A groundbreaking new international alliance of multidisciplinary professional services firms has successfully launched at its inaugural global conference in London.

BOKS International was created by Top 100 accountancy firm Taylorcocks to meet the needs of SMEs seeking a cost-effective, flexible networking alliance through which they can develop global business opportunities.

Now numbering 42 members in more than 30 countries, BOKS International is committed to offering a broad range of expertise encompassing accountancy, audit, tax, legal and advisory services – its membership includes six legal firms.

With a combined fee income that has already exceeded $100 million it is confident of qualifying as an Accountancy Age Top 20 Alliance by September 2019.

Explains BOKS International’s Alliance Director, Richard Sergeant:

‘We wanted to create a real alternative to those more established associations and go for a lighter, more accessible model in terms of member requirements.  In particular we wanted to remove the burden of membership pre-requisites and costs. With BOKS International, firms don’t have to change their branding or pay for elaborate or unnecessary benefits.

‘Our focus is on creating networking opportunities through a more open, flexible arrangement that fosters meaningful, long-term relationships.  Our inaugural conference was a huge success and moving forward we will continue to build on this through further events, international committee meetings and online forums such as LinkedIn groups.  It is all about relationship building.’

Strict quality criteria for membership include the use of remote due-diligence checks and peer reviews to guarantee the highest professional standards. No referral fees will be paid to the alliance or other members and there will be an appropriate level of territorial exclusivity for each member.

What also sets BOKS International apart is its focus on more creative and dynamic organisations that are open to new ideas and ways of working together.

Adds Sergeant:  ‘We are seeking to appoint member firms with a distinctly entrepreneurial style and who have the desire and a credible plan to grow their businesses both domestically and internationally.

‘What is important is that we can respond to this more enterprising approach because we understand it.  As a new market entrant we have the advantage of being without cumbersome legacy issues such as complex management structures and territory conflicts. Our small executive team can act quickly to identify opportunities and grow the alliance spontaneously and in line with the demands of members, clients and markets.  It is an exciting time for us all.’