Case Studies

Case Study: Solvent liquidation - Group of companies

Background 

An existing client of Armstrong Watson was planning to sell their business and had been approached by a competitor with a significant offer for the trade and business. 

Case Study: Client Focus - Ice Creates Ltd

The ICE story started in 1999 when two brothers, Stuart and Ian Jackson, and Amanda Madden united to launch a communications and design company in Merseyside. Today, 22 years later, ICE is a UK leader in behaviour change, with 62 teams across the UK, creating positive impact through research, experience design, behavioural science and communications and marketing. 

Case Study: A long term relationship pays dividends

Our clients, a farming husband and wife partnership, have been long standing accounting clients of Armstrong Watson. Over the last few years they have been reducing their farming business taking the opportunity to sell land. Two years ago our Financial Planning Consultant, together with a Tax Consultant, were introduced to advise on potential capital gains and inheritance tax issues because some of the land had development potential.

Case Study: Succession - Who do you Trust?

“In this world, nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” Never a truer statement, yet trying to plan for the inevitable can seem like you are tempting fate!  Still, please do not underestimate how succession planning in the caravan park industry, as in many family businesses, can without a doubt be complicated.

In many estates, the assets of the mother and father can be released into cash and so this can be easily divided between the children.  Where only some of the next generation wish to continue in the business, estate planning can be much more complex.

Case Study: Project Varnish - Managed wind-down using administration

Armstrong Watson were instructed to assist with the closure of a double glazing business following the settlement of a dispute. The business had been assessing its options due to the nature of the dispute, and was looking at rebranding to move forward. The way forward, including its potential downsides, had been discussed with employees and sales consultants and, following this meeting, many of the self-employed sales consultants took the decision to leave the business.

Case Study: Project Diamond - Sale of business through pre-pack administration

Project Diamond was a company that dealt with IT infrastructure which had encountered some cash flow difficulties, such that the director did not want to continue with the business. However, whilst he no longer wanted to be involved with the management of the business, it was felt that there was a viable business if the historic debt could be dealt with. Accordingly, Armstrong Watson were engaged to assist the director in trying to find a sale of the business through a “pre-pack” Administration.

Case Study: Project Monitor

Advice and support results in additional funding and continued success of the business

Background

Armstrong Watson were approached by a lender as they had concerns about one of its client’s viability. They wanted Armstrong Watson to review the Company’s current position and to provide advice as to the viability of the business going forward. 

Case Study: Thomas Armstrong (Holdings) Ltd Flimby, West Cumbria

Background

Thomas Armstrong Group has over 190 years of expertise and growth in the construction sector, manufacturing quality building products since 1830 with a strong Cumbrian heritage and Head Office situated proudly in Flimby, West Cumbria. The group has a turnover in excess of £135m and has around 560 employees. As a significant business in the sector and region, the group had a long track record of working with large Top 10 audit firms.

Case Study: The Usual Place - Inspired Community Enterprise Trust Limited

Background

The Usual Place became a client of Armstrong Watson over three years ago when their existing accountant retired.  They were looking for a business partner who could support both the Board of Directors in fulfilling their responsibilities and the business as a whole, by advising on the risks and financial challenges that lay ahead as the enterprise grew in stature and reputation.

Case Study: Tynedale Hospice at Home

Photo: Mike Thornicroft, CEO and Charlotte Pearson, Head of Income Generation. (Photo taken prior to COVID-19 restrictions)