- "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
Disability discrimination
What do they cover?
The duty of all service providers to make 'reasonable adjustments' to their premises so that disabled people do not face barriers to access, and the obligation on employers with fewer than 15 staff to ensure fair treatment of disabled workers.
What do they mean for your business?
- Anyone who provides a service to the public or a section of the public must make 'reasonable adjustments' to their full range of physical features, such as kerbs, steps, doors and toilet facilities.
- Small businesses, which had previously been excluded from the Disability Discrimination Act, must comply with the legislation, and must ensure that they don't discriminate against a disabled person at any stage of the employment process, from recruitment to promotion and dismissal.
Action to take
In addition to reviewing your employment policies to ensure there is no discrimination, you must make sure that your business premises are accessible to people with disabilities. You should take into account all aspects of your business premises, both indoors and outside. Draw up an access plan to allow sufficient time to implement any necessary refurbishments. You may like to arrange a professional access audit.
For more information on the new obligations for businesses, visit www.equalityhumanrights.com
Further guidance on the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 is available at: www.disability.gov.uk/dda