The chief executive director of Norwich-based TaxAssist Accountants has been recognised for his contribution to the industry.

Karl Sandall was awarded honorary membership of the Association of International Accountants (AIA) at a ceremony at Marlborough House in Pall Mall.

AIA chief executive Philip Turnbull said Mr Sandall had been given the honour 'because of his contribution to the field of accountancy and finance'.

After 26 years at senior level with a major clearing bank, Mr Sandall joined TaxAssist Accountants in 2000 as operations director, and became group chief executive director in 2002.

'It is a great honour to be recognised in this way,' he said. 'I am immensely proud of what we have achieved as a business since incorporation with a blank piece of paper in 1995, to the UK's largest network of over 200 small business specialist accountants today.

'We expanded to Ireland in 2009 and Australia in 2015 with further development planned for the USA, New Zealand and Canada, where we also see a need for our brand of 'retailed' professional accountancy services.'

Karl is a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers and a member of the Financial Industry Group and of the Committee of the IFS School of Finance for the East of England.

He is also recognised by the British Franchise Association as a Qualified Franchise Professional and is a trustee of its charitable trust helping disadvantaged individuals benefit from franchising.