HEDLEY Dunk, the Dartford-based accounting firm, has scrapped time-based fees.

In common with some other accounting practices, the long-established firm believes charging by time is old-fashioned and off-putting to clients.

Partner Jason Outram said: "People don't contact you because they think that as soon as they speak to you, the clock starts."

He admitted that it was a radical move for accountants. The profession does not like change. But many accountants do not like filling in timesheets either.

Mr Outram said that some work was still against the clock but he could see a time when it would go completely.

"Clients have told us they think it's a good idea and ask us why we haven't done it before."

Locate in Kent became one of the firm's first clients on the new fee basis.

"They liked this arrangement and said it made us different from everyone else who was tendering," Mr Outram said.

Clients on a fixed price pay a monthly sum on account.

Hedley Dunk, founded by a Hedley Dunk 70 years ago in Dartford, has also changed its corporate image and set up a website as part of a new forward-looking strategy.

Mr Outram said the firm, currently employing 20 people, was going for growth and would need more partners and staff in the next year or two.

Meanwhile, Mr Outram said it was important to increase cashflow with the increasing risk of economic slowdown.

"Despite Gordon Brown's growth forecast of 23 per cent, it is essential that every business concentrates on maximising cashflow as it determines the success or failure of a business," he said.

He said key points should involve reviewing banking facilities and negotiating better rates, ensuring that terms of trade are correct for the type of business, reviewing payment terms with suppliers, and checking amount of time recovering debts.