Accountants in Skipton

Asite are a technology business with a global structure and in 2020 appointed Armstrong Watson as auditor and advisor to our group of companies.

We were initially looking for a responsive and experienced partner to support us through the statutory audit process but we have found Armstrong Watson very proactive to support us on a much wider basis. From an audit perspective the team were very knowledgeable and great to work with, delivering the audit on time, in budget and completely remotely. However Armstrong Watson are really adding value with their strategic tax advice around areas such as company valuations, share options and R&D tax credits.

I would have no hesitation in recommending the team at Armstrong Watson

Tony Pickworth, Finance Director, Asite Solutions Limited

Completing the audit against a COVID 19 backdrop the Armstrong Watson team showed a pragmatic approach to auditing both going concern and impairment, giving clear communication on what information they needed and why.  This was done in a way that supported the management team and wider Board to have everything signed and delivered on time and within our governance structure.

Anthony Hill, CFO, Iportalis

When changing independence rules in the Big 4 meant I had to outsource my consolidation I was nervous about using an independent firm. I needn’t have been. Simon has the experience of my audit lead in the Big 4 but the time to meet me face to face and work through it – he wasn’t just there
at the end but with me on the journey.

Anne Caudwell - Head of Finance, Giacom World Networks Limited

The relationship between Armstrong Watson and Simpson was initially established prior to the Management buy-out of the Simpson business, which is now some 25 years since and has proved to be a long and lasting quality relationship, developed primarily with the Audit and Tax teams who have supported us well through our business growth and succession.

We have also been able to take advantage and drive improvements and success through our business operations with the help of the Armstrong Watson Strategic Business Advice Service, which has acted as a catalyst to release the potential within our management team, and triggered further business development opportunities.

Ron & Beryl Gatenby - Directors, Simpson (York) Ltd

A high level of technical ability and a proactive, friendly approach has formed a firm basis for the trusted relationship we’ve developed with the Armstrong Watson team over the past 30 years. We continue to be impressed with the standards of the services we receive, including audit, corporate and personal tax, advisory and planning, and look forward to working together further as we grow.

Andrew Booth, Finance Director, Brook Taverner, Classic Tailoring’

Having been with a Big 4 audit firm for many years, we anticipated a drawn out audit handover in the first year as we transitioned to a new audit firm. However, Armstrong Watson (AW) have been great throughout the transition period by being clear on what we needed to do to manage the audit process. That way, the audit met our needs but with AW also being on time and transparent with what they deliver through the audit, it provided access to some new ideas and opportunities that we hadn’t considered before.

Daniel Burke, King Cole Ltd

We have been working with Rohan and his team at Armstrong Watson for approximately three years and this has been an extremely refreshing and positive experience since we made the decision to change accountants.  I find Rohan to be very approachable, proactive and also responsive when we need advice from him or a member of his wider team of specialists. Rohan’s knowledge of the intricacies and complexities of the construction industry mean that we can always get the right advice in a very timely manner. The audit team are friendly, knowledgeable and efficient.  I would have no hesitation in recommending Rohan to any business that wants a trusted advisor who adds real value and he has been a pleasure to work with.

Norman Wooler, Managing Director of RN Wooler & Co Limited

Armstrong Watson have been extremely helpful in assisting Eureka secure a Museums and Galleries Exhibition Tax Relief claim. At the outset, Olivia came to visit the museum to see the exhibition space and to talk us through the claim, showing knowledge and enthusiasm. Throughout the process, Will kept me updated on the progress of the claim, advising us on the qualifying costs and accompanying narrative, to ensure all eligible expenses were included in the claim and our filing position was robust. Thanks to Armstrong Watson’s proactive advice, we have been able to make a substantial claim this year and have gained valuable insights which will allow us to maximise the available relief for future exhibitions.

Andy Forbes, Finance Director at Eureka! The National Children’s Museum

In an increasingly competitive and complex agricultural world, Jonathan York of Armstrong Watson continues to add value to our business - it's no longer about solid accounting, it's about helping our business navigate choppy waters.

Jonathan Jowett, MD, Northern Trout

The business advisory meetings we have with Armstrong Watson are really valuable to us. David and Nick are great at focussing on our options whenever we’re making decisions affecting the company. We’ve been that busy in the past we haven’t always had time to stop and think about the future of the business. Having these two involved makes sense to us so we’d recommend this service to anyone.

Craig and Paul Hudson, Directors of PaintShop Northern

We design and manufacture rubber to metal bonding’s to the Commercial Truck and Trailer Industry. We are based in Skipton, North Yorkshire and have worked with Armstrong Watson since our business was incorporated on 1 January 1998. They have been an important part of helping us to get where we want to be. Not only do they act for us for accountancy and tax services they are our business advisors and have been key in enabling our business to grow and flourish.

Liz Ball, Rubber Mouldings Limited

Following our move to Armstrong Watson in 2017, we have been delighted by the proactivity and service delivered by Rohan and the team.  Their approach is collaborative and friendly and they have provided clear practical advice to our business.  We look forward to working even more closely with AW going forwards as they assist us with our strategic plans.

Michael Feather, Bowman Riley

I’ve been with Armstrong Watson for over 20 years and have worked with them on quite a range of things from accounts, corporation tax, self-assessment returns and general compliance.

What sets Armstrong Watson apart from other accountants is the personal relationship we have developed. They always go the extra mile and are always there when I need help and advice.

I trust Armstrong Watson. They always act in my best interest - and having that feeling of security is priceless. 

Ben Peters, Managing Director, BHP Associates, Harrogate

More than accountants, a genuine trusted adviser and they’ve proven over the years they can deliver.

William Whitaker, Whitakers Chocolates Ltd

The team at Armstrong Watson are a valued business partner and a continued part of our growth and development at KMF.

They have offered constructive and commercial solutions when needed and are extremely approachable.

Their fee levels are extremely competitive across the key products and in my opinion their service levels exceed that of their peer group and that of the Big 4.

Jon Eeles – Finance Director – KMF Precision Sheet Metal Limited

As a manufacturing business a critical element of our MI is our stock, too much stock and we have cash tied up unnecessarily, too little and we run the risk of disappointing customers. After a number of strategic business acquisitions and attempting to integrate different types of stock into our system we realised that there was a danger that our stock recording system could be producing inaccurate results.

As a result we asked the team at Armstrong Watson to review the stock system.  Their review highlighted the areas of weakness and also the areas that were performing to expectations. With their assistance we addressed the areas of concern and amended procedures and practices accordingly. Their pragmatic common sense approach backed by their experience and knowledge enabled us to achieve the right result in a reasonable timescale.

We now have full confidence that our MI is accurate and reliable.

Stephen Widdows MD DJH Group Limited

As a family owned and managed manufacturing business we have the skills and experience to know what to do, when to do it and how to do it.

We have the day to day running and management of the business in hand.  That said, what we have never challenged ourselves on is the bigger picture, we all know our roles and responsibilities.

What the team at Armstrong Watson have done is to challenge how we work not in the business, but on the business.  Their input and knowledge has allowed us to stand back from the day to day operations and work on the business, looking at the bigger, more strategic plan, rather than the day to day operational issues.

We have found, and are still finding, their input challenging, insightful and of great value.  They have a wealth of knowledge and whilst we believe the issues in our family owned and managed business are unique to us, it becomes more apparent that the issues are common throughout many similar businesses.

Jon Ward Joint MD Kay Dee Engineering Limited

In 2016 we engaged the services of Armstrong Watson’s specialist Legal Sector as we sought to change our business structure to reflect our modern approach to Law at our dynamic and growing law firm. Andy Poole and the team were able to guide us through the various structure options to find the structure which met our business needs. The checklist approach used allowed us to delegate tasks to the appropriate people and track what needed to be done and when. 

As part of this process we were introduced to one of Armstrong Watson’s Financial Planning team who advised us on ensuring the business and its key stakeholders are adequately protected in the event of death or critical illness and continues to guide us through our pension planning including the use of commercial property. I actually enjoy talking with him and the rest of the Armstrong team!

We were delighted by the forward thinking joined up approach and look forward to our working relationship with the Armstrong Watson team continuing to develop.

Ben Pepperell CEO, Pepperells Solicitors

Armstrong Watson's Strategic Business Advice programme is proving to be a catalyst to allow the business to recognise our values and the opportunities for change and improvement.

Simpson Limited

I would like to thank the Yorkshire Corporate Finance Team at Armstrong Watson for assisting me in the sale of my business. They identified an appropriate buyer and negotiated a deal to meet my objectives for an exit with continued involvement for a certain period. Throughout the sale process they were always available to provide straight talking advice and took much of the strain out of what, at times, could have been a stressful process allowing me to continue to focus on the running of my fine wine business and ultimately securing me a successful outcome.

Mr Simon M Wrightson, Richmond Fine Wine

We were the subject of a serious tax enquiry into both the company and the directors, concerning a fraud, with a real risk of criminal prosecution.  The enquiry lasted for almost three years and throughout this period Andrew Mitchell was our rock, providing valuable advice and support to us in a calm and extremely professional manner and eventually negotiated a satisfactory financial settlement with HMRC.  I would have no hesitation in recommending Andrew and Armstrong Watson to another client in a similar predicament.

Director, Manufacturing Company

Andrew Mitchell’s direct line is one of the few telephone numbers I know by heart. It is a number I dial regularly, whenever I have any question on any aspect of taxation. More often than not he is at his desk and picks up immediately, but if not I never have to wait long for him to return the call. This level of service is important to me. 

My company, Brook Taverner Limited, and I have being working with Andrew and the tax team at Armstrong Watson Skipton for close to 20 years now. During this time he has acted and advised on a wide variety of corporate and personal tax issues, from the relatively straightforward to the wildly complicated. At all times his research into the matter in question is very thorough and the advice given is always balanced and sensible. This common sense approach suits me and as a result any decision I have to make then becomes a simple one.

My relationship with Andrew and Armstrong Watson is one that has certainly served me well in the past and will, no doubt, continue to do so for quite a few years to come.

Andrew Booth, Director, Brook Taverner Limited

The team at Armstrong Watson combine technical ability, years of experience and a deep understanding of the business to add real value. The level of personal but professional service we get from Rohan Day has led to a strong partnership developing.

Rohan has acted for us for approximately 15 years and I consider him to be a key business partner and trusted advisor.

Stephen Brunton, Managing Director, Sematic UK Limited

Running a 'family business' carries with it a set of unique challenges and opportunities specific to the balance between 'family' and 'business'.  As easy as it may to think that keeping the two distinct from each other is straightforward, the lines can become very blurred and often difficult to manage. As my experience in both business and family life grows the more I come to believe that you cannot "do it on your own" - in either area. The listening ear of other people, the experience of other people and the perspectives of other people are essential to making real and lasting progress.
 
We have recently embarked on a more strategic business advice approach with David Richmond and the Armstrong team as we recently stepped away from our day to day labours leaving many perceived problems at the office and stepped into an independent and trusted environment where we have been able to speak freely (both jointly as a management team and individually in one to one sessions). The first session was both a relief and a revelation. The relief in taking a positive step to help ourselves - the revelation in how easy it was to open up and talk about issues we had probably thought too sensitive to get out in the open. Then comes the real value - a realistic plan. Having listened, questioned, and challenged we all worked together to agree definite objectives and plans to achieve them - both together and individually. This forward looking, objective based approach is stimulating and allows the principles established at the Blue session to be taken back into the maelstrom of day to day business - where, because of their clarity, they have a chance to take root.
 
We have wanted to develop ourselves and our business with a fresh approach - going in with an open mind, we have quickly gained a different perspective and we have started to change. There is a fascinating blend of gradual, slow, 'wait and see' adjustment and some decisive, quick, 'take the plunge' change...its exciting to be moving to a new way of thinking, building on all the good things we have and leaving some of the not so good things behind.

Mark Sugden, Managing Director, John W. Laycock Ltd

Rohan and the team at Armstrong Watson have been a valued business partner and a continued part of our growth and development at KMF. They have offered constructive and commercial solutions when needed and are extremely approachable.

Their fee levels are extremely competitive across the key products, and service levels, in my opinion, exceed that of their peer group and that of the Big 4.

Jon Eeles, Finance Director, KMF (Precision Sheet Metal) Limited

When the company was sold to a private equity firm, Armstrong Watson was instrumental in assisting the purchase; formulating the financial models, cash flow analysis and pro forma profit and loss.  The team produced high quality results and provided an invaluable contribution in the post transaction.

The effective sale of the business was made so by having the right people with the right skills who really understood the business and our requirements, in particluar David Richmond. David has an excellent understanding of business finance reporting, his knowledge and the ability to understand different situations provided invaluable in developing the strategic direction of our business.  Armstrong Watson are a very professional outfit and without doubt their contribution has made the transaction exceedingly cost effective and we would highly recommend them.

John Williams, Managing Director, Ness Furniture