Ken Daniels-Sims, Managing Director of European distribution and storage Company, Sims Worldwide Logistics joined us as a CAS Client in 2003 after being introduced by another business, already a CAS Client.

Previously used to dealing with a Manchester based accountancy practice, Ken decided that he wanted and needed a more proactive approach in helping him build his business into a more corporate structure.

“Initially, the difference in price seemed huge – I was used to paying a small amount and getting a small service. Joining CAS was a huge leap of faith at the time but I was encouraged by the progress of the business that referred me, already a CAS Client. Being with CAS has changed our mindset completely to the way we do business and has made us look at all our suppliers. We realised that going for the cheapest service was a false economy – now we demand more from everyone we deal with. Sometimes I can go for periods when I don’t need as much input. Other times, I can phone or see them every hour of every day – and I know that I won’t be charged a penny extra – everything is included within our monthly retainer, which is fantastic”.

In addition to the core compliance services, CAS have worked with Ken on the strategic growth and direction of the business, including buying out family members, putting more systems in and recently a move to a much larger premises.

“Since being with CAS we have increased our size by two thirds – something we wouldn’t have done without the support and expertise they provide. Now if I want to look at anything new, I use the CAS team as a sounding board which helps build my experience, and helps build my business for the future”
Ken Daniels-Sims, Managing Director, Sims Worldwide Logistics

Paul Griffiths, Managing Director of leading North West recruitment company, Cork Griffiths enrolled in the Strategic Training & Redevelopment (STAR) Programme in July. He decided that his business was not moving in the direction he wanted and after trying many different channels, decided to seek professional help on moving forward from CAS.

“Having attended CAS’s one-on-one Strategy Day, I came away with tons of ideas on how to move our business forwards and develop a new profitable niche. We subsequently developed our business into many new areas that came about directly as a result of the brainstorm and mind-mapping sessions – the best ‘working on the business’ day I have ever spent.

CAS are fantastic facilitators in the process of putting your business under the microscope and bringing about positive change. The strategy day identified a key ‘terrorist’ in the business and provided the necessary back-up to make the changes required to remove the terrorist. Excellent day, highly recommended for any business owners needing to redefine their goals, ambitions and plans for future wealth generation.

All of our efforts and growth in the past 18 months have come about ultimately from the Strategy Session and its resulting conclusions.”
Paul Griffiths, Managing Director, Cork Griffiths Limited

Nik Richardson is Managing Director of County Labels Ltd, a major manufacturer of self-adhesive labels for UK businesses, from local entrepreneurs to blue-chip PLCs.

“Having dealt with CAS since the day our business was formed, I have always found them to be an open minded, forward thinking accountancy business solutions provider. Over the many years we have experienced many of their informative courses and these alone have enabled us to grow a better stronger business. Many of our team have also been invited to these courses and the experience gained has been exponential. I owe a lot of our success to the partnership that our two companies have.

Business development work has given the company specific ideas and strategies to enable it to add more to the bottom line, by looking to the future. The specific ideas are much more than the traditional ‘you need to increase your sales and reduce your costs to grow your business’. The company now feels that the business development expertise afforded by CAS means that the company is leading rather than being lead by circumstances outside its control.

As a result of the work carried out by CAS, the company now has skills and know-how to develop the business. It now has the infrastructure and systems to grow rapidly. The company has already embarked on a period of rapid controlled growth.

Another of the significant changes after working with CAS, was that the business managers are much more conscious of working to develop the business (working on the business and not in it). As a result of a series of structured meetings with CAS, the company now has its own internal meetings system where creative and proactive ideas are developed. Again, the company has become proactive as opposed to reactive, identifying potential problems with the business before they arise, rather than continually fire fighting.

The courses that CAS run, have taught us to think in a proactive way. Now, we know how to grow and we are on the ladder of sustained profitable growth.

We feel we have built a strong relationship with CAS and that they are not just ‘bean counters’. They understand my business and me as an individual, and as far as I am concerned they will always be our accountants and business advisors. We have built a solid business relationship. We are able to talk on the same wavelength and we have an honest relationship. CAS has taught us to cut out some big corners.

I reckon that with their advice I can achieve in three years what would have taken ten!”
Nik Richardson, Managing Director, County Labels Ltd

“Even when the going gets tough, CAS are there giving expert advice, creative ideas and positive assurance. I can't imagine making any wrong turns when CAS are there to help us guide the business through these difficult times. In 18 months and with their 100% commitment to our company, we have already seen a very promising increase in turnover and the future looks bright.”
Anne Barrett – Managing Director, MBM Corporate Limited

“CAS is a 'rock' in difficult times! We were first introduced to them by a mutual friend who recommended their experience and business acumen. They have consistently provided accurate and reliable advice with regards to our business systems and our financial support. In difficult periods they have given clear concise advice that has saved us significant time and money often coming up with 'outside of the box' thinking which has proved invaluable. I would have no hesitation in recommending CAS – they are one of the most able companies I have ever come across.”
Mike Clough – Managing Director, Japanese Knotweed Solutions Limited

“CAS provides a very sensible platform to air views, ideas and problem solving workshops. They have a fabulous enthusiasm for assisting their clients and are available to provide creative input at any time. Working with CAS as consultants is like having our own in-house accountancy and creative team. I highly recommend the team at CAS.”
Mark Winters – Managing Director, MP Cycles Limited

“CAS are a breath of fresh air to work with – a company with a real desire to do their very best for clients. Great motivation and incredibly high standards set them apart from the masses. They have tremendous energy and terrific communication skills. Always willing to share ideas, CAS makes a difference and helps others to achieve their goals.”
Andy Gilbert – Managing Director, Go MAD Thinking Limited