“We engaged Peter Hill from Healium LLP to deliver training to a group of around 45 people, primarily in front line sales roles. Whilst not ‘sales training’ in the traditional sense, the content Peter delivered covered a wide range of issues from an understanding of the current economic environment, key financial analysis of margins, profitability, customer classification, and a host of ideas and techniques to get better outcomes from any selling situation.
He explained issues from a buyer’s perspective, and enlightened all of us on some of the psychology of how prices are set by sellers and how they are perceived by buyers. The financial modelling tool he demonstrates strips away all of the ‘assumptions’ and ‘excuses’ and shows exactly where profits are made and lost in the sales process. I have never seen these issues explained as clearly before.
I don’t want to give away Peter’s unusual technique for ensuring attendees pay attention! Suffice it to say that a;; those present were interested, engaged and participated fully at the various breakout sessions.
Peter’s skill is in presenting complex issues in a way that forces even the most experienced sales people to embrace the change he advocates.
What is also evident, is Peter’s hugely valuable personal experience, over many years as a Partner i an accountancy practice. As he explains, he is also a sales person selling complex services to clients that often don’t really understand what they are buying, so he knows first-hand how hard the selling role can be. But this also means he has worked closely with many businesses of all shapes and sizes and across all sorts of industries. He had a wealth of anecdotes and experiences that make every issue real and practical rather than text book theory.
If you want to re-energise your sales teams, I would certainly advocate a discussion with Peter.”
Howard Jones – Prysmian Cables & Systems Ltd
“I have been working with Mark Holt & Co, and in particular, Peter Hill, for over 10 years. When I was first introduced to them I was with what I thought were a good firm of accountants, getting sensible financial advice.
From that first meeting it was clear that I was not getting the advice I needed. We discussed a wide range of issues from protecting the value of the business better, how I could take money out more tax efficiently, and how I should reorganise the way the business was funded to reduce costs.
It was clear that Peter not only understood the complex issues we covered, but knew the care sector inside out, and understood me and my ambitions and concerns. It really was a lightbulb moment.
Over the last decade, they have helped me in so many ways. I was only able to navigate the complexities and financial challenges of a divorce, with Peter’s technical, practical and emotional support. As any business owner will know, whoever you are with, the attitude of your Bank can change overnight. One day they love the care sector, the next they can’t get out quick enough. Managing the changing attitudes of the business’ funders over that time has been complex to say the least, and would not have been possible without the support of Peter and his team.
Of course they also do the basics well. Annual accounts, tax work, the statutory audit, all done with professionalism, and looking for ways to add value to me and the business. I sometimes thought that my old accountants were scared of the Bank and secretly working for HMRC. I have never had any doubts that Mark Holt & Co are 100% on my side.
Perhaps most importantly, I have always felt that I had someone I could trust, who understood me and my business, and who would give me honest opinions on anything. Having someone with experience and sound judgement whose opinion I could seek on any topic at all, has been hugely valuable. Even when he disagrees with me!
The end result of all of this was their invaluable help in selling the business to a new owner. This was a long, complex and challenging process. Peter and his colleagues were able to provide crucial advice on all of the technical aspects of the deal, and to help protect me from unforeseen tax issues. Peter managed the complex dynamics of a buyer funded by a large financial institution, with more than a dozen different ‘professionals’ getting involved. Whilst I almost lost my patience on many occasions, Peter’s calm head kept the deal on track to a very successful conclusion.
So for more than 10 years, Peter and his colleagues at Mark Holt & co, have supported me at every step, providing excellent advice and support to the business and to me personally. Whilst they have been well paid along the way, I believe they have added value perhaps 10 x’s the fees they charged.
It’s quite simple. My advice for anyone in business, is talk to Mark Holt & Co.”
Garry Wilson – Eastleigh Care Homes
“Thank you for the hard work and expertise that your team have exercised on behalf of my company, with regards, in particular, to the demerger process that we have gone through in the last few months.
My business partner and I wished to go our separate ways after having worked together for several years. The split was amicable and our aims were clear but the path to achieve our goals seemed to be complicated and very expensive.
Mark Holt & Co came up with a plan to carry out a demerger which would leave us both in a good position financially, with minimal tax bills and with no worries on our part.
It was a lengthy and complex process which was executed by your team with great skill. The whole operation worked out smoothly and the end result has been exactly what we had each hoped for.
Having used you for many years now and having always been impressed by the professional and inspired approach to all aspects of our businesses, I wanted to say this demerger process has been a further demonstration of your team’s ability to carry out complex tasks with a very high degree of professionalism.”
TitanSWLtd – Richard Jones
“On behalf of Dom and myself, I’d just like to say a quick thanks to you, and especially Tom for your service to date. We have really appreciated the amount of detail you both go into with all our requests and needs. Your firm really makes us feel like you have our back. It’s such a nice feeling given the broader world of “client” experiences. Dom and I were on a call this morning, and we both agreed that working with you and Tom is an absolute pleasure, we feel like “VIP” clients. A nice feeling indeed.
We look forward to walking a long (and hopefully interesting) road with you all ahead.”
Doug Hoernle – Karri
“You are part of the team here at Safety First, and we really value the ability to pick up the phone or send an e-mail and get instant, good, commercial and practical guidelines on seemingly any topic at all.
It is great to have access to a team of people whom we like and trust and now know and understand our business, our attitude to financial risk, and the best way to communicate with us.
It really is a partnership we value.”
Emily Drake – Safety First Manufacturing Limited
“Based in the UK managing a growing international business, we needed a professional partner able to grasp the complexities of our finances while providing simple to understand and pragmatic accounting services.
We’re delighted with the support we’ve received since moving to Mark Holt & Co. Everything from help with basic book-keeping through to tax advice and payroll management – When they say that they can save you far more than they cost… simply believe them.”
Jon Hall – Resilience Advisors Network
“I’m a Co-owner of a large residential care home. Peter Hill of Mark Holt & Co was recommended to us five years ago as we’d gotten into a mess with a small accountancy firm. We were reassured from the beginning that a restructure was the best solution. The best decision we ever made and we’ve never looked back. Peter and his team have held our hand throughout the original restructure, our ongoing accounts, MI and now a new restructure due to retirement. The whole team are attentive and well informed. I feel I am getting good advice and personal service, I wholeheartedly recommend Mark Holt & Co.”
Kelly Jordan Boone – Treelands Home Ltd
“I have been extremely pleased with the very professional and courteous service provided by Mark Holt & Co and would not hesitate in recommending them. I have absolutely no concerns at all that the necessary paperwork required by HMRC is being dealt with in a timely manner. Any query I raise is dealt with speedily and satisfactorily.”
Hilary Preston, Director of Kirn Properties Limited
“Thank you to Gordon and Peter for advising me on a recent transaction which involved ensuring my wealth was secured in a tax efficient manner. Before they jumped into action they took the time to listen and understand what I wanted to achieve. They identified a great solution for me, my family and my business. My message to all business owners is to speak to Mark Holt & Co if you want to effectively manage your accumulated family wealth and tax liabilities”
Stuart Anthony – Bridge Motorcycles
Examples of our work
