Client Testimonials

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

The specialist legal sector team at Armstrong Watson has been instructed by Burnetts Solicitors to prepare the firm’s financial statements, tax returns and SRA Accounts Rules reports as well as the partners’ personal tax returns since 2011.  I have been in a joint managing partner position since 1 January 2014 and have worked particularly closely with them since becoming sole managing partner on 1 January 2015. In that time, I have been impressed with their speed of response.  When we need something actioned, it is always done within the agreed timetable.  That is in part due to their attention to ensure that we provide them with everything that they need in order to help us.  Initiatives have been established to ensure that timetables are adhered to and all costs are agreed in advance.

We benefit from their pro-active advice and suggestions; particularly recently regarding our trading structure, law firm alliances and ways to reduce our costs.  In addition, they have presented to our people on cross-selling initiatives and improving their understanding of their impact on the success of the firm.  They have also offered one to one tax surgeries with each of our partners in order for them to plan their personal affairs, which we will benefit from this year.  Their benchmarking analysis of the firm allows us to have strategic conversations with them, and also with my partners internally.

All in all, they help us to improve our business.

Nick Gutteridge, Managing Partner, Burnetts

Having faced a number of approaches from law firms and companies over the years to acquire Pryers, it was important for us to wait patiently for the right opportunity with the right company to forge ahead with. Pure Legal undoubtedly presents that opportunity and I am delighted to get this deal over the line and I look forward to working with Phil and his team.

Thanks to our Accountant, Andy Poole and his team from Armstrong Watson, for their diligent work. We were genuinely impressed with their advice and representation.

Ian Pryer, Managing Partner, Pryers LLP

“Having worked with Matt, Helen, and Steven at Armstrong Watson over the past few years I have been particularly impressed by their responsiveness and proactivity as well as their breadth of knowledge. They always respond quickly and expertly to queries and are keen to update me when any relevant changes arise.

I really feel that Matt and his team take every step to understand and become a part of my business and have my best interests at heart at all times. They have helped to develop and recruit into my finance team, which will enable my business to grow even further in the long term”

Kevin Towers, Pinnacle Enterprises

I have been with Armstrong Watson for many years and John Booth has been the partner responsible for my business. As the business has grown I needed more specialist advice and John and his team have always been able to provide me with solutions to any issues I have experienced. Naturally they are more than competent with the preparation of accounts but the bonus for me has always been their tax advice. They are proactive with their recommendations and I have been able to plan for the future rather than just looking at the past performance. On a personal level John and his team are very approachable and explain everything in clear terms.

Stuart Rivers, Stuart Rivers Associates, Harrogate

Armstrong Watson provided a refreshing approach to the accounts review meeting, with the benchmarking report proving especially useful

Tim Berg, Partner, Short Richardson & Forth LLP

Armstrong Watson has been providing IBISWorld with audit services since we began operations in the UK in 2010.  More recently we have also engaged them to assist with our tax services.  Our experience throughout the relationship has been that of a very professional organization that provides a high level of expertise and comfort to ensure confidence in the end product.  Matthew, Helen and Zoe are responsive and personable, further making Armstrong Watson a pleasure to work with

Jody Scott, Global Finance Manager, IbisWorld

Having appointed Armstrong Watson to prepare our SRA Accounts Rules reports, we have been extremely impressed with the manner in which they arranged the transfer of responsibilities from our previous accountants.  Their specialist legal sector team has been very easy to deal with and they have provided practical solutions to issues, based on experience.  The whole process has been unbelievably smooth and we are delighted with the decision that we have made.

Shru Morris, Finance Director, Napthens LLP

After twenty six years trading as a partnership, we decided to change status to a limited company.

We had no idea how to go about this process. We were guided through it with the help of Armstrong Watson, in particular Sharon Ryan, Sally Jones and Stephen Esgate.

We would like to thank you wholeheartedly. Without all your hard work and understanding of our business and what we wanted, this transition would have been traumatic. It was a seamless transition thanks to the professionalism, efficiency and meticulous attention to detail that you exercised.

I would recommend Armstrong Watson and in particular your team, to any organisation that was thinking of changing their trading status.

E R Navin-Jones, Baker Harding Limited

We were recently left with a very complex family estate to unravel. Helen was able to guide us through the process of IHT submission to HMRC and help unravel a number of complex tax issues in a calm and professional manner. She answered all of our questions promptly and provided clear guidance as to the individual steps we needed to take, making the whole process a lot easier and simpler to deal with.

Helen's work meant we did not have to engage a solicitor to close the estate, thus saving expensive legal costs and time and also brought in other experts (Trust & Investment Funds) to advise us as and when needed. At all times we found Helen easy and pleasant to deal with no matter how stressed we were with having to deal with what was essentially an emotional roller coaster ride. The estate took over two years to close out, but without Helen's support it would still be going on now.

I would recommend Helen and Armstrong Watson without any hesitation or reservation; they are the “go to source” for all financial issues and advice in my opinion.

Phil & Justine Waddington