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New department boosts CW Fellowes‘ client offering
Independent chartered accountants, business and tax advisers CW Fellowes has boosted its services to clients with the development of a bespoke corporate finance department, headed by new director Philippa Robinson. She spoke to Sue Hughes
Corporate finance is a growth area for CW Fellowes to enable it to better service the needs of its clients. With the recent appointment of corporate finance director Philippa, the service is now becoming better established and more widely known.
Philippa‘s remit is to build and develop the corporate finance practice covering the entire Solent region from Poole to Chichester and beyond, supported by corporate finance executive Sam Meacher and PA Sarah Martin. Having qualified with KPMG in Southampton in 1994, Philippa has spent the majority of her professional career focusing on corporate finance, with a special interest in owner-managed businesses. Her experience covers all sectors, for example recent engagements have included the specialist manufacturing, construction, residential care home, and technology sectors. “What sets our offering at CW Fellowes apart is the service,“ she explains. “Selling a business is very much relationship based. I am here to provide a bespoke director- led service with continuity for clients. Together with our strong tax offering and the support of our other departments, we offer a truly added-value service.“
Trusted local financial advisers backed by quality teams who can liaise with colleagues specialising in related disciplines are greatly valued. Organisations which previously relied on banking relationship managers are now reaching out to specialists such as Philippa for a wide range of work. In August, Philippa completed the acquisition by Poole company Structural Metal Decks of Thru Deck Services and continues to provide business development support as the organisation moves forward.
Corporate finance work covers everything from fledgling businesses to working on long- term exit strategies, which can mean ‘hand holding‘ for up to
• John Crossman of Aquaflex said: “Philippa‘s approach to the situation was very professional, positive and focused and her input enabled all of the Aquaflex shareholders to assimilate all the relevant and technical points that needed to be considered before making, what for us, was a huge and far-reaching decision. Her ‘no nonsense‘ analysis of our company‘s long-term situation was both refreshing and helpful and even though we decided not to pursue our competitor‘s offer the experience and advice we gained during the negotiations will no doubt stand us in good stead for the future.“
SUPPORT FOR SPORT
Philippa Robinson and Sam Meacher
a five to 10-year period. “It‘s so varied – that is why I love it. It covers start-ups, through to acquisitions, sales and specialist services. Many of our clients use us as consultants or advisers throughout the lifecycle of their business. At key stages in the development of a business – perhaps when you need to raise finance or purchase larger premises – it is essential to have a safe and highly-experienced pair of hands on board.
“Specialist services include advice on the appointment of full-time executives, secondary fundraising activities, business reorganisation, company secretarial, ongoing business advisory services as consultants or non-executive directors and tax planning. A long-term strategy may involve growing a business through acquisitions, looking closely at non-core elements and disposing of them, plus personal wealth and investment options for an owner.“
CW Fellowes has embarked on an aggressive regional growth strategy. It is a member of IAPA, the global association of independent accountancy and business advisory firms, which provides accounting, audit, tax advisory and business consultancy services over the different
THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE – SOLENT & SOUTH CENTRAL – OCTOBER 2012
continents. Managing director of CW Fellowes, Adam Wilson, is also the finance director of IAPA, while Philippa heads IAPA‘s corporate finance steering group committee and is keenly working to encourage international deals.
Despite the downturn, entrepreneurs‘ tax relief means a lot of people are considering selling businesses. “There is a strong market for deals, even in this recession,“ continues Philippa. “Deals are occurring, because if you have cash you can obtain a much better return by buying a business than by leaving that cash in the bank.“
TESTIMONIALS
• Ben Pratten, joint managing director of Structural Metal Decks, said: “When trying to take care of the day-to-day running of your existing business, acquiring a new business can be a timely exercise. Philippa has been a great help throughout the whole process, not only guiding us through the process but also helping to manage the workload involved. We would like to offer our thanks to CW Fellowes on this successful acquisition.“
Director Bruce Elkins, who ran with the Olympic torch in summer, has been involved in charity fundraising through sport for many years. His latest initiative is the 1-2-3 Decathlon Challenge running throughout 2012. (Visit:
cwfellowes.com/123)
The firm recently raised money to support the London 2012 Olympic shooting team, through an event held jointly with Lloyds, at Owls Shooting Lodge, run by Richard and Tanya Faulds. In 2000 Richard won the Olympic Double Trap Gold medal in Sydney.
A keen shot, Philippa hosted a ladies‘ shoot last month through her “No Balls Allowed“ ladies‘ networking club for professional women in the Southampton area, many of whom had never shot before. “It was a great way to get out there, have fun and for some of the ladies to try a new sport,“ she said.
Details:
Chandlers Ford office 023-8024-7070
chandlersford@cwfellowes.com
Fareham office 01329-220554
fareham@cwfellowes.com
www.businessmag.co.uk
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