Who we are

We are a team experienced in commerce, finance, accounting and law that understands the needs of Small and Medium Enterprises (SME's), start-ups and not for profit organisations.

Our philosophy is not governed by charging for each and every hour incurred but to provide a value added service to our clients.

Our aim is to provide a quality service and to do it in an innovative way, responding quickly and effectively, minimizing costs whilst always maintaining a high level of excellence.

We have close links with other professionals in areas such as brand development, executive coaching, business turnaround, wealth management and commercial property who all share our philosophy.

Our story

We met several years ago when we were both principals in our respective legal and accountancy practices and had several mutual clients. The clients benefitted from this close working relationship between accountant and lawyer as it eliminated formality, delay and ultimately cost without undermining quality of service.

What we do and how we do it

Business services

Financial and Consultancy

Every organization needs to prepare accounts periodically. The lack of accurate up to date financial records can have a disastrous effect on the efficiency of your organization as well as limiting the ability to plan for the future. In an increasingly regulated business environment systems to ensure compliance are essential.

Our services include accounts preparation, bookkeeping, VAT returns, payroll, setting up computerised accounting systems and establishing management information systems. We can also assist in reducing your risk to credit exposure.

If you have an existing accountant or solicitor we are not seeking to disturb those relationships but to assist you in reducing costs, becoming more efficient and freeing up your valuable time to develop your business.

Business development

From our experience many SME's do not have the resources to engage an internal finance or business development director and often look to their professional advisers for advice in these areas. This was apparent from business start-ups and continued, more often than not, with just an annual meeting to discuss accounts and advise on their tax position. Consequently the relationship mainly addressed "historic" issues. We offer a pro-active service by having the knowledge and experience to assist you in planning and implementing a business strategy.

We see our involvement starting at the earliest phase and continuing throughout your development. Our role can be either on an ad hoc basis or as non executive directors providing support, guidance, planning and review enabling the business to best achieve its goals.

We can advise on your business structure, preparing business plans, sourcing finance, advice on commercial and legal matters, reviewing, preparing and analysing management information, budgets and cash flow forecasts and on ways to make your business more efficient as well as planning an exit strategy.

Start-Ups

Having decided the business you want to develop you may be daunted by the administration, bureaucracy and various legal structures that your business may need.

We can guide and assist you through the various processes, alleviating these burdens to give you the time to focus on developing your business.

Case studies

Instructed by a Central London firm of architects to review their accounting operations. Within a month we had reviewed their systems, made recommendations and implemented them. We took over responsibility for their bookkeeping and payroll requirements resulting in an annual net saving of their accounting costs by over 50%. For the first time, they and their accountants have meaningful, accurate management information.

Acting for a niche design company to assist in expanding their business by tapping into an international market using our existing database and setting up a distribution network to include all necessary documentation and systems.

Instructed by principals of a specialist recruitment agency we formed a company for them, setting up necessary accounting systems as well as dealing with all HR issues such as directors’ service agreements and employment contracts, saving them approximately £6,000 in fees. We also attend to all their statutory, accounting and payroll requirements on an ongoing basis.

Assisted with drafting and fine tuning a business plan to enable three individuals setting up a specialist hair salon to obtain first round finance.

Providing an IT consultant with specific ways to improve cash flow and introducing new clients from within our existing database.

RaceFit™

RaceFit is an innovative 6 month programme that helps companies in any sector move closer to achieving specific business objectives including maximising turnover and value, getting race fit for an IPO, acquisition or sale, planning for an exit, driving revenue and reducing costs

Developed in partnership with "The Red Tree", a consultancy that focuses on building business and brands. RaceFit is a structured and cost effective programme. With a combined business experience of over 100 years (please be assured we don't look that old!), and with a working knowledge gained across a wide spread of business sectors The Red Tree and Max Montague Ltd have developed RaceFit with an understanding of the issues SME's face. It is a unique programme that has been tailored to help SME's achieve their objectives. Please contact us to learn more.