I met Chris Warne in the quadrangle of Brighton College. He is a partner of Baker Tilly, working from the Brighton office.

"Hello! I know your chairman, Richard Blake," I boasted. "He retired some years ago,"

replied Mr Warne. After a glass or two of wine I was not to be put down.

"Can I come and see you? Some dark chocolate biscuits would be nice." "I'll see to it," he replied.

My old friend Richard Blake had indeed been senior partner of Baker Tilly and was chairman for two years.

Richard had, and I'm sure still has, that unnerving combination of good looks and charm.

We had been friends in the Fifties when we competed for the same girls. He had the better car and I had to run to keep up.

Richard became an accountant.

What a dull job I thought. But I'm beginning to think I was wrong.

I used to meet him regularly at Sandown Park. One day I challenged him as to how he found the time. "I'm here with clients, dear boy."

Baker Tilly is well known for its theatrical connections. Two of Richard's clients were Benny Hill and the exotic Jeremy Thorpe. It can't have been dull with those two on the books.

Now I must be fair to my new friend at Baker Tilly. Half a column gone with hardly a mention.

Especially, as the amiable Mr Warne had been as good as his word. There were dark chocolate biscuits on the table.

Before the merger with Baker Tilly, Mr Warne was a partner in HLB Kidsons. "Was it a takeover?"

I asked.

"No, we were equal partners but Baker Tilly was better known internationally and that's why we kept the name."

The company employs some 30 staff in its offices next to Brighton station.

Look for an unusual decoration above the entrance to International House.

I was told that business was good and the firm is winning new clients. Baker Tilly aims to be at the top of Group A accountancy firms.

Mr Warne and his staff take a keen interest in our city's affairs, which is refreshing and different from the attitude of some large employers.

Chris Warne plays cricket for Poynings but the racing tradition survives.

Ray Greatorex, is the executive chairman of Baker Tilly working from the company's Crawley office.

I once went on a sailing holiday with Ray and have seen him at Goodwood and other race meetings.

He is now master of the Worshipful Company of Farriers. Whatever next?