson Hersch (pictured), CEO of the ASTL, added: “Smith & Williamson has looked after the financial affairs of individuals, families and businesses for more than a century. It continues to work with a range of industry professionals from fund and asset managers to corporate finance houses, brokers and short-term finance providers and, due to the company’s experience and expertise, I’m sure it will prove to be of much interest to the members of the association.”