A GROUP of independent management consultants have got together in York to help businesses cope with change.

The new firm, m-solutions, which begins life with five experts, has moved into Tower Court Business Centre with the help of the York Inward Investment Board - and it now plans to triple in size over the next two years.

Heading the team is Yorkshireman Doug Iveson, of Huggate, near Pocklington, a qualified accountant, who spent years working on corporate assignments in Japan, the U.S., Europe and, latterly, in Dubai.

He said that already m-solutions had been engaged by a number of first-class clients in the region.

"The impetus for change comes from a desire to improve performance, introduction of new technology, merger/acquisition activity or a change in the leadership team.

"We believe there is a growing market for our services in all sorts of businesses because if change isn't well-managed it can have a disastrous effect on a company," he said.

Mr Iveson said: "The team wants to bring global best practice to businesses that have a significant presence in Yorkshire. We deliver real value by providing a first-class service at a price that reflects the realities of the local economy.

"It's a bit like having a Virgin air service at Ryanair prices and we're able to do this by recruiting only the most capable consultants while aggressively managing our overheads," he said.

Graeme Rudd, client services executive with the York Inward Investment Board, said: "We're pleased to be able to find a home for a group of professionals who have something to offer any firm in today's constantly-changing business environment."

Updated: 09:37 Tuesday, June 18, 2002