CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS AND BUSINESS ADVISORS

15 Warwick Road Stratford upon Avon Warwickshire CV37 6YW

01789 299076 • enq@murphysalisbury.com • www.murphysalisbury.com

Client Satisfaction

Steve SmithSteve Smith joined us in 1981 and was appointed a partner in 1985.

He has particular expertise in corporate finance, business start-ups and business development and specialises in working with the firm’s corporate and private clients in sectors including construction, food, professional services and telecoms.

Bobby GuptaTax partner Bobby Gupta, who joined us in 2004, has been advising owner-managed businesses for 20 years, specialising in tax for the last 15. His key client sectors include entrepreneurs and high net worth individuals.

His areas of tax expertise include tax-efficient profit extraction, share schemes, business start-ups, including Enterprise Investment Scheme and research and development tax credits, business sales, acquisitions and reorganisations, management buy-outs and buy-ins, capital and inheritance taxes and succession and exit planning.

Mark BullockMark joined us in 2005. He has been advising owner-managed businesses for almost two decades and has specialised in audit, corporate finance and corporate clients for more than ten years.

A priority for Mark is to spend time with clients, so that he understands what they are trying to achieve in order to help them to do so.

Our Partners

• Annual and management accounts• Audit• Bookkeeping• Company secretarial• IT services• Payroll• VAT• Tax compliance

• Acquisitions, mergers and sales• Business and personal tax planning• Business development• Corporate finance• Financial services• Succession planning• Tax investigations• Trust and estate planning

Nobody said running a business is easyRunning a business can be uniquely rewarding. It can also bring unique challenges.

Whether your business is just starting out, getting ready to grow, or is already established, expert help is always welcome.

At Murphy Salisbury, we have been taking good care of every kind of business client for more than 30 years. When you appoint us as your accountants, you can be sure of high quality accountancy, business consultancy and taxation services, delivered by a skilled and experienced team.

We also know you are looking for more than that and you will find it here.

Part of your teamAt Murphy Salisbury, we offer our clients the very best that a traditional accountancy firm has to offer, combined with total commitment to adding value to your business.

When you become our client, it is like having another member of the team – an extra pair of hands and an extra pair of eyes to help you to operate more efficiently and cost-effectively.

We will take care of your financial and administrative responsibilities and provide expert advice, giving you the time and resources to focus on building your business and your profitability.

We will give you the information you need to give you more control over your finances and make key commercial decisions. We will also suggest opportunities to improve the way your business is run and to develop and grow.

At the key stages of your business life – starting up, acquisitions, mergers, takeovers, selling up, retirement – we will advise and support you, making things happen more quickly and easily to help you achieve maximum benefit.

The personal touchGetting to know you, your business and your goals means we can focus our advice and services on helping you get to where you want to go.

When you have a problem, it always helps to talk it over, so when you have a business problem, it makes sense to talk to someone who understands the way things work in the business world.

That is what we are here for. Whether you have a simple query or need expert advice to prevent a difficulty becoming a crisis, we are always happy to help.

Don’t take our word for itListening to what our clients have to say is at the heart of what we do. At Murphy Salisbury, we like our clients to do the talking…

Our Services

About Murphy Salisbury

Compatibility is a factor that shouldn’t be underestimated in any relationship, especially the one between a business and its accountants. That is something that Beryl Green, the company secretary of Chemiculture Limited, believes she has found with Murphy Salisbury.

When HaB International Limited, the Southam-based manufacturer and distributor of healthcare, sports and fitness products, was looking to move up a notch from the small accountancy firm they had worked with for the previous 20 years, finding a local company with strong expertise was a key consideration.

This is just one of the many requirements that Murphy Salisbury has been able to fill.

“Following a mailing from Murphy Salisbury, two of the partners came across to meet us,” explains director Anne Brar. “We found them extremely thorough and they gave a particularly strong presentation during the opening meeting.”

Murphy Salisbury now not only takes care of the end of year accounts, but also provides tax advice, as well as looking at acquisitions and undertaking private investment work for the directors.

“We have set up HaB Gmbh and HaB Oceania in the past two years and are currently looking at setting up HaB in Latin America. Murphy Salisbury helped with part of the acquisition process and also gave advice on restructuring our group of companies.

“Murphy Salisbury provides a comprehensive, all round service. They have more knowledge and ideas than our previous firm and will look at matters in a broader way.”

Mrs Brar would be happy to recommend Murphy Salisbury as “they are local and have a team of partners with a wealth of knowledge. The team looks at what is best for a company instead of taking a carte blanche approach. They understand our needs and tailor their services accordingly.”

“They are very approachable and easy to work with,” Mrs Green explains. “I am totally satisfied.”

Murphy Salisbury was recommended to the agricultural chemical and tyre suppliers eight years ago. Since then, the accountants have taken care of the payroll, quarterly management figures and audit, as well as advising them generally.

“If I want to know something, they are there,” says Mrs Green. “Murphy Salisbury gives advice in a very explicit way in layman’s terms.

“The firm provides a very efficient service, delivered in a friendly and pleasant way. It is an efficient firm, which is there to help me in business.

“The team is extremely approachable and incredibly knowledgeable.”

Mrs Green has already recommended Murphy Salisbury, and would be happy to do so again.

“Everything they do, they do very well. I never change unless there is a problem, and there have not been any problems”.

HaB International Limited

Chemiculture Limited

As a coach and tour operator established in 1947 in the heart of Gloucestershire, Rover European Limited wanted to work with an accountancy firm with specialist knowledge of its sector.

The British Show Jumping Association (trading as British Showjumping) was incorporated in 1925 and is the governing body of showjumping in Great Britain, formulating the rules and codes of practice under which all affiliated competitions are held.

One of Murphy Salisbury’s other clients recommended the accountancy firm to Rover European Limited due to its good experience of working with coach operators. Indeed, as well as being a major sponsor of the Coach Tourism Awards, Murphy Salisbury understands the challenges facing the sector and so can help operators control their margins, minimise their tax liabilities and increase their competitiveness.

“We have been with Murphy Salisbury for a good number of years now,” say David and Carole Hand, directors of Rover European Limited, “and have always found them to have a good knowledge and understanding of the industry and the way things work.

“The people there employ a personal approach and are easy to work with. They are quick to respond to queries and provide lots of good advice, for example, on tax savings”.

Murphy Salisbury takes care of all Rover European Limited’s financial needs, including the accounts and tax returns. They also deal with the Tour Operators’ Margin Scheme, a scheme based on European law which relieves such businesses of the VAT obligations they would otherwise have.

“They handle it all for you,” explains Mrs Hand.

Additionally, as the operator is looking to move to new premises, the accountants have made site visits and carried out due diligence, in addition to providing a lot of advice.

“We are more than happy to recommend Murphy Salisbury to other coach operators, as we have always been very pleased with the service provided”.

Its objective is to improve and maintain standards of showjumping, whilst encouraging members of all standards and at all levels to enjoy fair competition over safe and attractive courses.

As an Olympic sport, British Showjumping competes under the Team GBR banner at least once a year, whether it be at the European Championships, the World Equestrian Games or the Olympics.

Upon his appointment as Financial Controller in 2008, Charles Purser invited firms to tender for the Association’s accountancy services with the emphasis on local firms rather than national ones.

Murphy Salisbury was amongst a short list of firms who were scrutinised by the directors and, as a result, was appointed without hesitation by the Board.

Once appointed, Murphy Salisbury was immediately tasked by Charles to carry out a full review of the Association’s accounting procedures and processes, including a full tax review and a detailed examination of the previous three years’ audited accounts, which resulted in some interesting findings.

Murphy Salisbury has worked with Charles on a number of projects, including a joint IT venture with three other Olympic equestrian bodies, and has been indispensable in advising the Association on its wish to acquire a freehold office building.

Ongoing, Murphy Salisbury continues to provide an outstanding accountancy service and indispensable tax advice. The firm will, no doubt, be involved in the feasibility study into the Association’s charitable status.

Upon their appointment in 2008, Charles Purser stated, “The team at Murphy Salisbury has shown that they not only believe in exceptional customer service, but also that they have a belief in the proactive management of their clients’ accounts. We, as an Association, are looking forward to working with them and benefiting from their extensive knowledge and expertise.” A statement that remains true today.

Rover European Limited

British Showjumping

That’s the view of Iain Kerr, Chief Executive of The British Limousin Cattle Society Limited (BLCS), the UK’s largest beef breeding organisation based at the National Agricultural Centre at Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth.

Over these years, Murphy Salisbury has acted as auditors to the BLCS, including management and annual accounts preparation, payroll services and compliance with all tax matters. The BLCS has charitable status, and again Murphy Salisbury has ensured that accounts matters and the advice given are fully in compliance with the requirements of the Charity Commission.

In recent years, through company growth and development, the BLCS has formed two standalone, for profit, trading companies. Steve Smith of Murphy Salisbury has offered the required advice and hands-on support to ensure that both of these companies were set up in a correct and efficient manner, and again being mindful of the society’s charitable status.

“The BLCS has had a productive and beneficial working relationship with Steve Smith throughout this 20-year period,” says Iain Kerr. “Thorough and professional in every respect, Steve also has a good understanding of, and a keen interest in, the agricultural industry. That knowledge has been invaluable in enabling Steve to fully recognise what we are trying to do as a company and to offer correct and considered advice and services accordingly.

“People are what make a company and Steve, and the Murphy Salisbury team, are personable and approachable, as well as being professional and reliable. For a small, but developing company like ourselves, these are very reassuring qualities.”

“The British Limousin Cattle Society Limited has been a client of Murphy Salisbury, and Steve Smith, for almost 20 years. In that time, the relationship has continued to grow and strengthen and has been built around Murphy Salisbury’s professionalism, reliability and the value they deliver.”

The British Limousin Cattle Society Limited

Forum Products Limited

Niall Fleming is the finance director of Forum Products Limited, a specialist supplier of ingredients and finished products to the life sciences industry.

Forum Products Limited is proud of the breadth of its operations and wanted to work with an accountancy firm that offered the same depth of service. According to Mr Fleming, this is exactly what he has found at Murphy Salisbury.

“As an organisation, although it is an independent firm, Murphy Salisbury punches above its weight with the experience and skill set of the staff and partners,” he explains. “The service is of a much higher quality than in other similar sized firms. Murphy Salisbury offers an all round range of skills, including audit, corporate finance, tax and dealing with large transactions.”

Forum Products Limited has made full use of this extensive range, with Murphy Salisbury taking care of the firm’s audit, corporate finance and tax, such as assistance with PAYE, share options and R&D. The accountants also advised on the original buy out, as well as the first acquisition and disposal made.

Mr Fleming also acts as the chairman for a small agricultural PR company which Murphy Salisbury helped set up. “When people set up a business, it is different to working for someone else,” says Mr Fleming. “Murphy Salisbury provides a lot of assurance for large and small businesses. The big plus of their practical, hands-on

and down-to-earth approach is that non-accountancy clients understand what they say and benefit from their expertise.”

This was proven when Mr Fleming recommended Murphy Salisbury to a contact who runs a kitchen business with her husband.

“The team at Murphy Salisbury were sensitive and empathetic about the particular needs of this client, and made sure documents were clearly presented and explained. This reflects Murphy Salisbury’s personal touch and social interaction. They see themselves as there to help, not just to take the money, and I’ve never met anyone who has a bad word to say about them,” explains Mr Fleming.

Furthermore, Murphy Salisbury ensured the kitchen business was structured correctly – saving substantially on taxes paid. “Murphy Salisbury provides guidance and professional support over and beyond what is expected. Whether it is a small owner-managed business or a sizeable company, they get the same attitude and approach.

“I have recommend Murphy Salisbury on many occasions as I can always have confidence that when the reference is taken up they will have a good response.”

While The Play Farm Limited offers the very best in soft play centres to the youngsters of Cheltenham and Leamington, finding a local, reliable firm of accountants to provide the very best complete service wasn’t always child’s play.

Expo Management Limited is a dynamic and professional media company based in Leamington Spa, which provides a wide range of publishing and exhibition management services.

As a relatively small company, comprising 27 people with skills across different areas, the ability to work well together is of utmost importance, especially when the team is on site and under pressure.

This ethos of working closely together is something that Mark Griffin, Expo’s managing director, also appreciates in his relationship with Murphy Salisbury, which acts as the media company’s accountants.

“Murphy Salisbury has a close understanding of our business and has a simplified way of communicating with us,” he explains. “They talk to us in layman’s terms, instead of applying complicated financial details.”

Indeed, the two firms have a long-standing connection, which is the result of a 20-year personal relationship with one of the partners at Murphy Salisbury. The accountants take care of Expo’s Management accounts, as well as the year end audits and tax planning. They also provide advice on issues such as sales and acquisitions.

Another area where the two firms are in agreement is their strong culture of supporting personal and professional development.

While Expo prides itself on the calibre of its staff and maintaining the highest possible standards through team and individual training, Murphy Salisbury also looks to move forward by continuously seeking to develop the practice.

Just like Expo, Murphy Salisbury places a great emphasis on recruiting high quality staff with diverse skills and experience, and ensuring they undergo regular training to keep abreast of changes in legislation and practice.

Indeed, Mr Griffin is so impressed by the team at Murphy Salisbury that he has already recommended the firm to coach companies, electrical tradesmen and private clients.

“Murphy Salisbury offers a personal level of service,” he says. “The partner I deal with, Steve Smith, has a really close understanding of both my personal needs and those of my business. It has to operate like a partnership between us to be effective.”

That’s exactly what Michael Corbett, the chairman of The Play Farm Limited, discovered when he retired from a career in London to start up a new family owned and operated business.

“When I worked in London, I used to deal with a global accountancy firm – one of the top five firms in the UK” he explains. “When I started up the new business, I wanted to find a firm local to my Stratford home base and one with a comprehensive general knowledge to deal with all the financial and regulatory issues that we would be facing”.

Luckily his lawyers recommended Murphy Salisbury: a firm which Mr Corbett felt would answer his needs, and this has proved to be just the case. “The partners and back up staff at Murphy Salisbury have all of the required general knowledge and are very accessible to us in order to provide the advice we need”.

Now Murphy Salisbury handles all the accountancy work for The Play Farm Limited group, from helping to set up and establish the individual companies right through to day-to-day accounting, VAT and the company and individual shareholder tax returns.

With The Play Farm Limited setting up its third centre in Stratford, Murphy Salisbury is advising on company formation and setting up the accounts system.

“The team is available when I need them and are responsive to phone calls and meetings when they need to be made,” says Michael Corbett. “They are up to date with the latest legislation and tax rules and understand what SMEs need.

“Because our experience has been favourable, I have recommended Murphy Salisbury to other people looking to set up fledgling businesses and who are looking for a quality and cost-effective alternative to larger and more expensive accountants.

“They fully understand our needs and what we are looking to achieve in the first few years of business in terms of building our balance sheet and minimising our costs and tax”.

The Play Farm Limited

Expo Management Limited

Since Malcolm Nicholls started his model making/rapid prototyping company in 1971, it has established itself as one of Europe’s most prestigious firms within the industry.

Malcolm Nicholls Limited

As a family business spanning two generations, Malcolm Nicholls Limited prides itself on offering high quality concept models through to fully operational working prototypes for all market sectors. To understand more about Malcolm Nicholls Limited, please visit the website at www.mnl.co.uk.

Malcolm Nicholls Limited has worked with Murphy Salisbury for the last twenty years, after Murphy Salisbury introduced themselves to the rapid prototyping company on the death of their previous accountant. Such loyalty has been inspired by the ongoing comfortable relationship between the two firms.

“We always got on well with Paul Salisbury and could speak to him easily,” explains Virginia Nicholls, Malcolm’s wife and the firm’s company secretary.

“He looked after us well and always advised on the best thing to do,” she says. “Now we are working with Mark Bullock, who is very knowledgeable and professional, giving us confidence to go forward together.

“In addition to working with Paul and Mark, we also deal with Jackie Rawlings, with whom we have built up a close working relationship over the last 20 years.”

As well as taking care of the annual accounts, Murphy Salisbury checks the monthly accounts produced by Malcolm Nicholls Limited and advises the family on personal taxation issues.

“Within our sector, firms tend to have good and bad years. At difficult times, Murphy Salisbury has pointed us in the right direction and their advice has always proved invaluable.

“I would definitely recommend Murphy Salisbury and have already done so. They are only seven or eight miles away, and we feel confident in their advice. Additionally, the people there are straightforward and easy to get along with. They are friendly and helpful, but also very professional.

“They advise us with our best interest in mind.”

Since then, Building Innovation Limited, which specialises in the design and supply of bespoke tapered insulation schemes, has used Murphy Salisbury for all their accountancy requirements for many years.

“They do make life a lot easier,” explains joint managing director Ray Brown. “We have built up an excellent relationship and they are a very easy company to deal with, which means we have never had reason to change”.

With the exception of bookkeeping, which is managed in-house, the accountants handle everything on the financial side. As well as taking care of the payroll, monthly management accounts, end of year accounts and tax issues, both company and personal, Murphy Salisbury has sat in on the company’s AGM and worked closely with the firm in terms of company and personal pensions.

“We can call on their expertise when we need to discuss financial issues,” says Mr Brown. “We are able to involve them in most of the financial aspects of the company and they are always very happy to help out.

“The ease of working with them and the strength of our relationship mean we are more like friends. I don’t have a problem in speaking with the main people, they are accessible and we receive a prompt and efficient response. Overall, Murphy Salisbury takes the guess work out of the financial decisions we have to make.”

Mr Brown himself has recommended Murphy Salisbury when someone has needed financial assistance. This includes family and friends who are in business, such as his son and daughter-in-law, and one or two people in the construction industry.

“I usually hold back on making a recommendation if I am uncertain as to how people will perform, however, I am confident that won’t happen with Murphy Salisbury, as they always do a good job. There isn’t anything that I couldn’t ask them related to the financial side.”

In business, both word of mouth and reputation are invaluable. Indeed, when Building Innovation Limited was first set up, Murphy Salisbury was recommended to them by a relation of one of the directors.

Building Innovation Limited

Benchmark understands that first impressions count and the importance of a consistent, reliable service – qualities that Mr Rodway-Smith also appreciates in his professional relationship with Murphy Salisbury, which was recommended due to the personal, high quality service provided.

Since commencing work for Benchmark, Murphy Salisbury has taken care of the firm’s end of year accounts and provided tax advice, as well as training accounting staff on using Sage software. As a director, Mr Rodway-Smith also makes use of the firm’s private client services, including advice on his taxes.

“Murphy Salisbury is a very good firm,” explains Mr Rodway-Smith. “The team provides sound professional advice, turns things around quickly and are always willing to help.”

Mr Rodway-Smith also values the fact that the partners within the business are easily accessible.

“I know I am getting top line advice,” he says.

“I would recommend Murphy Salisbury without question due to the quality and speed of service and the direct contact with the partners. Additionally, the firm provides a one stop shop for all the financial services that I need.”

Jeremy Rodway-Smith is the managing director of Benchmark Grounds Maintenance Limited, specialists in the provision of comprehensive grounds maintenance services and interior plant maintenance to the commercial and public sectors on a nationwide basis.

Benchmark Grounds Maintenance Limited