David Forge, Kent chairman of Clydesdale Bank, is helping an accounting firm to re-shape its future.

The prominent businessman has become principal adviser to award-winning Reeves and Neylan, which has offices in Canterbury, Chatham Maritime, Gatwick and London.

Mr Forge, formerly Kent Senior Partner and Head of Audit for KPMG in Gatwick, has spent more than 30 years advising companies ranging from owner-managed businesses to large corporates.

He will work alongside Reeves and Neylan’s 24 Partners and some 225 staff. Reeves and Neylan has won various awards, including a national LexisNexis Tax Award in 2006. It was a finalist in the same awards last month.

In his role at KPMG, Mr Forge worked closely with Lloyds TSB Corporate in setting up the Kent and Medway MegaGrowth Awards with the Kent Messenger Group.

Reeves and Neylan succeeded KPMG as co-sponsor of the awards - for the county’s 50 fastest-growing companies - which will be presented this year in October.

Mr Forge was also closely involved in the NSPCC Full Stop Appeal in Kent which raised nearly half a million pounds for Kent projects.

He said: "Since returning to Kent in the mid-1990s I have had an immense regard for the professionalism and capabilities of Reeves and Neylan, their success in the UK National LexisNexis Tax Awards is testament to that.

"The firm has ambitious plans for the years ahead and I am very much looking forward to working with Reeves and Neylan on the exciting challenges and opportunities the current markets present."

Clive Stevens, Reeves and Neylan’s managing partner, said: "I am delighted that David has chosen to work with us. I am confident that his vast experience and broad range of skills will benefit our clients and assist us in realising our plans for the firm.

"David’s knowledge of the challenges facing fast growing and larger companies in the South East will be invaluable in reinforcing the high standards of advice and service we offer our clients."

Mr Forge, a keen golfer, lives in Mereworth, near Maidstone, with his wife and family.