DAVID AUSTIN is the first non-accountant to be made partner at leading firm Armstrong Watson.

Mr Austin, who has been with Armstrong Watson for 28 years, will be bringing his IT expertise to the senior management echelons as the company's first ever IT partner.

The 51-year-old will be responsible for the full management of the internal IT department and the external division, Armstrong Watson Computer Solutions (AWCS). Mr Austin started his career with British Steel, as a computer programmer.