The Business Exchange Swindon & Wiltshire Edition 46: Dec/Jan 2019 | Page 7

Management buy-in for leading professional services business in Swindon Swindon-based Optimum Professional Services has undergone a management buy-in, in a watershed move for the ground-breaking firm. Optimum, unique in the Swindon area for combining accountancy and legal services under one roof, now has five directors. Founder Richard Mathews is joined by the management team - Jon Lacey, Michael Blaken, Iain Mason and Rob Stokes - who all become equal shareholders in the business. “This is a real watershed for the company, which is the first of its kind in the Swindon area to offer professional services under one roof,” said Richard. “ We have built a strong management team, who bring with them a wealth of knowledge and expertise. This management buy-in secures the future of the company and sets it up for its planned growth and expansion.” Optimum was created two years ago and broke the mould for professional services. It marked a move away from traditional professional services, by combining accountancy and legal services under one roof, making it efficient and cost-effective for clients. Jon Lacey, who has been with Optimum from the beginning, is Finance Director and oversees the internal running of the business, including compliance. He said, “It’s great to have the support of the team as we move forward with Optimum. I couldn’t think of four other people I would rather be working with, to build a strong company.” Michael Blaken is Head of Accounts and joined Optimum in December 2017. He added, “This is a really exciting time for Optimum. The model we have built, of providing accountancy and legal services to clients, has really come together.” On the accountancy side, Optimum offers accounting, bookkeeping, payroll, business planning and business tax, personal tax, VAT and Making Tax Digital advice. With the appointment of audit specialist Rob Stokes l-r: Jon Lacey, Iain Mason, Richard Mathews, Rob Stokes and Michael Blaken. in September, Optimum now also offers a wider range of regulatory services including services to academy schools and charities. The legal team specialise in domestic and commercial property sales and purchases, tenancies and leases, equity release, and wills and probate. Solicitor Iain Mason is Head of Legal Services and joined Optimum in September 2018. He commented, “Combining professional services within one business is a great proposition which is clearly working for our clients. We have an exciting opportunity here to grow the business with the new directors and the great team we have.” Rob Stokes, Head of Audit, said he would concentrate on growing the regulatory client base, including offering services to academy schools. “We will be opening our doors to many more businesses as well as embracing technology even further, to enhance our service and free up the time we can then spend on working with clients.” The management buy-in marks the culmination of a busy year for Optimum, which in March relocated to its own premises in Stratton, to accommodate expansion. The space and facilities enable Optimum to stage regular, free networking breakfasts for local businesses, with the next on 29th January. Optimum is also holding a quiz night in Swindon on 26th February to raise money for mental health charity MIND and children’s cancer charity CLIC Sargent. For more information about Optimum Professional Services visit: www.optps.co.uk To book on to the breakfast on 29th January, which starts at 7.30am, or to enter a team for the quiz, email: [email protected] or call 01793 538 198. Gift card to keep consumer spend within local economy Retailers and businesses in Malmesbury have signed up for the new local Malmesbury Gift Card – an initiative organised by the Malmesbury Town Team – which is aimed at keeping money in the local economy. At the launch in The Old Bell Hotel on 6th November, the card was warmly welcomed by local businesses who turned out in numbers to support the launch. So far, over 30 businesses have signed up for the initiative and it’s anticipated that 50 businesses will join the scheme ahead of the busy Christmas shopping period. The Malmesbury Gift Card is a MasterCard which works in the same way as other store and shopping gift cards but keeps the spend inside the town. You choose any card amount from £5 to £500, purchase your Malmesbury Gift Card, give it to friends, family or colleagues and they can decide where to spend it across participating shops and businesses. Malmesbury Town Team say that Malmesbury is the smallest town to have taken part in the gift card scheme, the software for which is created by Miconex. Gordon MacPherson, a spokesperson for the Town Team, said, “We are delighted with the support from local shops, businesses and residents. The Malmesbury Gift Card offers a local alternative to spending online, enhances the local retail proposition and offers experiences. It’s not just about buying things; it’s about enjoying the social aspects and experiences of our small and vibrant CELEB RATI NG 10 YEARS OF TRUSTED FI NANCI AL ADVI CE market town.” The Malmesbury Gift Card is available to buy from French Grey, The Wild Food Company and Malmesbury Tourist Information Centre or online at: www.malmesburygiftcard.com Find out more by emailing: [email protected] or contacting Lesley Wood on 07836 575498. Y EA R S 2009 - 2019 INVESTM ENT PLANNING – RETIREM ENT PLANNING – PROTECTING YOU & YOUR ESTATE – CORPORATE SERVICES T: 01225 742644 Email: [email protected] Web: www.queenssquarewealth.co.uk THE BUSINESS EXCHANGE 2019 7