FINANCE
Numbers – Motif8 ’ s operations manager Matt Gibb .
Product – Motif8 ’ s shop manager Mandy Devlin .
Stitching - Motif8 ’ s embroidery machinist Joanna Cicharska .
that could fit in with the fast-paced environment we were facing .
“ Baines Jewitt were recommended to us and it soon became apparent that the firm ticked all the boxes . As well as up-to-date advice , digital accounting and all aspects of business finance , we have yet to encounter an issue that cannot be addressed . In particular , Baines Jewitt ’ s advice and guidance in dealing with the pandemic over the past two years has been second to none .
“ Although we have our own in-house accounts manager and assistant , we see Baines Jewitt as an extra member of our team , who can support and advise when needed .”
Baines Jewitt director Anne Cowley added : “ We ‘ re delighted to be working with such a forward-thinking , hard-working firm as Motif8 . As well as providing mainstream accountancy services , tax planning and personal tax guidance , we provide business advice .
“ It has also been good to be by their side during a very difficult time for all businesses . As with many UK firms , as well as the pandemic , Motif8 has faced numerous other business challenges , such as lack of stock , staff absences due to Covid-19 , price increases and transport issues – all while still trying to meet and exceed customers ’ expectations .
“ As well as being on hand when needed , we have provided up-to-date information
“ Although we have our own in-house accounts manager and assistant , we see Baines Jewitt as an extra member of our team , who can support and advise when needed .”
on furlough rules , available grants and generally acted as a sounding board .”
Despite the challenges of the pandemic , Motif8 has handled the situation with military precision .
Sian said : “ We worked throughout the pandemic and last year saw us work around the clock on a 24-hour rota for approximately seven weeks . Although not financially viable , we needed to put customers first over profit and fulfil our back-to-school and sports orders , which came in over the summer . We lost three months preparation because of the lockdown , but our staff really pulled together .
“ The most difficult aspect of the pandemic fallout was letting customers down due to stocking , transport issues and staff shortages . We take this personally . Trying to fulfil orders when there has been little or no stock has been challenging , and still is . We will continue to feel the effects from the pandemic and Brexit combined for a while yet , but things are improving .
We ’ re fortunate to have such loyal and understanding customers who have been very patient through a difficult time .”
As well as dealing with the “ here and now ” the company is looking to its future with new goals for the business .
Chris said : “ Motif8 has come back stronger and has invested a further £ 150,000 into the business this year . We have recruited new staff , plus invested in new IT processes and machinery . Some of these lessons were learned through Covid-19 , with buying trends now more internet-based . We have also looked at improving efficiencies , so we can be more streamlined going forward .
“ We have the right infrastructure in place to meet our goals and now need to take advantage of this . Over the next six to 12 months , we will recruit more staff to fulfil our ambitions and are delighted to have Baines Jewitt by our side to provide business and financial advice as we march forward .”
The voice of business in the Tees region | 103