Running a 'family business' carries with it a set of unique challenges and opportunities specific to the balance between 'family' and 'business'.  As easy as it may to think that keeping the two distinct from each other is straightforward, the lines can become very blurred and often difficult to manage. As my experience in both business and family life grows the more I come to believe that you cannot "do it on your own" - in either area. The listening ear of other people, the experience of other people and the perspectives of other people are essential to making real and lasting progress.
 
We have recently embarked on a more strategic business advice approach with David Richmond and the Armstrong team as we recently stepped away from our day to day labours leaving many perceived problems at the office and stepped into an independent and trusted environment where we have been able to speak freely (both jointly as a management team and individually in one to one sessions). The first session was both a relief and a revelation. The relief in taking a positive step to help ourselves - the revelation in how easy it was to open up and talk about issues we had probably thought too sensitive to get out in the open. Then comes the real value - a realistic plan. Having listened, questioned, and challenged we all worked together to agree definite objectives and plans to achieve them - both together and individually. This forward looking, objective based approach is stimulating and allows the principles established at the Blue session to be taken back into the maelstrom of day to day business - where, because of their clarity, they have a chance to take root.
 
We have wanted to develop ourselves and our business with a fresh approach - going in with an open mind, we have quickly gained a different perspective and we have started to change. There is a fascinating blend of gradual, slow, 'wait and see' adjustment and some decisive, quick, 'take the plunge' change...its exciting to be moving to a new way of thinking, building on all the good things we have and leaving some of the not so good things behind.

Rohan and the team at Armstrong Watson have been a valued business partner and a continued part of our growth and development at KMF. They have offered constructive and commercial solutions when needed and are extremely approachable.

Their fee levels are extremely competitive across the key products, and service levels, in my opinion, exceed that of their peer group and that of the Big 4.

As we enter our fifth financial year this April, I feel assured that our accounts are in the best shape they have been since our inception. As our company has grown exponentially, we have tried a number of accounting solutions, namely other bookkeepers and other accountancy firms, but none have offered such high levels of proactivity and communication. 

Having liaised with a number of Armstrong Watson’s staff within their Kendal and Carlisle offices (namely Richard Andrew, the Payroll team, Steven Metcalf and Emily Taplin), I feel rest assured that the team is built of well trained, personable and competent professionals, allowing great provision across our general accounting needs.  

Armstrong Watson have been advising Crewdson & Company Limited since we began in 1991. During that time we have evolved from a consultancy to a business promoting plant for the treatment of dirty waste water.

For the recent past we have been advised by David Threlkeld and his colleagues at the Rosehill office. David has always had a good understanding of our business and our relationship with a Dutch manufacturer.

Armstrong Watson have always been very supportive through the ups and downs of more than 20 years trading and we would warmly recommend them to businesses seeking a financial adviser.