A FAST-GROWING accountancy firm has added new staff and helped businesses unlock almost £600,000 in support funding as it continues to expand.
County Durham-based Stuart Hall & Co has added to its team after a prolonged period of growth, during which it has increased turnover year-on-year by 30% in each of the last five years.
The company has also helped businesses in the region apply for around £590,000 worth of funding through enterprise schemes and R & D tax relief.
As well as supporting firms in tapping into various funding sources, Stuart Hall & Co offers a range of other accountancy services including year-end accounts, bookkeeping, VAT returns and payroll management.
The firm’s 350-strong customer base includes enterprises of all sizes from a small sheep farmer in Scotland to major engineering and manufacturing operations with 50+ employees.
Entrepreneur Stuart Hall, who founded the business in 2009, said: “Having dreamed of opening my own accountancy practice for over 15 years, the reality has been hard work, but I am delighted with the progress we have made.
“Our plan as a business is to continue growing at a steady rate whilst ensuring we can continue to offer a quality service to all of our clients.”
Last year the company expanded into new larger premises at Hutton Close, Bishop Auckland, to accommodate growth and has since added to its team.
James Layfield-Carroll and Charlotte Spowart have both joined the business as Apprentice Accountants, while David Heslington and David Sawyer have both been promoted to Accounting Technicians after completing their Association of Accounting Technician (AAT) certificates.
The company, which employs nine people, is also recruiting for a new accountant to join its team.
In recent years the firm has seen particularly strong demand for its specialist services, backed by enterprise experts, which enable businesses to take advantage of funding streams.
Stuart said: “We have supported a mixture of growth plans through varying funding pots that are available locally. All of these amounts have also encouraged job creation in the local area, which is fantastic.”
Accounts Manager Abi Smith, who assists all aspects of the business to increase growth, said: “We have a brilliant working environment and are all passionate about providing a quality service to our clients.”
“Stuart understands the importance of investing in his team and encourages and supports all of us on training courses including Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).”
For more information on this service and others offered by Stuart Hall and Co visit www.stuarthall.net.