Client Testimonials

Having been with a Big 4 audit firm for many years, we anticipated a drawn out audit handover in the first year as we transitioned to a new audit firm. However, Armstrong Watson (AW) have been great throughout the transition period by being clear on what we needed to do to manage the audit process. That way, the audit met our needs but with AW also being on time and transparent with what they deliver through the audit, it provided access to some new ideas and opportunities that we hadn’t considered before.

Daniel Burke, King Cole Ltd

Graham significantly improved our tax position, ensuring that it was correct for our business. He successfully communicated our unique complexities to HMRC and other relevant authorities, all of whom who were satisfied with the submission. This delivers a tax efficiency and significant saving that directly improves our business growth, boosts our R&D capabilities and will hasten the launch of a new, job-creating product in Cumbria.

We are absolutely delighted with the outcome.

Bradley Kieser, Director SMS Speedway

Following conversion to LLP/ABS and putting in place succession plans we felt it was important that we partner with accountants with deep knowledge and experience of the legal sector to support our future strategy. We found this in abundance at Armstrong Watson and following a delightfully smooth transition we are already benefitting from a wide range of their services. Andy Poole and the AW teams provide proactive advice, are easy to work with and we would recommend them without hesitation.

Andrew Perry, Practice Manager, Russell & Russell Solicitors

Armstrong Watson have been the appointed external auditors for Cumbria CVS for the past 4 years. Throughout this time, we have always found them to be professional, knowledgeable and reasonable.

We have been able to meet all of our filing deadlines whilst they have been appointed.

Both the auditing staff and managers are friendly but professional and very understanding of organisational need. The staff possess good communication skills and have been very helpful and approachable giving advice, especially through times of transitions within our organisation.

Armstrong Watson are also very knowledgeable of charity accounts which makes the audit process much smoother and discussions around organisational need and improvements much easier and applicable.

We have been very satisfied with the service from Armstrong Watson.

Jo Collin, Finance Manager, Cumbria CVS

Goodwin Development Trust outsourced payroll to Armstrong Watson around 2 years ago and have been very impressed with the service we receive from them as our payroll suppliers. We have a dedicated professional who ensures that our payroll is implemented smoothly. Checks are undertaken and our adviser regularly emails throughout the payroll period to establish that all changes are correct leading to a very accurate payroll system. We are so impressed with our current adviser that we emailed her manager to tell them and as a result, our adviser was successful in obtaining Employee of the Month earlier this year

When a review of the working agreement was required, Armstrong Watson provided us with assurance that all payroll checks would be undertaken in accordance with our policies and procedures. Our dedicated adviser was changed to suit the needs of our business and this was done seamlessly with an excellent handover between colleagues.

An all round excellent service that we would highly recommend

Lynne Stothard, Senior HR Adviser - Goodwin Development Trust

Armstrong Watson has been the school’s preferred Payroll service provider since April 2002.

During that time we have developed a very strong working partnership built on mutual respect and trust. I have found them to be extremely efficient and professional in all aspects of payroll. 

There is always a member of their payroll team on hand, whether it be via email, telephone or face to face, to provide advice and support when needed. This, together with their continued efforts to maintain a high level of customer service whilst providing a bespoke payroll service for each of their clients, is a great strength.

This high level of customer service and the continual self-evaluation of that service ensures they provide value for money.

Mabyn Goodfellow, School Business Manager - Inglewood Junior School,

The team at Armstrong Watson were instrumental in interpreting the commercial terms of the transaction and ensuring that the disposal went as smoothly as possible through to completion. I would highly recommend them to anyone considering selling their business.

John Blacklock, Managing Director, Blacklock Harvesting Ltd

Armstrong Watson have been my accountants since becoming a businesses owner 6 years ago. They helped me throughout the set up and since. The firm has been able to keep me fully informed of any changes in legislation and were a great help in providing advice and set up for staff pensions. Through the hard work of the staff at Armstrong Watson I am able to relax and know that my accounts, pay roll and staff pension are correctly and professionally dealt with leaving me to concentrate on running the best businesses I can. 

I would highly recommend Armstrong Watson to sole traders and limited companies alike who are looking for a professional and dedicated accounting firm.

Christopher Sherwin, Church Street Dental Practice

Armstrong Watson has worked with us on a variety of short and long term planning issues within our business. They have helped us to maintain a balance between the different voices in a multi-generation family business. It’s been useful to learn the outsider view of our organisation. I would recommend the strategic business advice service to any business.  

Hills of Corby Hill, Carlisle

Armstrong Watson have provided our payroll services for a number of years.  The team there are excellent; the whole process is user friendly, extremely efficient and very cost effective – everything I need.  Any questions I’ve asked have been answered straight away (even daft ones) and they are terrific at dealing with last minute amendments!

I would thoroughly recommend the payroll team at AW to businesses of all shapes and sizes and look forward to continuing to work with them.

Scott Garson, Practice Manager, Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors