FINANCE
PICTURES : CHRIS BOOTH
managers , office and administration staff , plus our sales and lettings employees .
“ However , despite everyone ’ s expertise and hard work , we value the input from Baines Jewitt who know our business inside out , but are objective too .”
And although Bussey & Armstrong is happy to move with the times , the company ’ s original values still shape its vision today .
“ When Alfred Banting Armstrong and William Bussey formed a partnership in 1902 and set up their own building business , Mr Armstrong had a very responsible attitude to his customers and the town . In fact , he could be described as an ‘ early environmentalist ’. In particular , he wanted to bring to Darlington the ‘ garden city ’ atmosphere typified by the early garden cities such as Welwyn ,” explains Tony .
“ An early advertising publication from that time not only promised that the firm ’ s houses would be modern and comfortable , but also that every scheme would enhance the beauty of the district . Since then , our firm has developed many former Victorian estates around Darlington , providing quality and affordable new homes for people .”
It is a strategy that has paid off . As well as a commendation from the Royal Institute of British Architects ( RIBA ) and a North East Renaissance Gold Award for Regeneration from the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors ( RICS ), Bussey &
“ We have a simple philosophy and that is to keep cool and carry on !”
Armstrong has twice been recognised in the Greenleaf Landscaping Awards .
One of Bussey & Armstrong ’ s most recent Darlington projects is West Park Garden Village , a mixed use development , based around the first new park in the town in 100 years and which brings together housing , a primary school , nursery , hospital , commercial centre and 33 acres of open parkland .
Following suit , Baines Jewitt has also received formal recognition for its outstanding work . The UK200Group - UK ’ s leading association of independent chartered accountants and law firms - placed Baines Jewitt among the top practices in the country as part of the most recent External Quality Control Review .
Adoption of the UK200Group standards , along with the high placing , means Baines Jewitt adheres to stringent quality control over its work . As a member of the UK200Group , Baines Jewitt also has approved specialist status across a number of key sectors , including property and construction .
“ If you work in a property or construction-related business , such as Bussey & Armstrong , you know that it can be an unstable and ever-changing sector . This can bring its challenges , whether you are an agent , investor , landlord or developer . Not only do you need to keep on top of changing regulations and changing tax legislation , but you might also face issues of cash flow , hidden costs and slow growth ,” explains Anne .
“ This means in addition to our usual audit , accountancy and business guidance services , we are well placed to understand current issues and what they mean for the bottom line .”
As with many UK firms , as well as dealing with Covid-19 , Bussey & Armstrong has faced numerous other business challenges in recent years .
“ Our sector has dealt with economic and political uncertainty , the fallout of Brexit , the availability of key building materials , finding the right skilled workers and long lead times for planning application approvals ,” says Tony .
Yet Tony is confident that Bussey & Armstrong will stand the test of time , continue to support the people of Darlington and overcome whatever challenges come their way .
“ We have a simple philosophy and that is to keep cool and carry on !” he said .
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