A tax consultancy franchise with roots in East Anglia is expanding its global network with new franchisees in Australia.

Perth-based business partners Steve Herlihy and Tricia Kingston will offer services to small business clients under the TaxAssist brand – which has its head office in Norwich – after acquiring rights to run the franchise in Western Australia, South Australia and the Northern Territory.

The pair – who will act as joint directors – will open a pilot shop in Perth, with plans to turn this into a support centre for a network of franchisees across the development area.

Mr Herlihy said: 'The small business sector in Australia includes over two million businesses, employing 40% of the population and representing just under 30% of all industry profits. Our move to franchising offers the ideal vehicle through which to service this broad sector through a network of local offices.'