The Scenario

NRB Surfacing & Groundworks is a Staffordshire based business providing all aspects of high quality groundworks, driveways, landscaping, fencing, excavations and demolition for commercial and domestic customers.

They had been with their accountant for three years since they set the business up but felt extremely disappointed with the quality of their work, their lack of proactivity and help in growing the business.

When Elevate initially met NRB, they had recently received their accounts, months after the year end, close to the filing deadline with results and a looming tax bill that had come as a huge surprise to them.

How We Helped

NRB were quickly onboarded and their accounting records were transferred to Xero. We implemented a more efficient system to capture records and data from the owner and employees, completely removing all paperwork from the equation.

The previous two years VAT returns were reviewed and we claimed back £3,000 of VAT which had been previously missed. The accounts were also reviewed and we reduced the personal tax bill by nearly £6,000 for items that had not been claimed for.

We spent time understanding the owners’ business and personal goals, where it currently was and what needed to be done to achieve those goals. We identified the key performance drivers of the business and built quarterly management reporting to monitor this and create accountability for the business’ performance.

We also developed future cashflow and business projections for the next 2 years. These are reviewed at quarterly meetings to keep the business on track and ensure that the goals are realised.

Profits are already 5 times higher since we have worked together and we are forecasting future well-managed growth going forward.

What They Said

We made the move to Elevate due to my previous accountant not doing enough for us.

There was no future advice on business planning or advice on what was working and what wasn’t. There was limited communication with them, if any.

You need an accountant for more than just taking data and inputting it, which wasn’t been done accurately anyway.

Elevate have given me new ways to manage and run my business.

Their knowledge and support has helped me to progress and develop the business over the short 6 months that we have worked together.

During this time they have managed to complete a number of things to help improve the finance function of my business such as providing an app to more easily upload documents, more accurately reviewing previous accounts and tax returns and providing advice to create new methods to deal with payments and cash flow.

James has also been a massive help with the COVID-19 pandemic with employees needing to be furloughed from the business – the help and support for this alone has been outstanding. He has been one step ahead and professional through the whole process. This has had a large impact on the business and this help has been greatly appreciated.

Overall I can compare the two experiences I have had with both accountants. My previous accountant, with their multiple partners & employees – I thought I would have had great support and guidance from them but I didn’t. It seemed you were just a number to them.

My experience with James & Elevate has been outstanding from the beginning. He has given me great knowledge and advice, delivered with a more personal touch on a one-to-one basis, weekly if not daily. He is always professional and has been on the other end of the phone at all times if needed.

There have been big improvements for my business but also for myself as my family have noticed that my stress levels have improved massively.

We really appreciate the help and support and I am looking forward to continuing to work with James & Elevate.

Nick Blinston – Director