PEA14: Large Firm of the Year nominees

The large firm category in our Practice Excellence Awards always attracts high-spec applications from well-known names within the profession - and firms that can teach many others about how to manage sustained growth and high quality client service.

This year was no exception and judges Ric Payne, Sapphire Systems chief executive Ian Caswell and AccountingWEB's Rachael Power had a difficult task in deciding which to place on the shortlist. 

After some heated debate, the judges chose the following firms based on their excellent submissions: 

Lubbock Fine

This firm scored highly for its growth and process improvements, which included moving to new premises, and a heightened focus on technology that saw the introduction of a new website and mobile app.

The judges were impressed by Lubbock Fine's attitude to putting clients first, expressed in a mission statement that stated its team "goes beyond the call of duty" to serve clients.

The firm made an open and honest disclosure about its financial progress, which is healthy and showing promise. Lubbock Fine's claims of excellence were supported by its client retention rate and a success at attracting good quality clients through its referral network. The firm regularly surveys its clients to monitor care quality and backed its case with two real-world cases. At one professionals services client, for example, enhanced management information from Lubbock Fine strengthened the accountability of departments and individuals and "transformed the management of the firm".

Forrester Boyd

This large Yorkshire firm impressed the judges with a submission that ranged across numerous specialist sectors including academies, agriculture, holiday homes and construction. Forrester Boyd puts considerable effort into meeting and understanding the needs of its clients and prospects, and extends this client-centric approach through an internal care code, knowledge sharing and strategic alliances with other professionals.

In recent years it expanded its offerings with a a payroll bureau and financial services, both of which enjoyed 25% revenue growth and enhanced profits last year. It also expanded into Beverley by acquiring another practice.

In terms of process improvements, the firm has been investing heavily in soft and technical skills training, conducting its own client surveys and keeping abreast of the latest software and bookkeeping packages.

Rouse Partners

This firm's enthusiastic vision and approach to reaching its goal of becoming the "pre-eminent, independent firm serving SMEs and high net worth individuals" in its region carried it though to the shortlist. 

Judges particularly liked its face-to-face meetings with clients, which is "critical" in today's world, according to PEA judge Ric Payne. 

Rouse Partners' was candid about how it adapted to the exit of an equity partner and bounced back with growth initiatives that included a new UK GAAP guide, listening to clients and focusing on specific areas such as buy-to-Let and start-ups also made it stand out.

It demonstrated that its vision statement was being backed up by actions - in effect, that the firm is actively seeking to reach its goal.

The firm also has its ear to the ground when it comes to new technology and has implemented its own intranet site among other projects. 

BKL

BKL impressed judges not least with its process improvements, proactive approach to client care and the instilling of core values it has spent the last 12 months incorporating. 

It has, according to its submission, provided clients with a number of value-added services such as a virtual FD, HR, corporate finance and litigation support. 

The firm also impressed judges through process changes such as strategic hires, outsourcing its IT function and designing bespoke packages to automate administrative tasks.

BKL's focus on its staff as well as providing an excellent service to clients. In its submission, it said it invested heavily in improving the skills of its people and in return had a high staff retention rate.

Find out who will win by attending the Practice Excellence Conference in London on 6 November. Get your tickets here.

The 2014 Practice Excellence Awards are sponsored by SAP: “We know exactly how important accountants are to helping businesses grow and we want to do all we can to support that. That’s our business too and we’re focussed on developing technology innovations that not only help businesses run like never before, but also improve the lives of people everywhere.”