Birmingham-based accountancy firm MGI Wenham Major is set to expand internationally by setting up operations in the Middle East and Asia.

The final details of the proposed expansion are still being finalised and are being kept under wraps until the full terms of the expansion are agreed. More than one location is being considered and multiple offices are being planned for launch.

John Joyce, executive chairman, said: "If the 19th century belonged to the English empire, the 20th to the Americans, then the 21st is very much in the hands of countries in the Middle East and Asia.

"Wenham Major is not at liberty to disclose exactly where it is seeking to open offices, but we are looking at more than one country. A full announcement will be made soon. The management team aims to continue growth and oversees expansion is just one of the routes we are taking to achieve this goal. Asia and the Middle East offer unprecedented opportunity for British businesses.

"Many believe that the cheap goods and services available in the region are its main attraction, helping keep inflation in the UK low and cheap goods on our shelves, but the opportunities certainly don't end there. There is a huge demand for British professional services organisations in these rapidly expanding economies, both from the domestic market and from British businesses looking to expand overseas."

Fast developing MGI Wenham Major has seen its UK fee income increase to £9.9 million, a 248 per cent rise on the previous period.

The firm's tax revenues leapt 292 per cent. It employs 63 people and is run from offices in Cornwall St.

Meanwhile, MGI Wenham Major has created two high-level executive roles to strengthen the company's assurance division.

Chairman of assurance practice, Shaun Pitt, and head of assurance, Robert Tisdale, will bring with them a wealth of practice experience.

Mr Pitt, who was previously a partner with PricewaterhouseCoopers, is a close associate of MGI Wenham Major's executive chairman and owner John Joyce and is a specialist in financial services. He also headed up PwC's UK automotive division.

He said: "Wenham Major holds some of the best credentials in the country and it has strong business links in the most powerful economies in the world. As chairman of the assurance department, and with Robert's help, we will strengthen the division and assist in driving forward strategy and execution, ensuring the best possible service to clients. I am impressed and excited about the future growth plans for the business." Mr Tisdale boasts over 15 years experience of public practice at KPMG and in industry. He said: "It is an exciting time at Wenham Major and I am thrilled at being involved. The future expansion plans, and the recent changes in ownership and business structure present a huge spectrum of opportunities."