SECTOR FOCUS: LEGAL & FINANCE Clever course brings turnover boost


Chamber member Henry Hutchins, the Chief Executive of Clever Student Lets, has been recognised after taking part in one of the world’s most exclusive business courses – run by Goldman Sachs – to help rapidly expanding companies. Sixty-nine-year-old Mr Hutchins, said: “I was flattered to be invited to join


the Goldman Sachs fast growth programme for companies with a turnover of a least £1.5m, and showing immense promise in the UK market place. “The programme was mind-blowing, and without doubt the finest course


available to growth companies and those that want to build on them.” Goldman Sachs,which runs the 10,000 Small Business Programme, is one


of the world’s biggest finance companies and is a US-headquartered global investment banking Goliath, engaged in investment management, securities and other financial services. Mr Hutchins, boss


of the biggest student lettings agency in the West of Britain, spent one week each at seminars at Leeds University’s business school, Aston University in Birmingham, and the University of Oxford’s prestigious Business School. He added: “I was taught by experts,


‘I acted on many of the


things I learned, and added over £460,000 to our business turnover’


and support they need to build their businesses, so they want to give those firms more training. I was assigned a personal mentor, and the course covered a wide range of topics including growth curves, profit-and-loss accounts, marketing, leadership, employment law, pricing and sales. “From the Goldman Sachs course I acted on many


of the things I learned, and added over £460,000 to our business turnover, and an increase of 34% on our margins. I would highly recommend the course as I found it more valuable than doing an MBA.”


Henry Hutchins displays his certificate of completion from Goldman Sachs


and was invited on the course because Clever Student Lets business activities were being monitored by Goldman Sachs. “Goldman Sachs believes small business entrepreneurs are not given the back-up


GA Solicitors drives successful acquisition


We know for many businesses all they need is someone to come in and say, yes, I can take this off your hands, giving you time to focus on the business you enjoy.


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Established Plymouth law firm, GA Solicitors, has advised a Plymouth taxi firm on the acquisition of a rival company as part of a multi- million-pound expansion plan; establishing it as one of the largest taxi providers in the city. Need-A-Cab, which was


established in 2010, has acquired Crownhill Taxis, expanding its team to 200 drivers and 30 office-based staff. GA Solicitors’ corporate team,


led by partner James Peterson (pictured), was instructed by Need- A-Cab to advise upon this substantial deal. James Peterson, partner of GA


Solicitors and head of the corporate commercial team, said: “Need-A-Cab has grown significantly since its inception, initially merging with 24/7 Taxis, then Star Cars in 2017, and now Crownhill Taxis. This makes them one of the leading providers in the city and we have been delighted to advise them through the various aspects of this latest acquisition. “This growth is testament to the supporting environment the management team provides its drivers and staff, as well as the high


26 Chamber Profile May/June 2018


levels of service provided to customers.” David McIntosh, co-owner of


Need-A-Cab, added: “The acquisition of Crownhill Taxis was a strong opportunity for us. “We were ably supported by


James and the team at GA Solicitors who ensured we were fully protected throughout the purchase and highlighted any potential risks and legalities associated with the deal.” James Peterson joined GA


Solicitors in 2006 and was promoted to partner in July 2017.


Visit: www.gasolicitors.com


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