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Anything Stone , based in Swindon , specialises in the import of natural stone , which it fabricates and installs as surfaces for commercial and domestic customers . Its exquisite stone surfaces adorn bars , hotels , receptions and kitchens across the UK .
Set up in 2004 by co-directors Nick Oldland and Nick Hockin , the business employs 30 people at its Cheney Manor headquarters , where there is also a showroom .
The Anything Stone founders have been working with Optimum for more than five years , and regard the specialist accountancy team as an intrinsic part of their business operation .
They have monthly meetings with Optimum Accounts Director Michael Blaken and Accounts Senior Tracey Alexander . As Nick Oldland says , it is all about understanding the numbers in real time , and
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making any necessary changes immediately .
“ We ’ ve been with Optimum since they started . We find Michael great because of his relaxed approach , straightforward way of telling us how it is , and that ’ s what we like . The last thing we want in an accountant is for them to nod and agree with you . We want someone to challenge us , give us some insight and actual advice , highlighting things we should be concentrating on .”
Optimum produces a monthly suite of reports for Anything Stone , which are discussed at the meetings .
“ Every month we sit and review the previous month ’ s numbers , as well as compare them to year-on-year changes ,” Nick said . “ We analyse them , and why they might have changed . This has significantly improved the way we look at stock , how we move stock , our balance sheet and our P & L .”
Against the backdrop of a volatile
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economy , impacted by Brexit , Covid and rising interest rates , the support has been invaluable .
Nick said : “ It ’ s very easy when you run a business to be in it and doing it , but not taking a step back to review what ’ s happening . By meeting monthly just for an hour , at Optimum ’ s offices where there are no distractions , we can take an objective view and really drill down into what the numbers are telling us . They also hold us accountable for the actions we plan to take . We can make informed business decisions far more responsively than if we were just looking at our end-of-year accounts .”
Optimum also handles Anything Stone ’ s bookkeeping and payroll , and Nick has taken advantage of the combined accountancy and law service , having used the legal team to help with house conveyancing .
Michael Blaken said he was delighted that
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the regular meetings were adding value . “ Our monthly meetings are a good opportunity to bring together their strategy and question them on their thought process , to ensure that all aspects of their strategy have been considered . It has been great to play a part in their continued success . As with any strategic meeting , being held accountable holds the biggest value , and ensures – in a busy business - you continue to work on growing and developing the business and don ’ t get stuck in the day to day .” To find out more about how a proactive accountancy supports business , email Michael : mblaken @ optps . co . uk or call 01793 538 198 . |
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