- "In the last 20 years our business has changed considerably…and as the focus of our business has changed, Bird Luckin have moved with us."
Alex Tanner, George Tanner (Shalford) Ltd - "Bird Luckin has looked after us incredibly well for over 60 years, they are pro-active and innovational - meeting all our needs to help us achieve our aims."
Richard Stubbings, Cliffords Limited - "I can honestly say that Bird Luckin are the best firm of accountants and auditors I have ever dealt with - and I don't say that lightly!"
Colin Webb, Walthamstow Stadium - "It's important for us to know that we will always be able to contact the right people to give us the right advice and support."
Jane Bennett, Bennetts Funeral Directors - "Although we deal mainly with one Partner … we also know that if we need to contact someone else who is a specialist in another area, we can get the advice we need quickly and easily"
Jeremy Ruggles, J.S. Wright & Sons Ltd - "Bird Luckin got us to a stage which would have taken us months - if not years - to reach on our own, and they got us there in a matter of weeks"
Matthew Sullivan, SNC Ltd - "You can be a good accountant, but if you don't have an understanding of the industry it can be very difficult. "There are two or three people we have regular contact with at Bird Luckin who know our business well, and it makes a difference.""
Robert Church, W A Church (Bures) Ltd - "The work which Bird Luckin has done for Boddingtons over the past few months has helped shape our future direction for the better."
John Warner, Chief Executive, Boddingtons Ltd - "Bird Luckin has acted for us since our inception 10 years ago. They have a very 'can do' yet highly professional attitude - we are very appreciative of their support and advice over the years."
Marlon Fox, Outlook Property Ltd
How would the euro affect your business?
The economic and political debates over whether adopting the euro would be in Britain's best interest have abated. However, some commentators believe that the UK's eventual membership of the eurozone is inevitable.
Whichever side you stand on, pro or anti-euro, you need to start thinking about what the practical implications for your business will be, should Britain decide to say goodbye to the pound sterling. Here are some of the issues you may need to consider:
Your systems
Financial and accounting systems, tills, vending machines, credit card machines and IT equipment will need to be able to deal with making and receiving payments in euros. If your systems are due for a periodical update, you may want to make sure that your software can deal with multi-currency transactions. Staff might need to be trained to deal with conversion rates and to recognise counterfeit currency.
Company literature
Company documentation, including sales literature, catalogues and invoicing documents will need to be brought up to date to reflect new markets and revised pricing systems.
Your sales and marketing strategies
The single currency allows customers to easily compare prices across the eurozone. You should explore the export opportunities offered by a hugely expanded market, and keep an eye on what your competitors are doing. If handled in good time, the changeover could be used as an opportunity to increase your market share.
Customers and suppliers
Customers will need to be informed about any new procedures. You should also liaise with your suppliers. With the euro they might make savings on imports: make sure they are passing these savings on to you. If they are not, consider shopping around.
Tax and legal issues
Considering the above measures now will help to stand you in good stead should 'not yet' become 'yes', but be sure to seek professional advice about any legal implications that may arise in the event of Britain joining the eurozone.
We like to help your business look ahead. We would be pleased to advise you on any tax or financial implications. Be sure to call us when you need advice.