The award was made following an essay competition last summer in which students were asked to “Evaluate the impact of falling interest rates on the West Midlands economy”. This is the seventh year running that the Wolverhampton-based accountancy firm has set the challenge for Wolverhampton Grammar School’s first year A-level students. The competition encourages the students to research issues that are currently making an impact on a regional or international level. In his essay, Tom focused on the repercussions of reduced interest rates for small businesses and assessed the impact on the local property market.

Mark Evans, Tildesley & Tonks Managing Director, commented, “We believe that this is an excellent way of helping support the city’s future professionals and highlight the skills and talents that they will offer. It is important for us to be able to make this award to an outstanding pupil such as Tom.”

Tildesley & Tonks was established in Wolverhampton in 1903. Mark Evans took over the practice in 1995 and over the last 12 years has modernized the company’s operations with a large investment into the latest computer systems. From its Pendeford headquarters, Tildesley & Tonks offer financial services to numerous businesses and individuals throughout the Midlands.

Head of Economics at Wolverhampton Grammar School, Mr Tony Page noted, “We are delighted that Tildesley & Tonks have this ongoing interest in the school and that they continue to be keen to play an active role in our work. This form of business relationship is essential, it provides good incentives and experiences for our students.”

Photo (from left to right): Mark Evans, Tom Bowen