'We provided advice and assistance which helped them to gain AIM admission ...'

Client:  Major group of insurance brokers based in the West of England with nationwide interests.

Brief
From 2001 onwards, following several years of organic growth, the owner-managed clients decided to embark on a series of major acquisitions to consolidate their position in the insurance market and increase their overall size and geographic spread. They wished to become one of the leading players in their market.

Solution
We provided advice and assistance which helped them to gain AIM admission in the Autumn of 2004. We also advised and assisted with a series of acquisitions which has seen them grow significantly. We continue to assist them with their forward business plans.

Result
The group's turnover grew from £8.5 million to over £25 million by 2006. The share price increased from 81p at the time of admission to AIM to £2.49 in March 2007. They now have offices in more than 17 locations in the UK and employ over 450 staff. This group has consolidated acquired businesses well and continues to grow in line with their business plan.

'We gave the client frank, honest views and advice which led to decisive action and a clear focus, which resulted in achieving their goals.'

Client: Specialist tooling manufacturer based in the Midlands and exporting to the US

Brief
A new client two years ago who was performing poorly, had a very disorganised accounting function and no credible management information - the management accounts were nine months behind.

Solution
Frank and honest strategy meetings were held with the client over a six-month period to look at where the company was going wrong and how it could improve.

Results
The company has turned a £300k loss in 2005 to a £200k profit in 2006 as a result of having a clear focus on what they wanted to achieve and an overhaul of the accounting function, including staffing changes. Management accounts information is now as good as 'live' with month end accounts available within a week and the 2006 statutory accounts audited and filed by
31 January 2007.

'We successfully helped both families to achieve their aims without compromising ourselves.'

Client: Operator of two park home and caravan sites and provider of related services.

Background
We act for a family company established over 60 years ago. The managing director’s family owned 52% of the shares and his sister’s family owned 48%.

The managing director tragically died and his widow did not wish to continue the business but the sister did.

Brief
As auditors we had conflicts of interest. We were asked to help to achieve a sale of the widow’s family shares.

Solution
We suggested a purchase of own shares.

We:

• Introduced two independent firms of accountants to act for the two sides of the family to negotiate the price.
• Once price agreed suggested a purchase of own shares but advised there were insufficient revenue reserves so advised it had to be a partial payment out of capital.
• Introduced them to bankers who lent the company the money to fund the buyout.
• Advised on the financial assistance procedures.

Result
A successful buyout and two very happy families.

'The assets are now protected for the benefit of the family, with substantial tax savings through the pension contributions.'

Client: A Manufacturing Company in Kent owned by ageing parents and one family member.

Brief
To protect the freehold property assets that have been built up over the years, provide a pension for the parents and to provide succession and inheritance tax planning for the younger family members.

Solution
Set up a small self-administered pension scheme for the whole of the family and transfer the freehold assets in to the scheme, creating a lease back to the company who use the premises.

Results
The assets are now protected for the benefit of the family, with substantial tax savings through the pension contributions.