I am focussed on supporting the development of owner managed businesses in the South West. I achieve this by providing solutions to their accountancy and tax requirements. Having started business myself in 2003 with only 1 employee and now employing 21, I have extensive experience on which to base business advice. I can give the business owner an impartial view of their current situation and clear choices on taking the business forward. I can also act as a sounding board for ideas, as… Show more I am focussed on supporting the development of owner managed businesses in the South West. I achieve this by providing solutions to their accountancy and tax requirements. Having started business myself in 2003 with only 1 employee and now employing 21, I have extensive experience on which to base business advice. I can give the business owner an impartial view of their current situation and clear choices on taking the business forward. I can also act as a sounding board for ideas, as many business owners find themselves with a limited choice of others to talk to. I hold a nationally recognised qualification as a business mentor. I specialise in working in these main areas:Growing businesses I draw on my many years of experience with growing Devon businesses to help business owners deal with the competing demands on their time by:• Assessing the most appropriate structure for the business and any tax saving opportunities.• Assisting in time saving by helping streamline the accountancy and bookkeeping procedures• Offering practical advice regarding financial and tax planning for the future and adapting business plans to take account of factors such as: a) Bringing the next generation into the businessb) Retirement c) Sale of business• Providing advice on increasing profitability within the business, in order to maximise the owners’ drawings from it.• Helping business owners to improve their work/life balance.Bid WritingI have many years of experience in writing grant applications for businesses to access local, national and European money. I have aided over 60 business across Torridge and North Devon to successfully secure small business grants from a variety of schemes. Workshop FacilitatorI run many workshops for business owners, teaching them how to understand their accounts and interpret the figures into useful management information on which to base their decisions. Show less

I am delighted to be assisting the officers in representing the businesses of Bideford and working to make our wonderful area the best place to live , work and play.

As Chairman of the Torridge branch of the FSB from 2005 - 2008, the group became the most active branch nationally, holding well-attended events and improving networking opportunities for local businesses.