Client Testimonials

Thank you one and all for your support – we could not have done it without you

Ian Kennerley, Managing Partner at Silk Family Law

The statutory audit appointment for our two Schemes followed Brendan O’Connor to Armstrong Watson when he joined the firm on 1 January 2022. He had previously looked after both schemes with his previous employer. Furthermore, when both schemes were established in the mid to late 1990s, Brendan was our first audit manager, then with a third firm. Whilst there have been a few gaps in the years when Brendan was not involved, it has been great for us to have the continuity and reliability from his involvement throughout.

The schemes have been hybrid arrangements, moving to solely defined benefit and now progressing to full buy-out, so there have been many changes throughout their lifespan. It is reassuring to know that as we are now entering the final phase, Brendan’s input will, as always, be valuable, particularly given that he has previously Chaired a working party producing accounting guidance for buy-ins and buy-outs in pension schemes.

We would have no hesitation in recommending Brendan and his team for pension scheme audit and accountancy work.

 

A Olsson, Trustee Director of Finnforest Pension Trustees Limited and M-real UK Pension Trustees Limited

Andy Poole was instrumental in facilitating our board strategy day that enabled us to retain focus and agree on a clear vision for our business that is centred around delivering for our people and our clients.  The format of the day allowed a clear thought process that not only meant we focused on the important matters, but also that our decisions had an appropriate basis.  We now have a plan for how to deliver our vision and we could not have achieved that on the day without Andy’s facilitation and guidance.

Steven Petrie, Ward Hadaway

We have worked with Andy over a number of years and recently he has presented a half day on financial training for partners and new partners.  This has been very well received.  We find Andy extremely easy to work with, very accommodating of any particular needs we may have, and his knowledge of this topic is outstanding.  One quote from a delegate having attended this training was “Very good course - highly recommend to those wanting to have a better understanding of a law firm's financial performance and potential ways to improve it.

Sara Palmer, Learning and Development Manager, Law South Group Limited

Andy Poole and two Armstrong Watson colleagues led a day of Law South’s May 2021 conference, “Humanising the Business of Law”. This was online due to Covid but the delivery and the pace of the day engaged everyone successfully. Andy’s presentation was titled “Boosting profits and cash” and delivered to predominantly law firm partner audience of 60 delegates. Allowing for the usual range of perspectives in such a group, the feedback was overwhelmingly positive with 94% giving good or excellent for expectations being met. A typical comment was “Very clear, things we can see we do, as well as things we don't do quite so well!” The day gave a greater understanding of law firm finances, comfort in discussing financial matters with clients, improving client service and satisfaction and a bespoke set of actions to take away. We have subsequently used Andy for training courses for member firms and are happy to recommend him to others.

Mark Day, Chief Executive Officer, Law South Group Limited

The training from Andy Poole is always engaging, informative and practical. He's an expert who really understands and relates to lawyers.

Mike Parker, Managing Partner, Wilsons Solicitors LLP

The training from Andy Poole is always engaging, informative and practical.  He's an expert who really understands and relates to lawyers.

Mike Parker, Wilsons Solicitors LLP

Armstrong Watson don’t just crunch numbers they interpret them and present them to me in an easy to understand manner,  to enable me and my team to make more informed business decisions around our company financials. Sally and her amazing team at Armstrong Watson, take their time to learn and understand our business as well as our values, vision and business objectives to become a trusted partner rather than just an accountant. I would highly recommend Armstrong Watson for their attention to detail, accuracy but most importantly, their willingness and passion to support your business success

Darren Toms, Managing Director, Clumber Consultancy Limited

We engaged Andy Poole of Armstrong Watson to facilitate a series of three strategy days for our senior leadership team and the wider partner group.  This has helped us to formulate clear objectives and defined short, medium and long-term steps to achieve our ambitions.

It has helped us to become closer as a leadership team, improve communication channels across the firm and focus us on the actions we need to continue taking our business forwards.  Andy was flexible enough to allow all attendees to have their input, whilst keeping us on track and challenging us as required.  One of the attendees commented that it was “the most impactful day they had ever spent”.

Chris Welch, Managing Partner, Sintons LLP

Andy and his team structured this deal to enable me to transition my duties to others in a move towards my retirement. Andy found the perfect partner for us in MAPD who are clearly committed to supporting the firm in its existing structure, and providing expertise to help the firm grow, while maintaining its own identity and brand, which is very well known within Tameside and Greater Manchester.

Andy had taken the time to really get under the skin of our firm and understand how we operate, which proved enormously helpful in getting the deal over the line. Throughout the process, he displayed a real in-depth understanding of how law firms operate. Thanks to Andy for all of his help, effort and assistance.

Mark Hirst, Bromleys