New boys build business on SME client base
Posted by webedit | Filed under News
A CARDIFF accountancy firm has reported strong growth in its first year of trading.
Advantage Accountancy & Advisory has developed a portfolio of about 100 clients and built a strong track record in corporate transactions and fund raising.
Set up at the end of last year by Steve Bickerton and Mark Hislop, the firm has advised on company acquisitions and sales valued at £12m and raised funding of more than £2m for clients.
Advantage acts for SMEs with growth potential, looking for advice and funding to support expansion, as well as offering compliance and tax services.
Mr Hislop said: “It seems we have tapped into a demand that we were confident existed in Wales. Our policy on fixed fees has also proved very attractive.”
In a recent deal the firm advised on a six-figure funding packaging for start-up solar panel installer So Gecko.
Mr Hislop said: “We brought together the company and their funders, and facilitated the deal. We are continuing to provide ongoing advice and tax services.”
Managing director of So Gecko, Graham Hall, said: “Advantage have enabled us to move quickly to benefit from the buoyant market in solar panel installation. We look forward to working with them to take the business forward.”
Mr Hislop added: “We have excellent working relationships with business funding organisations and we find that a well prepared business plan will often attract the funding it deserves.”
Transactional work had also been strong in the year. Among the deals the practice has advised on was the acquisition of Falcon Steels by Coilcolor, the sale of an agricultural service company as well as the management buy-out of DWJ Colourprint.