Testimonials
Still a sound investment
Although, legally, you might not require an audit, Armstrong Watson can identify some distinct advantages. These people agree with us:
Empathetic people
My team runs the accounts for two untypical charities and Armstrong Watson has been our auditor since 1999. The audits have been well timetabled with good continuity of partner, manager and auditors. In addition to the technical knowledge required for the audits, Armstrong Watson has been quick and efficient at responding to ad hoc queries. Charity staff, who are not used to audits, say that Armstrong Watson's people are empathetic.
Peter Alp - Leeds Grand Theatre
Quality and professionalism
Lowe Alpine appointed Armstrong Watson as their auditors in 2006. From the outset they have provided us with the quality and professionalism of service normally associated with one of the 'Big Four' audit firms. Having the specialised audit team based in Carlisle, together with a local office in Kendal works very well giving us expert advice as well as a local service. Last year's audit went very smoothly and the audit team carried out their work in a friendly and helpful manner. With Armstrong Watson having specialist skilled staff in all areas we have been able to find advice and solutions to any international as well as UK related issues we have raised with them and they have quickly gained the confidence of our international parent as well as our UK based business. Armstrong Watson has also been pro-active in making us aware of, schemes that have both saved us money and enhanced employee benefits.
David Udberg - Managing Director - Lowe Alpine UK Limited
Needy support
We have no doubt that many accounting firms could provide us with an audit service, but I am certain that very few take the care and interest in the company and the people behind it. Armstrong Watson has been our auditor and supplied tax advice for ten years - they've provided us with support when it was most needed.
Jim O' Connor - Kirklees Youth Training
No punches being pulled
HVCA is one of the largest trade associations in the UK and is the controlling entity of seven operating subsidiaries. The Group is not large in financial terms when compared with the general level of UK businesses but it operates on commercial lines wherever possible, particularly at subsidiary company level.
In 1997, it was decided to emulate the practices being adopted by bigger businesses by the creation of an Audit Committee and an internal audit function. This was operated by Finance Department staff initially and then, in 2000, a decision was taken to transfer all internal audit functions to an external firm. After a carefully structured selection process, Armstrong Watson were appointed.
We have never regretted the decision. Every element of the Group has now been subject to rigorous review at least once, and there has been a clearly recognisable improvement in our systems, internal control procedures and reporting functions. The quality of reporting by Armstrong Watson, both for management and the Audit Committee, is very high with no punches being pulled.
Internal audit has become an integral part of our operations. We are now entering the next phase of internal audit review processes with Armstrong Watson and look forward to even more improvement in our underlying systems and controls.
Ray Barraclough - Finance Director - HVCA - London
