We recognise that our clients want more from us than the annual accounts: they want consultancy, strategic advice and a helping hand when it is needed – be that with the production and interpretation of management accounts, HR support, guiding them through a significant event such as a merger, or simply with their personal financial planning. They want the focus to be on today and the future, not just the historic numbers.
At Charterhouse, we are fully committed to helping our clients achieve their ambitions and ‘Aim Higher’. Our service and our new brand identity reflect this.
So what is different about Charterhouse?
We are more than a firm of Chartered Accountants. We are an advisory firm and make consultancy and hands-on support to our clients the substance of what we do.
As well as ‘internal’ accountants, we can provide the services of a non-executive director or an outsourced finance director to help with business growth. We can also provide support services, such as our recently launched HR service. Regular meetings and the option of a fixed monthly ‘retainer’ fee are features of the Charterhouse service.
Of course, we still provide all the core taxation and accountancy services that you would expect from a firm of Chartered Accountants. First-class accounts underpin all that we do.
So what happens if you don’t want any consultancy or support?
Well, we are happy to simply provide you with a routine compliance service, that’s your annual accounts and tax returns. We do hope, however, that one day we will have the opportunity to demonstrate the added value that we can bring.
Are our prices going up to pay for the new brand?
No. Our hourly rates remain unchanged. When it comes to additional services, we are giving clients the option of drawing on more support from us. You will be better informed and any additional services will only be provided by prior agreement.
Many of our clients have said they prefer a fixed fee arrangement geared around a core set of services and an agreed number of meetings during the year. We are of course happy to provide this.
Do we offer just a fixed package of services?
No. The level of support and mix of services required will all be individually agreed. We will be delighted to explain how our services can be tailored to you.
Are we capable of providing the additional support that we promise?
Yes. The Charterhouse partners have many years of experience of working with businesses, including running our own. We have seen many different scenarios and many different outcomes - which leaves us well placed to share our experiences with others.
In addition, we have developed a unique approach to business lifecycle planning that allows us to monitor and support start-up planning to exit strategies and everything in between.
By David White a Partner in Charterhouse, based in Beaconsfield
