Leisure and Tourism

The leisure industry is one of the top growth sectors in the North-West economy, and we are proud to already have a large client base in this sector. Within the leisure sector we deal with a number of types of clients:

HOTELS, GUEST HOUSES, RESTAURANTS AND BARS

In this sector we look after clients ranging from pubs and restaurants, small guest houses, large hotels with over 60 rooms and hotel groups with 15 hotels,  located throughout the North West.   Turnovers vary from £50k to over £5m, but we often find that whatever the size or location of the business similar issues arise.  As well as the provision of annual audit and accountancy services, we can provide quarterly management accounts, book-keeping services, and assistance in raising finance to fund expansion. Our large tax department advise owner-managers on issues with VAT, national insurance contributions, corporation tax, income tax and capital gains tax. 

A genuine and active interest in the hotels and leisure industry has enabled us to build relationships with key industry advisors and professionals within the sector.  We are members of the ICAEW Leisure Special Interest Group, Cumbria Tourism and the British Association of Hospitality Accountants.

We have specialist sector knowledge in areas such as:

 - Hotel management and reservation software, in particular Guestline and its rivals

 - Strategic reviews to reduce costs and improve efficiency based on key performance indicators, such as wage costs, investments in hotel improvements and occupancy rates

  - Human resources and payroll; seasonal demand, overseas workers and high staff turnover add considerable complexity to the one of the largest outgoing costs that business in the leisure sector face. 

Sector specific events held in 2009 and 2010 include:

 - Presenting at the ‘Success in hospitality in 2009’ event in Windermere

 - Hosting a ‘Managing your hotel during the economic downturn’ seminar on the Fylde

 - Organising a ‘Cumbrian Tourism’ roundtable event with the head of Tourism Strategy for the NWDA and the Chief Executive of Cumbria Tourism

- a second Cumbrian Tourism roundtable event on 3 February 2010

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

Key to Success - On the 9 March 2010 we are holding a free seminar for hotel owners and managers at Windermere Yacht Club. This seminar will bring together specialists who understand the current hotel economic environment and who are well positioned to provide an outlook for the future.  Contact Julie Treverton on 01539 729727 or click on the image below for further information.

We also produce a quarterly newsletter, ‘Hotel’s Update’ and issue industry specific, topical articles to the regional press

For a no obligation consultation, contact Judith Dugdale on 01524 62801 or Colin Johnson on 01539 729727 

HOLIDAY AND HOME PARKS

We act for holiday and home park businesses throughout Lancashire, Cumbria and beyond. The parks we look after are a mix of residential and holiday parks and range in turnover from £30k to over £1.5m.  Through our association with the BH&HPA we keep up to date with current issues affecting the sector from both an operational and financial perspective.  

Like other businesses in the leisure sector holiday parks in particular suffer from taxation and human resources issues arising from the seasonal demand for their services, alongside several issues with VAT on property. Our taxation and HR specialists can provide expert advice in these areas.

For a no obligation consultation, contact Damian Walmsley on 01772 821021 or Ian MacGregor on 01539 729727

SOCIAL/MEMBERS CLUBS

Key issues for social clubs tend to be the raising of finance for expansion or repair of club property, and compliance with the often complex rules of membership organisations.

Our wide ranging experience leaves us well placed to offer the specialist services needed to succeed in the leisure industry.

Our Publications

Useful Links

• The British Holiday & Home Parks Association - representing the interests of the British parks industry.
• The British Beer & Pub Associations - promoting and representing the interests of the UK's vibrant beer and pub sectors.
• The British Hospitality Association - the trade association for hotels, restaurants and caterers.

Bottomline Newsletter

• Bottom Line Winter 2009
  In this issue of Bottom Line Graham Gordon looks at pension alternatives for high earners, James Treadwell provides an update on the new Companies Act rules and Stephen Adams discusses the new VAT rates. The Moore and Smalley debate brought together regional businesses, banks and solicitors who discuss whether 2010 will be the year of recovery, and we speak to Eliot Ward the new Chief Executive of Preston Vision
  

  

Poll

Have you got enough working capital to meet potential growth in 2010?