SMALL businesses may soon be helped with accessing funding advice, with the creation of a scheme identifying accountants as 'funding experts'.

The scheme has been put together by ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) and other members of a joint government/accountancy profession working group.

Under the proposals, accountants will undertake a self-accreditation scheme which will provide an easily recognisable guide for small businesses, banks and other financial advisors looking for accountants with specialist funding expertise.