He bends over backwards to make sure your needs are met.”
The background: saving money from the start
Braving all market conditions in the depths of the recession in 2011, Alex Clarkson-Tooze set up Clarendons Property Consultants to deal with homes for sale and to rent throughout Surrey and West Sussex. Using a wealth of knowledge and experience, he had a vision of providing total property services in one place – with customer service excellence at its heart.
In 2010, with this high quality offering already in mind, Alex had started to piece everything together to create the first class support he knew would help him achieve it. One of the pieces in this jigsaw was having the right accountant. Alex said, “I didn’t know what I needed, I just knew that I needed one.” So he took advice from people in the know.
The solution: a different approach
Four accountants were recommended to him by a major bank. The first three quoted Alex for a complete service – with four figure sums. But Michael Hemme at MDH, having asked some key questions about the kind of service Alex was looking for, took a different approach. He suggested training Alex up to do a lot of the accounts himself – which would cost a lot less money – and was also a solution that suited Alex perfectly. Alex said that Michael definitely saved him money through this – “rather than trying to start me off on something I didn’t need.” It also showed him how transparent Michael was in the solutions he provided.
[The service] has evolved to meet our needs.”
Alex has been working with Michael and his team at MDH ever since. He has always found their support to be “responsive and flexible”. He said, “Michael did something within the hour once because he knew I needed it.” As well as the on-going training, MDH also delivers any additional accounts services required for Clarendons Property Consultants to remain compliant. With his excellent network, Michael helps Alex find other high quality professionals, which has saved him time and hassle too.
We look at things from a different perspective.”
MDH offers a service with another difference too – Michael works with Alex to give support on developing the business. Alex said, “We meet twice a year and it’s just helpful to speak to someone who isn’t involved.” He added: “He’s gone through everything I have, shared experience and given me advice.”
The tangible benefits of this development work include Michael analysing what has already been done, providing constructive feedback on growth plans for the way forward and even, said Alex “sometimes holding me back and putting things in perspective…putting systems in place.” He added, “He always encourages you.” However, Michael isn’t afraid to challenge ideas where appropriate too – an approach that Alex welcomes.
The result: supporting a developing company at every stage
From a standing start in 2011, Clarendons Property Consultants has grown every year, with MDH supporting it all the way – both through its responsive approach to accountancy and its business growth services.
Clarendons Property Consultants is on target for a turnover of £350,000 in the next financial year. The company is absolutely committed to first class results paired with fantastic customer service. So it is perhaps no surprise that Alex appreciates the high standards of service Michael offers. “He bends over backwards to make sure your needs are met.”
Are you looking for an accounting solution, or support for accelerated business growth? Talk to Michael at MDH without obligation and he will make a recommendation tailored for you.
