Accountants.
There are around 18 accountants (possibly more) advertising in Farnborough, and they're all competing for your business in one way or another. Here we make an exclusive recommendation.
We cannot speak highly enough of this accountancy practice. A member of our team jokingly adapted a tv advertising slogan: "Carlsberg don't do accounts, but if they did ... they'd probably do it something like this!"
This is certainly a practice which in no way fits the normal perception of accountants. If you're expecting a stuffed shirted, formal, humourless, jargon loaded approach as often portrayed on television, forget it! There are over 20 variously qualified members of staff at Treetops, all specialising in their own fields, and it seems they all dress informally. They have a similarly relaxed approach to their dealings with their clients and you'll find no accountancy-speak jargon here.
The atmosphere in any business is generated from the top, and the Director of Treetops, Tom McManners, exemplifies the laid-back attitude of his team. Here is a remarkably highly qualified accountant - count the diplomas - yet when you meet him in his office he's likely to be wearing jeans and a t-shirt! Rather than talk jargon at you, he's apt to just draw simple diagrams which you'll easily understand. Every client is treated very much as an individual. Furthermore, Treetops has produced its own guide to business taxation which is simple to understand and available to all clients.
Do not be fooled by the relaxed atmosphere though! Backstage, this practice is a smoothly oiled and efficient machine which, once in possession of all
relevant facts, goes to work to ensure all your tax affairs are dealt with expeditiously. Whether you're just embarking on self-employment or have an established business, Treetops is an ideal choice of accountant, the advice is sound and their rates are incredibly competitive.Unlike tradesmen, accountants rarely use expressions like "No job too small", yet in the case of Treetops it would be true. Despite handling the affairs of corporations around the world, Mr. McManners is equally prepared to work for the smallest of businesses. Indeed, his local press advertising states that he may be reached on his mobile phone between 8.00am and 10.00pm, and that he is quite happy to visit you if that is more convenient. This is a unique attitude for a practice of such prestige.
At the time of writing, Treetops' advertising does not make clear that the practice has an informative website. You can link to it here by clicking the logo above or the address below.
http://www.ttca.co.uk
Treetops is also an active supporter of The Farnborough Society.
http://www.thefarnboroughsociety.org.uk
Treetops is also an active supporter of The Farnborough Society.
http://www.thefarnboroughsociety.org.uk
Banking.
We're giving a big - and justifiable - plug to HSBC bank, recently relocated to 30, Princes Mead. It seems HSBC actually do want your business and will provide superb service in order to get it (and keep it)!
Here's a story to astonish. An associate of Shoparound recently set out with a £750 grant cheque to open a business account. He visited every major bank in Farnborough, and not one showed any enthusiasm for the business until he reached HSBC. In one case he was told someone would see him immediately, but he was still waiting ten minutes later. In another, he was told that no one would be able to see him until after the weekend! At HSBC, however, he was seen immediately by a senior member of staff and accorded all appropriate attention. Needless to say, HSBC got the business!
We decided to check this out for ourselves, and had very similar experiences. Whilst all banks seem to work very hard on presenting a professional front-of-house image, they don't all appear quite so keen on getting the client - or potential client - in front of someone who can provide definitive answers.Despite not having an appointment at HSBC, we were immediately able to see Assistant Manager, Barry Evans, who was prepared to spend any amount of time and research in order to answer all our questions, some of which were deliberately awkward and obscure. Full marks!
Like all banks, HSBC have a range of accounts to suit most requirements. Of particular interest to business customers is their offer of eighteen months free banking on all new business accounts. In some cases this can be extended beyond the initial period. We also discovered the little publicised fact that, whilst many banks may often be thought of as bandits, HSBC are actually bounty hunters! If you are a business account holder with HSBC, they will pay you £50 for every new business account you introduce to the Bank.
HSBC pursue various environmentally friendly policies and, unusually for a major bank, are keen to foster relationships in the local community. Much in their favour is that they are active supporters of The Farnborough Society. Below is a link to the Bank's informative national website. Have a browse, then deal locally. Farnborough branch's contact details can be found using the on site branch locator.
Bookkeeping services.
You work for yourself. You're in business on your own account. You're the boss!We at Shoparound know all about self-employment and running small businesses. By far the biggest trap which owners of small businesses fall into is that of keeping their own books. It's easy to assume you can keep all the receipts and invoices in a reasonably orderly fashion, then record all the transactions and pass your records to the accountant at the end of the year. Maybe you can, but is it really what you want to do?
We have a very strong business philosophy. We work to live. We do not live to work! After a hard day's or week's work we want to enjoy the fruits of our labours. Though we are eminently capable of preparing accounts, we would rather concentrate on doing what we are good at - operating our business - and let the professionals take care of the paperwork. After all, no matter how capable we may be, we cannot do the job as efficiently, and besides, we don't want to burn the midnight oil trying to!
A professional bookkeeper is a blessing to any business. Whatever your trade, calling or profession, pass that tedious paperwork to someone who'll do a better job with it than you will. Doing so will probably eliminate much of the work your accountant has to do, and thus reduce your accountancy bills.
Several businesses advertise bookkeeping services, but Shoparound makes an exclusive recommendation.
Sheelagh Lyons, who owns and runs SMB Bookkeeping, based at The Clockhouse, is the most charming businesswoman you are ever likely to meet. Beyond that though, she exudes a calm and confident assurance in her ability to handle your paperwork and accounts in a manner which can only benefit your business.
Here's a tip from Shoparound: visit the SMBB website, linked below and in the logo, and sign up for Sheelagh's free and informative monthly newsletter.
Estate Agents.
If you are thinking of selling your house, the importance of instructing the right estate agent cannot be emphasised enough!Shoparound has investigated almost twenty agents in the Farnborough area, and we make strong recommendations for property vendors.
Read our editorial on the subject and see our recommendations under "Estate agents" on our "Moving house" page.
Solicitors.
Based in Camp Road, North Camp, Woodford Stauffer is a legal practice for all seasons and reasons. Offering a wide variety of legal services, the company is extremely community and client orientated. The service here cannot be faulted, and we heard many recommendations before "mystery-shopping" the business. Efficient and friendly, Woodford-Stauffer is undoubtedly the place to go for all forms of legal advice.