- "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
Businesses encouraged to join Government’s prompt payment drive
The Department for Business Innovation & Skills (BIS) is launching a new initiative to promote wider cooperation between businesses and suppliers so that payments are received on time.
The drive will provide information supported by a new backbone group of business representatives who will examine the issues behind late payment - an increasing problem that particularly threatens small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) who are unable to survive resulting cashflow difficulties.
Guidance and support will also be offered to businesses struggling with late payment disagreements and will be backed by organisations such as the Forum of Private Business (FPB) in the hope that business performance will be boosted.
The use of electronic invoicing, automated processing and instant transfer and verification of invoices are some of the suggestions given to discourage the practice of delayed payment. Key points in the Government's campaign also include encouraging SMEs to:
- Sign a contracted pay agreement with suppliers before delivering orders.
- Agree to best practice regarding payment by signing the Government's Prompt Payment Code.
- Use legislation to pursue firms who put them at risk by delaying payment.
- Seek redress if they are not paid.
Business and enterprise minister Mark Prisk announced the new initiative as part of the Finance Fitness campaign, saying: "It is hugely important that all businesses, particularly small firms, establish clear payment terms to ensure they get paid on time and successfully manage their cashflow.
The Government is already setting a strong example by paying 80 per cent of invoices within five days. What's more, we have secured the agreement of business representative bodies to come together and establish a prompt payment workshop, to explore these issues more fully and develop business-led solutions. We must continue to promote prompt payment to ensure our small businesses can thrive and grow."