FINANCE
History – the origins of John B Smith , specialists in the design and manufacture of roof trusses and floor joists , can be traced back to 1832 .
Long-term clients – Baines Jewitt has worked with John B Smith Ltd since the 1940s .
T wo of Stockton ’ s oldest firms are raising the roof to a working relationship spanning more than 70 years .
Baines Jewitt Chartered Accountants and John B Smith first started working together in the 1940s , although their company stories can be traced back to the turn of the century and beyond .
As one of the largest firms of chartered accountants , business advisers and tax experts in Teesside , Baines Jewitt in its current form took shape in 2004 , following the merger of two firms with long and proud histories : Baines Goldston , which began in 1923 , and Jewitts , which started in 1907 .
The origins of John B Smith Ltd - specialists in the design and manufacture of roof trusses and floor joists – can be traced back to 1832 , when merchant John Stagg took advantage of the Stockton to Darlington railway and built a wharf with timber mill at the end of the train track . Back then , raw materials would arrive by river , before being cut and shipped to customers via rail .
Baines Jewitt director Jed Lester explains : “ As a relative newcomer , I have looked after John B Smith ’ s company accounts and tax affairs for over 30 years . My predecessor , who was the father of one of my fellow directors , managed their accounts for 40 years prior to me . Over that time there have been significant changes within both companies .”
Today , Baines Jewitt employs more than 30 professionals and is led by five directors . The business was incorporated in July 2017 to become Baines Jewitt Limited . As well as offering financial advice to individuals , families and charities , Baines Jewitt has helped to get hundreds of business ventures off the ground and provided the support needed to enable them to grow into some of Teesside ’ s most successful firms . In many cases , such as John B Smith , Baines Jewitt has worked with several generations of the same family .
For John B Smith , technological advances and computer aided design software have led to greater
efficiencies and a demand for precision cut products . Embracing new techniques has enabled the company to design , manufacture and deliver much more complex ready-to-install timber roof and floor structures .
Over the years , the business has proved to be extremely resilient to the changes it has faced , with a high demand from many of the country ’ s large name housebuilding and construction companies .
John B Smith chairman Mike Scaife - the fourth generation of his family to be involved in the company - explains : “ Our products and expertise have evolved from our proud 188-year history , which has included my greatgrandfather , grandfather , father and myself at the helm .”
“ Thanks to our skilled team and state-of-the-art machinery , we can provide a bespoke service and more creative designs . However , we also understand there is much more to running a business than great products and a great reputation .
“ We have an excellent managing director , Andrew Taylor , at the helm and a superb workforce in place . With Jed and the Baines Jewitt team to act as an external sounding board , keep a close eye on the figures , suggest improvements and help us steer through any turbulent times , there has been a huge impact on the stability of our company and our balance sheet .”
Jed adds : “ With the longevity of Baines Jewitt ’ s relationship with John B Smith comes a sense of responsibility , empathy and pride in what has been achieved . Not only do we have a very good understanding of what is important to such a principal client , but we are on hand to share the joy of economic booms , plus offer strategic advice and support during leaner periods .
“ What started all those years ago as an agreement to provide business , tax and accounting advice , has seen the relationship between our two companies flourish . In particular , I feel incredibly lucky to work with such a forward-thinking company . Not only are Mike and Andrew inspirational business leaders and work associates , but our companies have become firm friends .”
For more information about Baines Jewitt contact Jed Lester on jl @ bainesjewitt . co . uk .
For further information about John B Smith Ltd , please contact michael . scaife @ johnbsmith . co . uk or andrew . taylor @ johnbsmith . co . uk .
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