Case Studies
and Testimonials
Many of our clients have continued working with us for several years. It allows us to build strong working relationships where we really get to know their business and offer the best accountancy and business support. But don’t just take our word for it. Read some of our case studies and testimonials.
Case Studies
New Client Case Study
Background
We were contacted by a potential new client whose accountant wasn’t responding to them. The accountancy paperwork had been despatched some time ago and the Companies House filing deadline was looming. They were extremely stressed and worried, unsure of how to proceed in the best interests of their business.
We discussed their frustrations with their current provider and established that they had started work on the accounts and VAT Return. Because the work had already begun, we recommended they talk to them and try and resolve the escalating issues with their relationship first. They did this and came to a compromise with deadlines for specific tasks. This would ensure the accounts would be filed on time and the outstanding tax paperwork would be completed and filed with HMRC within a reasonable time frame.
It turned out that we had many conversations over time. As the deadlines set weren’t met, ultimately, the relationship failed.
Unfortunately, the accountant wasn’t a member of a regulated accounting body. This meant there was no procedure for complaint if the late filing penalties incurred were due to the accountant’s failure. Following a legal route would have been the only option available, which could have proved costly and time-consuming.
Solution
However, most of the information required to bring the client up to date was received. This work covered personal tax, corporate tax, VAT, payroll and company accounts. In some cases it was for periods greater than one year.
Ultimately, we decided it was best to start again from the last correctly filed accounts at Companies House and take it from there using prime entry records.
Any differences between our records and the previous advisors were reconciled and any VAT returns with differences were subsequently corrected. We needed to contact the client on a few occasions to try and tie up some of the entries where perhaps paperwork hadn’t come through to us. It felt like a jigsaw puzzle without the picture and with pieces missing. But we got there in the end! The accounts were filed and all outstanding returns were completed and filed with HMRC.
Outcome
We remind them when we need to complete the work at the beginning of the month. We’ll remind our client during the month if we’ve not received the information when promised.
If we get to the last week before the filing deadline, we’re on the phone chasing to make sure the paperwork is with us and we can make the filing deadline. This ensures our client will not receive any HMRC late filing fines in the future.
Existing Client Case Study
Background
An existing client called wanting to meet to discuss some issues they were facing. They were looking for advice on how to tackle them. Their concern was they wouldn’t make a profit in the financial year and wanted advice on what they should do moving forwards.
We always make ourselves available and reserve emergency appointment slots for our clients, so we were able to react and meet them very quickly.
They were experiencing:
- Very low profitability in comparison to previous years
- Staffing issues – A lack of skilled people to do the work
- Adjusting post – Covid to a new way of working
We followed their work process, from quote to collection of monies at the end of a job, to see if we could identify any weaknesses in their systems.
We were able to establish that quotes were being prepared for work, which may start, in their words, ‘a few months in advance.’ Upon receipt of a quote, customers often called and negotiated a lower price to award the contract. Covid had a significant impact on a huge number of businesses and this company was no exception.
Work was accepted with a view to expanding the team when the contract commenced. When a lot of this work came to fruition in 2021, there was a lack of available skilled labour to carry out the contracts and wage rates had increased in the marketplace considerably.
In addition, raw material prices had increased way beyond what they usually do. This resulted in significantly lower profits and a distinct lack of skilled staff resources. Larger companies were also taking more extended credit periods. Once debt becomes old, the recovery rate reduces considerably, so potential bad debts were also an issue.
Administration staff were working on a hybrid system and technology wasn’t being embraced to its maximum to ensure tasks were being carried out in the most efficient way.
Solution
We encouraged the client to use higher rates and increase their prices when quoting.
Using forecasting techniques to suggest costs for materials and labour six months in advance demonstrated to the client how a rise of 2.5% to 5% would impact their bottom-line profits. We suggested they didn’t negotiate on quotes so much and look at additional technologies that might improve home working and communication.
We also suggested selecting a few Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to monitor each month. This would help track the progress of the company in terms of performance.
Outcome
The company bought additional technology and software to aid with debt collection allowing the administration team to set targets to recover the debt within certain timescales. The average time it takes a customer to pay has been reduced, improving the company’s cash flow.
We have assisted this client with their monthly management reporting and spent time with some finance team members to improve their accounting knowledge. We’ve ensured they understand their actions’ implications within the accounting software.
They are yet to implement the last piece of our advice but we are sure they will in the future. We recommend they review the final completed contract and look at the quoted profit versus the actual profit to identify discrepancies. This will enable more effective quoting for future work.
Personal Tax Client Case Study
Background
We were approached by a relative of an elderly lady who had received a letter from HMRC. It suggested she may have breached the personal savings allowance threshold for the previous tax year and had tax to pay. They were, of course, very concerned and worried about the implications of this letter and were looking for someone to act swiftly.
Solution
Outcome
Making Tax Digital (MTD) Client Case Study
Background
We spoke with a self-employed client who makes her accounts up to December each year using manual books of account. We were preparing her 2021/22 Tax Return and wanted to let her know about the changes which were coming in for the self-employed and or those who have letting income with sales in excess of £10,000.
From the 6th April 2024, Making Tax Digital (MTD) is coming for everyone in this category.
Everyone within the relevant criteria must keep their records electronically and file them quarterly with HMRC. In addition, everyone will have to transition to a 5th April year end. They have said that the 31st March will also be acceptable.
Solution
Secondly, we could train her to do it for herself. We suggested that she think about it and come back to us.
Outcome
We are encouraging our clients to adopt electronic accounting before the changeover deadline and talk to us if they need help, either setting it up or with some training. The adverts on tv make it look and sound simple, but some clients have got into a real pickle and that can take quite a bit of time and money to correct.
As we explained to a plumber the other day. ‘We wouldn’t know where to start with plumbing a new bathroom, so why would you take on a new accounting software package and do your own accounts without training!’ Sounds harsh, but we don’t want our clients creating themselves an accountancy disaster. There is, of course, also the issue of whether the time is better spent working and earning money for their business rather than carrying out their accounting tasks.
Sometimes it’s best to outsource work. In this case, our friendly and professional Team at Rawlence + Browne were there to help them!
Testimonials
Chad Coombes
Superb company to deal with. My dedicated accountants are really on the ball and are proactive rather than reactive to our company requirements. Would highly recommend to any small business.
Sonic Scaffolding
2000 Ltd
Very friendly and helpful staff. Been with them for twenty years for all my VAT and accountancy needs. They are always there to help with great advice, always go the extra mile and nothing is too much trouble. I highly recommend them.
Nigel Hancock
It’s very helpful to deal with the same person who understands your financial affairs at this accountants in Salisbury. I always receive a quick response with helpful suggestions and comprehensive answers to my questions. The company have always acted professionally and in my best interests.
Work with us
This is just a snapshot of our delighted clients, and you could be the next one! For more reviews, check out our Facebook and LinkedIn pages.