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 deal 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'Conner MD of several small UK and one US Company.

We engaged Larking Gowen as our accountants just over two years ago (Sept. '04) after suffering the agonising long term frustration and cost of incompetent accountancy firms who appear myopically fee obsessed. We had had enough, no more procrastinations, complications, half baked explanations, excuses and tepid table tennis opinions, extending time and of course fees.

No longer bemused by clouds of words, words and more words in hand wringing meetings, interspersed with incessant fee bills.

Our board was now ecstatic to at last find what every business dreams of – an accountancy firm who got 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. We were haemorrhaging from the accountancy fees we were being charged in defending ourselves and those responsible were salivating on the proceeds. A resolution appeared counterproductive to our accountants' best interest in maintaining their fees climbing toward £100,000 in a year. We were spiralling into the ground.

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 have 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.”