news
The combined financial expertise of an all-female team is proving such a winner with smaller businesses that Derwentside-based company McManus Hall has expanded into larger premises.
Set up in 2006 by Marian McManus, the firm of chartered accountants and business consultants now has a substantial client list and the growing team has moved into new offices in the Consett Innovation Centre, developed by Derwentside Enterprise Agency (DEA).
Marian has been joined by Sue Rush, who is responsible for the payroll and book-keeping service, Senior Accountant Lyndsey Short who came from Ernst & Young and Diane Littlewood, who provides support with marketing and administration.
“I was confident that the demand was there,” said Marian, who has more than 20 yrs experience in the profession, “but I am very pleased with the significant growth in business. It increased by about 75% in the first year alone, has jumped by a quarter this year already and is still growing.
“Most of our business comes through referrals from existing clients who are in Newcastle and Gateshead as well as across County Durham. Bringing new team members on board has enabled me to move into new growth areas such as the payroll service, systems implementation and training.
“I expanded my original office in Steel House four times but we finally out-grew it and are now alongside some of my clients in the Innovation Centre which is ideal.”
Marian was originally advised by David Soulsby at Derwentside Enterprise Agency and helped to source a grant, find premises and access marketing advice.
McManus Hall clients cover a wide range of sectors from manufacturing, construction, medical and finance to hospitality, automotive, IT and retail. The services available include taxation, corporate finance, preparation of business plans and the implementation of computerised accounting systems for start-up businesses.
“We work with a large number of smaller owner-managed businesses who may not have a Finance Director in-house so we build a close relationship with them and take on that role,” explained Marian.
“They consult us about their short and long term financial decisions. In these difficult times it is even more important that businesses not only reduce their lax liability to the minimum but also have a system in place that ensures they cut wastage, can keep a close eye on purchases and sales and control their stock.”
McManus Hall is available on 01207 585812 and at www.mcmanushall.co.uk. Details of Derwentside Enterprise Agency’s support for business is on 01207 580011.