Case Studies

Cumbria Tourism

Word of mouth and reputation in business is invaluable. When Martin Hodgson, finance director at regional tourist board, Cumbria Tourism, was looking for an audit firm that offered a more personal and cost-effective service, he chose Lamont Pridmore because of its reputation and size.

“Lamont Pridmore is a local company,” Mr Hodgson explains. “They are well respected both locally and in the region. The firm is very well known for audits and also for its tax saving business advice.”

The accountants take care of the company audit, as well as audits for government grant schemes. Mr Hodgson has also used the Winning Company Programme for profit improvement and business development.

“Lamont Pridmore has a very professional approach to work,” says Mr Hodgson. “They have a full understanding of our needs and industry, which means they can do a lot of the work themselves without having to question the staff here – they just get on with it.

“The firm has a lot of local knowledge, which links in to the tourism industry.

“I would definitely recommend Lamont Pridmore, and have already done so to companies in the same industry which are looking for value for money and personal service.

“People are looking to move away from larger firms to local ones. Lamont Pridmore is a more local, independent organisation, and so can provide better value for money. I know who to speak to for my different requirements, and don’t go from pillar to post.

“I get good service - the staff are very polite and always get back to me quickly if I raise any issues. As there is a steady workforce, I tend to know the same people for a number of years.”

Brathay

While the goals and objectives of charities will not have maximising profit at their core, under the current economic climate, such organisations need to operate as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible by making every penny count. So choosing the correct auditor is vital.

When Godfrey Owen, chief executive of Brathay - a young people’s charity which carries out fundraising and also provides a range of personal development, team leadership and organisational development services – wanted to change auditor, he chose Lamont Pridmore.

“They have a specific section for charity audits,” explains Mr Owen. “Lamont Pridmore provides local knowledge and presence, yet is still large enough to have the relevant expertise as we are a national charity.

“The firm provides a good service for our audit, and their customer service and responsiveness is very good. The care and thought provided is distinctive - Lamont Pridmore goes the extra mile to understand us.”

As well as taking care of the audit, the accountants provide ongoing advice on a range of financial and other issues – for anything that comes up, Lamont Pridmore acts as a first point of contact.

“They either identify a solution within our organisation, or if that is not possible, they find an answer or help us find one. We gain ongoing formal and informal support on a number of different levels – from the partners right through to other professionals.

“I have recommended Lamont Pridmore to another charity in Cumbria, as the firm delivers the right balance between the size of the organisation and the care taken with our audit.

“We were with a Big 4 firm previously, but we feel more important at Lamont Pridmore and they have all the expertise we need.”

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