Hospitality, Leisure & Tourism

Tony Bullock and his team have been our accountants since 2018, and during that time we have built a close working relationship. They have an excellent understanding of both our business and the leisure and tourism sector in general.

As a micro business, bookkeeping falls to our small management team. Tony helps to ensure that we adopt best practice, and that our tax position is optimised.

It is never too much trouble for Tony to work through our concerns with us, and he is always prepared to clearly explain things. We are very comfortable dealing with Tony and his team and look forward to dealing further with them in the future.

Alastair Hunter, Managing Director, Brown Rigg Lodges & Guest Rooms

Alex Nicholson and Emma Forrester were fantastic throughout the process [helping us submit a retrospective claim to HMRC for overpaid VAT on removable contents sold as parts of caravans] and without them we would not be in the position we now find ourselves. We received a significant six-figure refund and now enjoy increased margins on each sale due to their work.

“As such we would urge other caravan and holiday park owners to speak to Armstrong Watson to find out if they too could benefit from their expertise in this area.”

Scott Mounsey, Finance Director of Cotterhill Limited

“Since taking over from a Big 4 firm, Armstrong Watson have been a breath of fresh air. We have been with a Big 4 firm for 34 years and we have had a lot better and closer working relationship with Andrew Kennon and Armstrong Watson. They impressed us from the outset with their sector knowledge and this has shown through in all the advice we’ve received. Helping make our ideas and goals reality. I would have no hesitation in recommending Armstrong Watson as anyone’s auditors and advisers.”

George Harrison, Harrison Leisure

Having recently just purchased a Guest House in the Lake District, I felt the need to put into words the help Richard Andrew of Armstrong Watson gave us to choose, decide and complete the purchase. From the very start of viewing properties, Richard was on hand giving us professional and impartial advice until completion, including matters of accounting and contracts. This made the process so much more un-daunting having someone you could trust every step of the way. Since purchasing, we have already had an on-site visit from Richard who is now guiding us the right direction again by implementing the xero accounting package to the business and again simplifying and lessening the pressures of owning and running your own business. We would have no hesitation in recommending Armstrong Watson and especially Richard in the future. Once again thankyou.

Mark & Marie Pape, Seven Oaks Guest House

“If Bruce and I come up with an idea, Armstrong Watson is like a sounding board. Grant will sit down and he’ll say ‘what about this?’ I used to see accountants as a bit up-tight, a bit beige – they’re not like that.  A lot of accountants you’re just a number, but Armstrong Watson understand the people behind those figures and the passion they have for what they’re doing.”

Bruce and Luke, Carlisle

Peter has been our go-to adviser through some pretty tricky times over the past few years.  Moving from purely the agricultural sector to branching out into hospitality has been mainly made possible by following Peter's advice and guidance.   Peter has not only offered financial planning and accountancy guidance but has been a very trusted family advisor.  Having someone to act as a knowledgeable well-informed sounding board for ideas who provides impartial, well informed advice and feedback is priceless - something we value greatly.

Minister Walk

Armstrong Watson are lead sponsors for the IFDA providing invaluable advice to our members and the wider sector. Recently supporting the IFDA Forum series which delivered expert advice on prominent themes affecting the sector. They have been on hand to talk to all our members, no matter what stage of their journey, advising on accounting, planning and auditing. Their work with IFDA member Bundobust and the accounting software Xero has proven hugely helpful to our members, setting a benchmark for accounting with Independent food and drink establishments in the city.

Anne-Marie Gallagher, Leeds Beckett University

Having used Armstrong Watson as our accountants and tax advisers over the last 8 years for various businesses within the High Spirits Leisure Group, we can highly recommend them to any serious business operators.

From acquisitions, sales, changes of banking facilities, tax affairs and planning, not to mention personal tax affairs, we have found them to be of the highest professional standard and our main contact Richard Andrew is always available for help and advice in a friendly effective manner.

During the last 12 months, as part of our expansion plans, we took our internal accounts team away from onsite operations to a dedicated accounts office in Ulverston. This presented various opportunities but also some difficulties, but with the support of Armstrong Watson, we were able to implement new systems, provide staff training and assessment programmes along with new recruitment initiatives.  The end result is a highly efficient team ready for our continued growth!

Armstrong Watson are currently advising us on projections and finance for some new & exciting ventures, all in all a great bunch of people who really do make a positive difference to our financial future.

Colin Monk, High Spirits Leisure Group Ltd

We use Armstrong Watson for all our VAT, Payroll and other accounting needs due to the excellent advice we recieve.  Grant Smith is more than just an accountant, he gives sound practical business advice and and we value that.

Helen Mullinder, Owner at the Sandwich Club, Carlisle

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

Discussing matters of succession planning with family members is a challenging but necessary process if you wish to try and minimise inheritance tax. In recent years, with the help of Helen Thornley and the rest of the team at Armstrong Watson, we have been able to take proactive steps to manage our family’s affairs to the point where we are now confident about the future.

Charles Lowther, Owner, Askham Hall

Our business has been supported by Armstrong Watson since opening over seven years ago. We know that we can pick up the phone and our queries will be dealt with in a professional but friendly manner. When it comes to our tax affairs they are always on hand to advise us proactively and deal with HM Revenue & Customs so that we don’t have to!

Lakeview Guest House

Running a guest house on the Isle of Islay in Scotland with turnover rising from £60k to £110k we were looking for an accounting system that would help to make our working life a little bit easier and that is exactly what Xero has done for us. 

Grant Smith and the staff at Armstrong Watson were so patient explaining how the system worked and how it could benefit our business. Within a few days it felt that we had always used it. It is actually a joy completing the VAT return as with everything in the one place to do this and staff at Armstrong Watson always happy to help with any queries that arise.
 

Andrew and Alison Jackson, Owners, The Bowmore House

'I was very 'raw' in a sense, not having started up my own business before. Armstrong Watson told me everything I needed to know and held my hand throughout the process. By introducing me to other clients who had been through the same process, it gave me confidence in my abilities and that little push I needed to make the business succeed. I trust the team implicitly and could not have done it without them. I never thought I could become good friends with my accountant but it has happened and I’m pleased that I’m with such a forward thinking firm.'

Vicky Houseman, Doyly’s tearooms