"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

"Over the years, Bird Luckin have been instrumental in assisting our business development. They are pro-active and innovational, and have tailored their services to meet our needs"
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

Welcome to Bird Luckin

A leading independent firm of chartered accountants and tax specialists, based in two prime locations, just thirty minutes from London, in Essex, Chelmsford and Stansted.

Why choose Bird Luckin

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Plan now to take advantage of ‘green shoots’

While some politicians and economic experts are talking about the ‘green shoots of recovery’, it’s clear that the recession has had a significant impact on the mergers and acquisition activity within the economy.

There have of course been some very high profile takeovers as a result of the recession – most notably in the finance and banking sectors, where some well-known names have disappeared or merged with their rivals.

The focus of many businesses has been on reducing debts, cutting costs, improving cashflow and making sure they are in the best possible position to survive the difficult times, rather than looking to buy or merge with other businesses.

That change of focus is understandable, but there is a risk that as the market picks up, the businesses that could benefit most from a strong acquisitive approach or strategic mergers won’t be in position to take advantage, because of a lack of planning and financial resources.

The issue was recently highlighted in a survey by private bank Coutts, which found that around two-thirds of entrepreneurs admitted that they had not properly considered their exit strategy, and almost half believed it would take less than 12 months to sell their business. The average time for a transaction from planning to completion is closer to two years.

As a spokesman for Coutts Entrepreneurs Client Group pointed out, while long-term exit planning may not seem a priority in the current difficult market, it’s still important to plan for the future: “The buy-out industry will eventually open up, and merger and acquisition activity will increase, as will private equity investment. Therefore it is essential that entrepreneurs and businesses start planning if they’re looking to take advantage of an economic upturn in the future,” he said.

That advice holds true as much for entrepreneurs looking to buy businesses or carry out mergers as it does for those looking to sell their companies. But the financial conditions have certainly not made merger and acquisition planning an easy task.

According to the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), the mergers between the high street financial institutions have severely limited the choice of finance and lending available to smaller businesses, making merger and acquisition activity even more difficult to plan.

The FSB has called for alternative sources of funding and lending for small businesses, including through the restructuring of Regional Development Agencies and promoting financial intermediaries.

But the message is clear; at some point private equity investment and merger and acquisition activity will increase, and it will be those businesses with strategies and resources already in place which are best placed to take advantage. So whether you’re considering a buy-out, acquisition, merger or business sale, it’s important that you continue to plan and seek expert advice now, to make the most of those green shoots when they finally arrive.

To find out more, contact Kevin Thomas at Bird Luckin on 01245 254 245, or email kevinthomas@bird-luckin.co.uk