I first joined Sibbalds in 1976 as a trainee chartered accountant and qualified in 1980. I subsequently left Sibbalds to join (what are now) PWC and later KPMG before rejoining Sibbalds again!
Role at Sibbalds
As the director and shareholder who has been here for the longest time, I have come across all sorts of problems which business owners encounter. Not just financial matters but issues affecting succession and strategy. I enjoy trying to find solutions to difficult problems and situations. Often, given the personalities involved, there is no correct answer, it just involves keeping an open mind and working together to achieve the result the client wants.
I like to take time to think about clients’ circumstances and suggest ways of improving profitability and reducing tax. To my mind this is vital in providing a professional service, it is not just about preparing a set of accounts and tax computations – machines can do that!
Qualifications and Experience
I qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1980. In addition to Sibbalds, I have previously worked in the tax department at PWC and rose through the ranks at KPMG to become a Senior Manager.
What I enjoy most about the role
I enjoy the diversity that comes with spending time with my clients which can include young people starting in a business, mature businesses looking to expand or plan their succession and tax matters for people who have retired. I also enjoy being involved in a firm which is growing and is ambitious to achieve good results for itself, its staff and its clients.
Things I enjoy doing outside of Sibbalds
My leisure time is spent gardening, cycling, walking or travelling. I list gardening first because that probably takes up most of my time and I like to grow fruit and vegetables which Jane (my wife) cooks or preserves as jam or chutney. I go cycling at least twice each week and this keeps me fit enough to do some more adventurous mountain biking in Wales or Scotland every now and then. I like hill walking too but never seem to get decent weather when I go to Wales or Scotland, must try harder on this one! We get away quite often in our motorhome for weekends or longer holidays, I like places which are off the beaten track, mid-Wales is my favourite.
Something you might not know about me
Don’t know what you know!
Testimonials
Our US parent company initially engaged Sibbalds to assist with the setting up of our UK subsidiary in 2002. Since then Sibbalds and, in particular, Terry Grant and Ian Smith have been involved with finance and taxation issues which have arisen. The period since 2002 has seen us grow from one member of staff in 2002 to over 50. Our company continues to expand and has moved into many overseas markets.
Alastair Veitch, Director
Sperry Rail (International) Ltd – www.sperryrail.com
Terry Grant has looked after my business and personal financial affairs for over 20 years now.
I started my company S & S Plastics Ltd during the recession and have managed to build the business over the years to what it is today, a £5 million turnover business operating from 21,000 sqf employing 85 staff.
Sibbalds have consistently been there supporting me at every stage of our journey. Being an MD owner of a business can at times be a very lonely place, having Terry Grant there at all times as a good down to earth second opinion has indeed been a great comfort, along with exceptional Tax Planning.
I have recently sold my shares to a PLC. Terry and his team have been there at all stages to help and guide me through this very complicated process. Sibbalds will continue to look after my accounts for my newly formed Commercial Property Company along with my personal tax advice.
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Richard Munyard, General Manager
S&S Plastics Ltd – www.ssplastics.co.uk