FINANCE
Anderson Barrowcliff focusing on the
positives despite “painful” lockdown
WORDS: COLIN YOUNG
PICTURE: TOM BANKS
COUNT
ON US
With many businesses facing
major changes in the post-
Covid world, one Teesside
firm is ready to lead the
revolution in chartered accountancy and
business advisory services.
For more than a century, leaders at
Stockton-based Anderson Barrowcliff have
prided themselves on being far more than
simple bean counters to their clients.
And during the pandemic they
have adapted to the most difficult
circumstances to assist businesses who
were forced to close in lockdown including
those who may have shut their doors for
good.
Partners James Dale and Andrew
Dewing believe Anderson Barrowcliff’s
strong leadership during the crisis was
down to their flexible attitudes, which has
created a firm adaptable to change, even
in the most unprecedented circumstances.
The six-partner firm employs more
than 40 people at its headquarters in
Stockton’s Bowesfield Park and boasts a
strong client base in Teesside, across the
UK and Europe.
James says that the firm prides itself on
its business advisory services and never
have these been more in demand.
“It was pretty painful and a real
challenge from day one,” he admits. “We
have been advisors, counsellors or just a
shoulder to cry on - much more than just
traditional accountants.
“We may not be regarded as frontline
workers, but to many of our clients we are
the first people they contact whenever
they encounter any issue associated with
their business.
“During the period of lockdown, it was
clearly important that we were around for
our clients. We had a core team of four in
the office at all times to take everything in
and be ready to answer any questions.
“We were doing work we knew we might
not get paid for but we did it because our
business ethos is to always put people
before profits. Based on feedback we’ve
had recently from many of our clients, we
certainly haven’t done our reputation any
harm.
“The hardest thing is that it was so new
and the government advice was changing
by the hour. But we settled down to adapt
and to keep all the clients on an even keel.
“We have always said that we are not
a firm that just does a set of accounts for
your business and that’s it. We are so much
more than that and we want to dispel that
cliched image of dull accountants with
nothing more to offer. We go that extra
mile.
“The current partners see themselves
as custodians of this firm and we have a
responsibility to build relationships and
make sure we are here for our clients. That
will never change.”
They may have been established more
than 100 years ago, but lockdown allowed
Leadership – Anderson Barrowcliff
partners James Dale (left) and
Andrew Dewing have led the firm
through a difficult period, but they
remain positive about the future.
Anderson Barrowcliff to adapt to the
modern age ahead of schedule.
Sending out blogs, YouTube videos and
online advice and mailshots to their clients,
the entire staff and partners – working
from home or in the office – the firm has
embraced technology to support their
staff, clients and other stakeholders.
Andy says: “We had to adapt and be
ready to fight people’s corners, so we had
teams concentrating on specific areas and
the latest advice and these formed the
basis of the content released.
“Despite the clear hardships that are
going to be caused by this crisis, the
partners are optimistic about the longer
term outlook for Teesside, its people and
its business community.
“The spirit of entrepreneurialism and
hard work have always been a cornerstone
of Teesside. With the airport reopening,
the prospect of a new freeport and the
enthusiasm of the mayor, this is a fantastic
time for our region.
“Our sweet spot is working with
businesses across Teesside who are
looking to grow sensibly and sustainably
and require first class advisory support. We
want to be part of a driving force which
pushes Teesside forward.”
Learn more at anderson-barrowcliff.co.uk
The voice of business in the Tees region | 57