Brian Blanchfield, Managing Director of Wirral-based BMB Weatherproof Canopies, was first introduced to Phil Bates more than 12 years ago.
At the time, BMB was going through a difficult spell and the company was looking for a new accountant to help steer it to safer waters. Brian appointed Phillip Bates & Co as BMB’s accountant and the relationship has grown ever since.
BMB became a client on its highly regardedBusiness Development programme and Phil has become an integral part of thebusiness ever since.
When Phil started working with Brian, BMB employed12 people and had a turnover of £900,000 – today, it employs 38 people and has a turnover in excess of £2million.
Brian, whose business is based in Wallasey, said: “Phil’s advice and guidance has been invaluable over the years and he is a key part of our business, including attending monthly board meetings.
“Running a successful business requires many different skills and I would be the first to admit that the accountancy side of things is not my strongest area. This is why the relationship with Phil has been so important – he is insistent on setting realistic yearly budgets and each month he is able to give us a good indication about our finances and the general state of the market.
“He is also invaluable in terms of helping us understand the financial pressures around stock control, overtime and other key factors in a business.”
Brian said that Phil had also played a crucial role in ensuring that he took advantage of good opportunities.
Brian added: “About seven years ago, we were keento move out of rented commercial space and buy our own site in Wallasey. We didthis and, with Phil’s advice, seized the opportunity to build other units onthe site and let them out. There is now a total of eight different businessestrading on our site, creating business opportunities and jobs for many otherpeople outside of BMB.”
Brian concluded: “Phil has become a good friendand I trust his advice implicitly. He is extremely approachable, but will alsotell you it as it is.”