Family and Owner-managed Businesses

"Our transition from in-house finance to out of house finance was more of a challenge than we thought it might be, even with cloud-based billing and accounting software.

The Crowe Business Accounts and Advisory team helped us throughout this process, all the obvious stages and also through many other stages that we didn’t even know needed dealing with.

What we now have is a robust system that is very manageable from both a timing and resources point of view, at a far lower cost than we had previously, it is also in tune with what we as a small business need."

"As part of a family wealth planning exercise, we asked Crowe to review options for our family-held logistics business. Crowe advised that we consider certain business changes for Inheritance Tax purposes. Once these changes were made we obtained HMRC approval as to the ‘business relief’ status of the company and we were then able to move most of the shares into the trust environment.

With care we expect to avoid the worst of the October 2024 budget changes to Inheritance tax as they will soon apply to businesses. We find Crowe to be expert, adaptable and commercial. Crowe’s knowledge of this complex and developing area of the tax system has helped us move assets efficiently and we are delighted with the result."

D Aichen

"Crowe have been our accountants and advisors for many years. I find them expert, commercial and with a broad knowledge as we transitioned from a multi-generational family business to an improved equity structure.

I used Crowe as part of my advice team to help me prepare for my own exit in a way which was both tax efficient and affordable for the business."

G Bird

"Sharon Smith has been an invaluable mentor to me over the past few years, offering advice and guidance to help me navigate the complexities and unique challenges within family business.

She has spent many years with our company and has taken the time to get to know it inside out. Sharon’s coaching has significantly grown my confidence and decision-making abilities.

She’s been instrumental in my personal growth, from strategic planning to operational efficiencies, and has given me the confidence to prepare for our business’s future succession."

"We were introduced to Sharon Smith and the Crowe Corporate Team to help support our transition from a start-up to a rapidly growing UK business. She has been instrumental on several fronts, turning us from a young company riding the wave of optimism to a professional, accountable business.

The team have single-handedly supported us on the transition to a new company-wide accounting and stock management system. Supported our move to new offices, reviewed and amended recent accounting records and filings. Reviewed corporation tax and changes to new import taxes from the EU.

The value we have now, in having everything professional, from invoicing clients, to stock management, to record-keeping (and most importantly), ensuring everything is in line with HRMC requirements, is significant. They have been the driving force behind that. We went from a business with steady growth to achieving our annual growth in one week. Without Crowe, we wouldn't now be in the position to maximise this growth rate calmly and focus on our UK clients."

"As a family-run business with over 50 years of heritage, trust and transparency are fundamental to our business. Crowe’s audit team has year on year delivered both.

Their approach is thorough, yet they still manage to keep a collaborative approach, they understand the nuances of an owner-managed business and tailor their audit process to suit our busy day to day schedule. Crowe isn’t just our auditor, they’re a strategic partner."

Eamonn Martin Finance Director, T Brown Group

"We have found the whole Crowe UK Team to be very professional and knowledgeable.

Our working relationship with your team, particularly on the audit, has been very collaborative, transparent, efficient, and well-informed.

They are always contactable and generally just keep us updated, not just on our audit but on all the changes within the financial sector. The whole approach from the team at Crowe has been very refreshing."

Phil Webb MD, Walker Construction

"The Crowe Business Accounts and Advisory team prepared all statutory financial statements for the 4C Hotels Group, including 24 sets of accounts and the consolidation workbook. 

Their professional and proactive assistance with complex accounting and reporting issues was invaluable in ensuring the production of our accounts.

Their collaborative approach and dedication to teamwork made a significant difference in achieving our goals effectively. We would gladly recommend them should the opportunity arise."

"Crowe has helped with our internal audit, year-end accounts, corporation tax and other ad-hoc matters for many years, now in my current and previous roles. I have always found them professional, flexible and friendly.

They are easy to deal with and have always been responsive to any queries I have had. The combination of a personal working relationship over a period of time, combined with access to professional expertise in specialist areas, has always been much appreciated as well as their holistic and supportive approach. I would be more than happy to recommend their services."