Jones Harris has continued to grow financially, even during the pandemic, with a turnover today that is in excess of £2.5m.
Director Martin Wigley, who has been with the practice for 25 years, says: “It has been a story of steady growth. We have clients based across the North West but predominantly on the Fylde coast. They range from sole traders to large hundred-million pound turnover businesses.”
There are some impressive names on that list. Lofthouse of Fleetwood, makers of Fisherman’s Friend and one of the largest employers in the area, has been a Jones Harris client from the day it opened its doors for business.
As well as building strong client relationships over the years, the early adoption of technology and investment in systems to enable staff to deliver top level service to clients have also played a central role in the firm’s development. Charles says: “The basis of our business is systems, systems and systems.”
That investment in technology and IT support means that 30 individuals deliver timely services to the 1,100 businesses on Jones Harris’ client list.
The firm’s ongoing annual spend on software licences alone is in excess of £100,000 and there is an ongoing capex programme to keep servers and computers up to date. Jones Harris has its own IT department.
It is an impressive record of investment that stretches from the business’ first computer in the 1980s, which filled the current boardroom and used punch cards, to going paperless in 2007 and on to today’s high-tech digital operation.
Director Philip Crankshaw, who has been with the practice for 20 years, says: “Having the right systems is what enables us to deliver our great service.
“We were one of the earliest businesses to go completely electronic and probably a trailblazer when it came to adopting paperless technology.
“The efficiency of our systems mean the customary January tax return panic is avoided in our office. We haven’t worked overtime in January for many years.”
Director Stewart Case, 10 years with the firm, is proud of its response to the pandemic. He says: “We were able to maintain service almost as normal over lockdown and to support our clients through uncertain times.
“The investments we make continue to make pay off, they certainly did when Covid struck. Within a week we had everyone working from home with minimal disruption to the operation.
“Throughout the pandemic we were constantly sending out updates and information to our clients to help them during what was an unprecedented and difficult time for all businesses.”
Directors with over a century of experience
Looking ahead to the future the management team is aware that the advancement of technology will continue to change the focus of what the firm offers its clients.
Charles says: “The industry is moving away from people preparing sets of accounts, software means you can put data into a system and the document comes out the other end.
“Planning, interpretation of figures and advice is becoming more the focus. We’ve been moving steadily from compliance to using information we have to the benefit of our clients.
“Today it is about helping them run their business and to grow it or to work in areas such as tax planning.”
Charles adds: “The first 50 years has been an interesting challenge and exciting journey for the firm. However, we are very much aware our industry is changing, and that the pace of change is increasing.
“That’s why we will continue investing to stay relevant to a new generation of business owners comfortable with technology and who do most of their transactions via phone-based apps.
“Basically that push to improve and provide great service never ends!”
Expansion again into 13 St Peter’s Place.
Jones Harris recognised as Small Accountancy Practice of the Year at the North West Finance Awards.
Being paperless and having the ability for staff to work remotely allowed the firm to continue to provide its usual high standard of service to clients throughout the Covid restrictions.
The business becomes a paperless office. Who knew there was so much space!
Stewart Case joins the business.
Charles Bryning recognised as Wyre Businessman of the Year.
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jones-harris.co.uk
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info@jones-harris.co.uk LANCASHIREBUSINESSVIEW.CO.UK
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ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL
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