SUCCESS STORY – Sarah Horne Flowers

“We’d been with our accountant for 30 years or more when he unfortunately passed away so we were moved to a much larger accountancy firm. But we missed the personal connection we’d had with our old accountant; it felt a bit faceless with such a large company. I’d always heard good things about Elinor and Pentlands so I got in touch.

The team at Pentlands managed the move for us so well. They helped us to formalise and consolidate everything and made it feel such a smooth transition. They even suggested a good book-keeper.

Pentlands are always very clear in their communication. I always know exactly where I am with finances; I know what to expect from them, what their fees are etc. Whenever I’ve needed anything, I’ve called and it’s got sorted straight away. You know who you’re talking to at the other end of the phone and I think that’s huge. 

That became even more important recently when I had to take a year out of the business because I was being treated for breast cancer. The systems that we’d worked with Pentlands to set up and manage could be left in the hands of my team – who were wonderful – and Pentlands. Everything continued to flow smoothly and that was brilliant. I felt more in control of what was happening with the business.

Pentlands don’t just do the accounts. They understand business and are excited by it. I’ve never had this from an accountant before; one that’s actually looked at my whole business and helped me structure it. Because of that structure and management, I had the space to recuperate from my illness and even learn new skills. I taught myself water colours and acrylics while I recovered and I now sell my artwork in the shop and have three exhibitions coming up.”