It would seem that SMEs in Kent are spoilt for choice when it comes to receiving sound business guidance. Following on from our recent story about Locate In Kent offering free consultancy to SMEs in the county, comes the news that Tunbridge Wells-based accountants Shaikh & Co have received a raft of positive reviews from their customers.
Led by Alasdair Shaikh, the principal aim of Shaikh & Co is to help businesses. As the chartered certified accountant and registered auditors put it on their own website:
‘Today’s business market is complex, fast moving and highly competitive. Managing any business today is tough and getting tougher. Every industry is over-served and under-differentiated. We’re all faced with more demanding customers, more and stronger competition, disruptive innovation and shrinking margins.
‘On top of that, great staff are hard to find and keep. So mediocrity is no longer an option.
‘Business owners need the support of professional accountants who provide quick, cost effective, high value solutions on time to help their business move forward.
‘Working together with you on your business, we will help you pave your way to success, in a style that suits you and your business. We’ll keep you up-to-date on your business, so you never miss an opportunity to succeed.
‘Just when you think the world is settled it moves on. It’s like that for our clients and it’s like that for us. We don’t have the biggest name, so we have to work harder to make sure that when you have heard of us, you aren’t going to forget.’
Customer reviews certainly suggest that the firm’s efforts are being very much appreciated.
Paul Wardell is the managing director of Close Group who are ostensibly based in Belgium and Luxembourg but operate across a number of European companies. When they began working in the UK, they decided to place their trust in Shaikh & Co rather than one of the many large international accountancy firms in the country.
‘We were absolutely delighted with the advice they gave us,’ Wardell explains, ‘the process employed in the set-up of our UK Company and the subsequent group structure arrangements and cross border tax planning. Shaikh & Co beat the competition from London by offering big firm expertise coupled with the personal touch of a small friendly office practice. Their skilled and motivated team consistently provides quality advice in an approachable yet professional manner and I highly recommend them.’
Andrew Kellard from Hampshire-based Intouch Cards was similarly effusive in his praise:
‘Running a design business can be a proverbial rollercoaster but with these guys at your side it means you're never alone. If you need solid accountancy and business advice from people that are both up to date on all things accountancy/tax but savvy on the business of doing business then look no further. Confident, jolly and a safe pair of hands are just some of the ways to describe them.’
Michael Walsh from Fabric London Ltd has worked with Shaikh and Co for nearly twenty years. ‘I have over the years had a fantastic and a very personal and friendly service,’ he explains, ‘I have always felt the advice given to be 100% accurate and with my best interests in mind. I will continue to be their client as long as they will have me.’
Photo by William Hook on Unsplash