We have utilised the Larking Gowen payroll services for 5 years and have never regretted the decision to outsource this area. The efficiency, accuracy and cooperation of Larking Gowen staff is excellent and all at a true value for money rate.

Andrew Kitchen
ERAS Ltd

Dear Jon

Following the recent completion of the Timchris reorganization, I just wanted to place on record our appreciation of the advice and assistance provided by you and your colleagues at Larking Gowen. This was a transaction of very great importance to the family, with substantial amounts involved and difficult legal and taxation issues including a very challenging international dimension.

Your role in guiding the transaction to a successful conclusion was invaluable, and we are very grateful.

Yours sincerely,

Tim Place

Over the past few years, our business has grown and developed quite extensively which has brought various issues with it along the way. Whilst the majority have been positive, it is without a doubt as a result of working with Larking Gowen, that we have been able to grow and develop the business to where it is today.

We feel that Larking Gowen really understand our business and work with us in helping us achieve our goals and, together with their all round knowledge, we now do not have to seek advice from various sources.

All in all, we are delighted with the professionalism and advice we have received.

David Hoy
Mayday

We were attracted to Larking Gowen for their pro-active approach. We were not clients of theirs but we were invited to various workshops, seminars and Business Breakfasts which we were pleased to attend

Whilst we were content with our current accountants, it was clear that we needed a modern, fresh approach. Following very encouraging initial meetings we made the decision to instruct Larking Gowen at the beginning of 2008.

Their advice and approach to our business has been invaluable and we have already seen the effects of their advice and actions taken. We would certainly have no hesitation in recommending them to other proposed clients.

Clive Hedges
FNAEA
Partner of Keys Estate Agents and Auctioneers

Dear Sirs

I’ve worked with Larking and Gowen before; when I was running a much bigger company so I knew of their strengths. But it was only recently that my present business seemed big enough to utilize their services.

What a pleasure it has been - why didn’t I make the change before? Their in-depth knowledge of so many varying subjects has helped me to reduce my tax; stopped me making financial mistakes and given me better tools and support with which to manage my business.

It is not a cost; it is an investment and a good one too!

Kevin Keable
Oilennium

Dear Larking Gowen,

My family and I have engaged Larking Gowen (and, indeed, its predecessor firm) as Chartered Accountants and Tax Advisers for as long as I can remember – possibly not far short of 50 years. In that time they have provided us with accountancy advice and drawing up accounts for our family farming partnership and for family trusts, as well as dealing with the associated tax returns. They have also given us pro-active tax advice. I have always found their partners and staff to be unfailingly efficient, knowledgeable and courteous and have no hesitation in commending the firm for this Award, given both their technical expertise and their client service.

Dear Sirs

About 11 years ago after my father died I was in need of some tax advice. As I knew of Larking Gowen from my days working on a large farm estate I went to them.

During the past 11 years I have used their services to sort out my tax affairs and since my husband became self-employed in 2000, we have had his books audited annually by them as well.

In all this time we have been treated with great courtesy and respect from Mr Tim Angell, who deals with our affairs. His letters/telephone calls are always informative and to the point and his advice most helpful. I have never felt intimidated by him or talked down to. He is a pleasure to deal with on all matters.

I would have no hesitation in recommending him, or indeed Larking Gowen to deal with any tax or accounting matters.

I am Damien O’Connor MD of one US and several small UK companies.

We engaged Larking Gowen as our accountants just over two years ago (Sept. ’04) and our board was ecstatic to at last find what every business dreams of – an accountancy firm who gets to grips with and contributes first hand in making a positive difference.

One of the main issues we were involved in was an Inland Revenue investigation that had inexorably mashed us to pulp over a two year period with a £90,000 assessment. LG took over with the quiet confidence of true professionals and proceeded to position their expertise and exert influence.

Entirely due to the refreshing intervention of LG, led by partner Ian Fitch and supported by senior tax advisor Roger Jones – this assessment has been whittled down by more than two thirds the original amount, along with implementing an imaginative and creative ‘one off accounting charge’ that has provided ongoing future benefits stored for the years ahead.

LG also got their crack team to grips with our book keeping, budgeting and business planning, analysis and forecasting with vigour and enthusiasm.

For the first time in fifteen years of being in business, I and my fellow directors are able to concentrate on what we are good at, selling and improving the service we offer, while confidently knowing we are supported by total, caring and professional financial expertise.

Only through deserving companies being proposed for and winning industry awards, will other client businesses see deserved recognition and thereby convey outstanding ability behind the scenes that could possibly otherwise go unnoticed. When excellence exists it should be held high as the example. If there are publicly identifiable standards and awards of meaning and value, these serve the business community at large.

Settling for mediocrity at best and total frustration at worst – when instead business leaders could have their accounting expectations exceeded and work with complimentary expertise as real partners, is the distinction of meritorious award.

I wholeheartedly propose Larking Gowen and am happy to do so in writing and or in person.

Damian O'Connor

John Drake, YMCA, commented on the subject of tendering: “Because of Housing Corporation good practice, it was with reluctance the YMCA Norfolk had to re-tender for its auditing service.

Our apprehension and misgivings at the prospect of a change were totally unfounded in that the service rendered by Larking Gowen has proved outstanding. The audit was thorough without being invasive, detailed without being irksome and the suggested changes have been evolutionary not revolutionary.

As a Board of Directors we feel relief, and are more than satisfied and equipped for the challenges of the 21st Century.”

As the process of Members' Voluntary Liquidation draws to a close, I take this opportunity to thank you personally for the excellent services you and Larking Gowen have provided in taking forward the liquidation of the above company.

By setting out clearly at the start the procedures, required actions and information requirements that would be needed, it gave a shared understanding of the respective responsibilities.

Your support, advice and guidance, through prompt responses to letters and phone calls, provision of documentation etc, ensured a stress free resolution of issues and concerns raised by clients who were unfamiliar with the operational details of an MVL.

It has been a pleasure to work with Larking Gowen. A very effective service has been delivered to time and to cost, giving excellent value for money.

Yours sincerely

Brian H Strowger

We approached Larking Gowen with a business idea and were delighted with the enthusiasm and professionalism with which we were greeted. With the help of Larking Gowen the idea has become a reality and www.ipatter.com an exciting new business. Mark Curtis has been a pleasure to deal with, introducing us to incredibly useful contacts, helping us with every stage of our development, a friendly and patient voice at the end of the telephone whenever we needed and always willing to meet us when required. We are looking forward to our business moving forward and becoming an established brand and we know Larking Gowen will support us along this journey.

Jane Lewin
Operations Director
ipatter