Case Studies

D. W. Clark Drainage Ltd

Specialist contractors D. W. Clark Drainage Ltd operate trenching and excavating machines within a number of sectors -  including building sports pitches and welding methane pipework at landfill sites.

In 1990, the company was subject to a management buyout. The original owner handed over 75 percent, but retained some shares as a sleeping partner. After the buyout, the accountants who had worked for the original company were retained, which enabled the previous owner to still exert control through the accountancy firm.

“We were not in control of our destiny,” explains managing director Jim Wheeler, “so in 1993 we changed our accountant. We knew about Murphy Salisbury as my fellow partner’s wife worked there, and they seemed like the natural choice.”

Murphy Salisbury takes care of the accounts and directors’ tax forms. As the finance personnel at D.W. Clark Drainage can communicate with the accountants via Sage and feed information through regularly, the whole process is a lot more streamlined.

They also provide any financial and tax advice that is required, for example, on taking salary in dividends to gain tax savings. Currently, Murphy Salisbury is advising Mr Wheeler on options for exit strategies when he retires and the withdrawal of funds from the company while the other partner stays.

“The team at Murphy Salisbury are very approachable,” says Mr Wheeler. “I can talk to them as I talk to anyone else. They don’t talk down to you and they treat you as an equal.

“I would recommend them as I have always received good service and advice. I am very happy with everything they have done for us.”

To find out more about how our leading firm of accountants in Stratford-upon-Avon and Warwickshire can help you, please contact us.