The RQ Consultancy is proud to announce we have achieved Microsoft Small Business Specialist status for 2009.

Having achieved this level of recognition in 2006 it was important to demonstrate to our existing and potential new clients that we continue to provide up to date, quality advice in the small business arena.

To retain the accreditation we had to submit 2 client references and demonstrate a desire to increase our knowledge by attending Microsoft training events.

This accreditation is a little different to Microsoft's normal programs in that it recognises our capabilities in a range of technologies applied to the small business arena. It is also quite different in that it is only valid for 1 year. This is excellent news for small businesses as they can be confident in the capabilities of Small Business Specialists and that they are current and up to date.

The Microsoft Small Business Specialist program is designed to recognise those companies that have the skills and knowledge to provide IT solutions to small businesses. All too often business owners will use inadequately qualified people to implement and support IT systems which can be the life-blood of the company.

Small Business Specialists are IT consultants that have demonstrated that they understand - and can deal with - the needs of UK small businesses. We have passed an advanced technical exam and have access to support, training and resources from Microsoft. We can help you maximise the return on your IT investment - and, of course, ensure you only invest in IT when it is the right thing to do.

We are small business ourselves and that means we understand the pressures you face when running a small business.

You can identify a Small Business Specialist by looking for the blue Microsoft logo. When you see this, you can be confident you are dealing with a company that knows how to make IT work for smaller companies.