Organisers have hailed the latest ‘speed dating with funders’ event as a huge success.
More than 150 people attended the fifth annual Finance in the South West seminar at Exeter Raceourse, organised by chartered accountants and business advisers PKF Francis Clark.
A dozen sources of grant, debt and equity funding took part together with business support agencies.
The 24 speakers included Chris Garcia, Chief Executive of the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).
A key feature was ‘short and sharp’ five minute presentations allowing...
Exeter accountants and financial planners Old Mill has been shortlisted for one of the accountancy industry’s most prestigious awards thanks to its innovative attitude to rewarding staff.
Old Mill has been shortlisted for ‘Most Innovative Practice’ at the British Accountancy Awards for adopting a process which allows staff who perform well to acquire equity, no matter their grade or status, as Managing Director Ian Carlson, explains.
“We have abandoned the traditional partnership model in favour of a true meritocracy that allows everyone to share in the success they help to...
A unique talent event for promoting teamwork skills among young accountants recently took place at Exeter University.
The X-Factor-inspired show called "Bishop Fleming's Got Talent" was the culmination of many months of work by the Bright Futures team of the Top 40 firm, made up of members of an innovative 12-month personal development and mentoring programme, who were given an opportunity to shine in front of their peers.
On stage at the university's Forum building were a mixture of live and recorded performances covering dance, singing, stage show scenes, and even a...
Leading West Country financial planners Old Mill have become one of only 25 currently certified firms in the country to meet top financial planning standards. As part of its commitment to offering the best possible service to its clients, Old Mill has completed the certification programme for BS 8577 –the only best practice standard for financial advice and planning firms. Set out by Standards International, BS 8577 sets out a framework for best practice and process; it was developed with industry, professional experts and consumer representatives including, the British Standards Institute...
Exeter chartered accountancy firm Simpkins Edwards is thrilled to welcome local businesses to take part in its 13th annual Really Big Quiz.
Last year the quiz raised a record-breaking sum of more than £8,000 for the Lord Mayor’s charity and plans are well underway to make this year’s event another charitable success.
Taking place at the Corn Exchange on Wednesday 11 May from 6.30pm, the annual Really Big Quiz is an opportunity for local firms to compete for the title of Exeter’s brainiest business and help raise funds for the Lord Mayor’s nominated charity, The Exeter...
Colette Dinnes from Phillips Dinnes Accountants shares her advice on the topical new tax on dividends. She discusses the impact that the new tax will have on small businesses who have, to date, been encouraged to operate as limited companies because of the favourable tax treatment of dividend income and how this is going to change from April 2016.
Colette comments that 'from the 6th April 2016, part of the advantage will be lost and tax payers who receive a significant part of their income in the form of dividends will suffer a tax increase'.
Adrian Hemmings, partner at Simpkins Edwards LLP, commented: “This budget seemed to be the most technical we’ve had in recent times, compared to the more politically charged announcements of the past couple of years with a raft of smaller measures across the tax landscape. “The Chancellor has confirmed a series of measures such as the tampon tax, insurance premium rise to fund flood defences, tightening the VAT rules for online traders, NIC on termination payments and the anti tax avoidance initiatives that are what I would term ‘sensible tinkering’. From a commercial perspective I would...
Devon accountancy firm Simpkins Edwards has once again been recognised for its outstanding support to the Armed Forces Community.
The firm has been presented with a Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Award in recognition of its support to its Reservist employees, in particular partner Jean-Paul Quertier, currently second in command with 6th Battalion the Rifles.
Last year the firm signed the Armed Forces Covenant and was presented with Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Bronze Award. To qualify for the silver award, Simpkins Edwards has put into practice the...
West Country accountants and business advisers Old Mill are celebrating after being named ‘Emerging Partner of the Year’ at the Xerocon Awards in London on Tuesday.
Xero offers a real-time accounting software solution for small businesses which includes a variety of features that in many ways are life-changing for the small business owner. Indeed, these life changing features were recognised by Forbes, which has named Xero the “World’s most innovative growth company” in both 2014 and 2015.
Old Mill have been working with Xero since 2014, setting up their own clients with...
The South West's leading independent firm of chartered accountants, Thomas Westcott, has appointed a new marketing and public relations co-ordinator.
Jamie Giles, 29, who holds a BA (Hons) degree in marketing, is based in Thomas Westcott's Exeter office and takes responsibility for supporting external and internal communications, including updating the firm's website and social media accounts as well as assisting with media relations and publications.
He said: "My experience gained in previous positions, including project-managing digital marketing and B2B sales operations...
