5th September 2006 
 
The Institute of Chartered Accountants has today announced a deal with two more business partners in the categories of Telecommunications and Publishing, following the success of its long-standing partnership with credit card provider, American Express.  
 
Last week, the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia signed a contract with publishing company CCH, as it had some months earlier with telecommunications provider Optus & Allphones. The deals will provide the Institute’s 43,000 members with preferential rates, discounts and exclusive deals not available to the general market.  
 
Telecommunications Partner, Optus, was selected because it is one of Australia's leading telecommunication companies with a clear, single-minded focus on delivering a superior customer experience. Allphones provide complete telecommunication solutions through fixed voice, mobile voice, data solutions, IP/PABX systems, mobile hardware and accessories.  
 
Publishing Partner, CCH was selected because of its leadership position in tax and legal publications. It also offers an extensive range of knowledge products in the business area, as well as workflow tools and practice software.  
 
The Institute’s CEO, Graham Meyer, said the he was delighted to be able to provide the Institute’s membership with special rates on quality products and services.  
 
“Given we are a member-based organisation, with a large emphasis on providing quality products and services, these two partnership provide us with a perfect offering,” Mr Meyer said.  
 
Mr Meyer also added that the business partnerships allowed the Institute to leverage off the equity that it has built-up within its brand and through our membership.  
 
Optus Small & Medium Business Marketing Director, Stuart Tucker, said Optus was looking forward to working with the Institute of Chartered Accountants to bring innovative and differentiated offers to their corporate and private practice members.  
 
“At Optus it is our mission to stay in touch with market trends to ensure we meet the needs of our customers. We have done extensive research into the small business sector and by partnering with the Institute we are confident that we have designed solutions that will suit people working in the chartered accounting industry.  
 
“We have already seen strong benefits coming from our Institute partnership to some members and we look forward to rolling these out to other members in the future,” Mr Tucker said.