August 2009 Newsletter
Nick Belton writes…
“We’ve been busy since our April Newsletter and there are changes afoot that we wish you to be aware of. Firstly, Valerie Belton will be retiring from Beltons on Tuesday, 11th August and she’s prepared a personal message (see below).
On a personal level I’d like to thank Valerie for all of the hard work she’s put in over the years, in particular covering Julie’s maternity leave and helping with the office move over the last year or so.
However, the new team ARE in place and many of you will already have visited the new offices – for information about what’s to come please see page 2.”
Nick Belton FCCA, Managing Director, Beltons
Valerie Belton retires – A personal message
“At last the time for my retirement has arrived and I must say I’m looking forward to having more time to explore new places, learn new things, be with my friends and family and simply watch the flowers grow! Since it’s not practical to send a personal note to each of you, I welcome this opportunity to send a message of farewell and share a few of my thoughts.
At a time like this, it’s natural to look back and try to sum up what one’s working life has amounted to. For as long as I can remember, whenever Beltons has agreed to act for a new client, we’ve sent them a letter of engagement that always includes the words “Our aim is to provide a highly personal service at a competitive price”. Having seen other accountancy firms get larger, less personal and more expensive, this was Hugh’s guiding principle when he set up the practice back in the 70’s, and I’m proud to say that it’s still the ethos of the Beltons’ team today.
Over the years, many young clients have come to us with an ambition to set up a business of their own, and it’s been a source of great joy and satisfaction to me to watch their businesses grow and become successful, due to their talent, skill, hard work and dedication. Other clients have contacted us in their middle years, often leaving the safety net of employment, with a wish to change course and become their own boss. Still others, in later life, have needed our guidance through the maze that is tax compliance. All want help and support, all are equally valued and all deserve, and receive, the very best efforts of which we are capable.
It is good to know that the Beltons’ name, and its values of service and integrity, will continue under Nick’s capable guidance, and that in Helen, Sally and Julie he has a friendly and very experienced staff with a wide-ranging variety of talents. In fact, whatever your business queries or problems, you’re sure to find good advice and solutions in the office under the Clock Tower in Steyning!
An additional bonus and delight for me has been to find that some good business relationships have turned into real and lasting friendships and I consider myself very fortunate that this has happened many times. I also take pleasure in the fact that, as it’s a family business I’m leaving, I’ll be able to keep up to date with your news, and thus not lose touch completely.
So, it now only remains for me to thank you for your business and friendship in the past, which has meant so very much to me, and to wish you all good health, happiness and prosperity in the future.”
With warmest regards from
Valerie Belton
The “Post Valerie” era
We know how important it is for you to receive continuity of service; therefore we’ve ensured Valerie has worked closely with Nick and Sally over recent months to achieve an effective handover.
Sally has since taken over the bulk of Valerie’s work and her expanded role is that of “Bookkeeper / Payroll and Compliance Manager”. She’s now the first point of contact for all matters Company Compliance, whilst continuing her payroll and bookkeeping role as before.
Sally and Nick will work together to produce the Checklists and Reminders to ensure your compliance deadlines can be met, while Nick will handle any incoming personal tax queries you may have.
Sally can be contacted by e-mail: st@beltons.net, Nick at nb@beltons.net
Our Accountant / Business Advisor Helen Thwaite is having a very busy 2009. Having already passed her final Associate Chartered Accountant exams with the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales earlier this year she’s since become an ACA AND obtained her own ICAEW Practising Certificate.
In this way it is hoped that by having 2 full-time, fully-qualified accountants in place Beltons will be better placed to deliver a quality and timely service.
Oh, and Helen also got married in May, so it’s Helen Hubbard from now on! She can be contacted on her new e-mail address of: hh@beltons.net
We’re Going Cream!
Since moving offices last October we’ve had it in mind to spruce up our building by painting the windows and doors – we plan to lose the old blue colour and replace it with cream – and work will commence in the second half of August.
Our website will have pictures of the new exterior (in case anyone gets lost trying to find us!)
Charity Donations - Client Referral Scheme
A reminder that we are always delighted when we receive referrals from existing clients, and every time a new client is sourced this way we make a donation to charity.
We welcome suggestions for recommended charities for donations along with the referrals.
Links to all of the charities we've supported can be found the 'Practice News' page on our website.
www.beltons.net - take a look!
Don’t forget to take a look at the Beltons website which provides access to free technical information, articles and features – updated on a daily basis.
We recommend that all our clients have a look out our newswires because they DO contain helpful and informative articles, and may draw your attention to issues you may not be aware of.
Do you need help with bookkeeping?
We are mindful that keeping costs down is of paramount importance to all taxpayers and businesses alike; therefore, we're keen to help our clients keep better records and, thus, cut our workload and therefore our charges.
If you think you could benefit from a consultation in this regard please contact either Sally or Helen on 01903 813907.
Julie Belton
Office Manager
For Beltons Public Accountants Ltd