Scale, Sell & Exit in the Education Sector
A case study written by our client themselves
My first introduction to A G Smith & Co was around September 2017 when they first took over our accounting function. I was a Director and Shareholder of a company which specialises within the education sector.
Due to the company client profile and involvement in centrally funded activities, comprehensive financial management was one key area of our development. The team displayed an instant propensity towards acquiring the knowledge they needed to support us in this area.
As our relationship continued, it very quickly became much more than we would normally expect of an Accountant. Their service levels were second to none, they challenged us in the most supportive manner and quickly embedded themselves as a key part of our company.
They displayed a reassuring balance of knowledge, experience, humility, and most importantly, a demonstration of their personal commitment to the success of our company, which was extremely valuable during challenging times.
Professional guidance
As a company, we progressed very quickly, and I can say that a key element was the support and relationship we had with A G Smith & Co. We developed various systems and with their support, and integrated comprehensive management accounts which ensured we had solid financial plans as we expanded.
Our relationship developed to what I would describe as far more than just being the ‘Company Accountant’; the team was always there when needed, often at short notice, giving the support, guidance, and assurance that ‘we were in it together’. These rare attributes were of paramount value in our development.
In February 2021, we were approached by a Private Investment Company, and an offer to purchase our company was made. We accepted the offer and began a protracted period of financial due diligence.
This was not without significant complication and throughout the process A G Smith & Co played a vital role in eventually securing the sale. This involved in-depth forensic examination of our financial accounting, and they represented us on a number of occasions with the acquiring company’s financial experts.
Expert knowledge
They displayed exemplary knowledge, anticipation, and an assurance that I am positive had a significant influence on the sale of our company. This was within what I would describe as a formidable arena, dealing with Senior Partners of a multi national accountancy practice who were clearly familiar with business acquisitions of considerable value.
I felt that throughout this extremely stressful and challenging time, the team was the pillar of strength I needed. Their reassurance and stability were exactly what was needed during times where I was in doubt and struggled to stay positive.
The significance of the team’s role became very apparent once the company sale had been completed. The directors of the company that purchased our business had recognised the team’s competence, drive, and determination.
Valuable input
A G Smith & Co were approached to become responsible for the financial management of the whole group of companies. They agreed to this and managed the financial affairs of the holding company and its subsidiaries for two years, until the company scaled to a position where it required an internal finance director.
They embedded themselves as a vital role within the organisation. There were further acquisitions (since ours) which involved their valuable input, very often being the keystone of its success.
I can say without reservation that the team at A G Smith & Co is a unique group of accountants. I have been involved with various accountancy practices over the last 20 years and have never had the pleasure of dealing with a team that provides the service in the way they do.
They are and have been a vital part of my professional career, and I am extremely grateful to be able to work with them.
Other Case Studies
We engaged with a limited company client to review their financial performance and tax obligations
Moving a successfully operating with a handwritten bookkeeping system to the digital world
A small sole trader nearing retirement, faced significant financial uncertainty
We offer FREE discovery calls to limited companies, sole traders and tax-return prospects.
Once we’ve had a chat, we’ll arrange a proposal meeting to discuss your goals, what services you need, and what our fees will be.