Enduring links key to practice success
Trust and strong staff relations are the secrets of a long working life at a leading Crawley accountancy practice.
They are also key to client retention for Richard Place Dobson, who are still servicing some clients after more than 60 years.
Staff at the practice, which services more than 100 charities locally and nationwide, have even been known to stay and enjoy their whole career at the firm.
Clients and staff alike praise the practice for its commitment to quality and to fostering enduring relationships. “Good service, polite, trustworthy and highly knowledgeable” says Peter Vallance, who has used the services of Richard Place Dobson for at least 60 years for his property letting business and Gatwick Aviation Museum charity. “As we have matured, so have they.”
“Straightforward, to the point, reliable and courteous,” remarks Angela van Beugen Bik, whose family have used the firm over a similar timescale. “I like the fact that Matthew Tyson, the Tax Director, trained at the firm and progressed from trainee to director,” she adds.
Maggie Reid started work at the practice as a shorthand typist 51 years ago, progressing to payroll and company formations at the firm. “I was offered four positions at different practices locally but chose Richard Place Dobson because of the friendly atmosphere, flexibility and the opportunity to learn and branch out. I have never regretted my decision and am still given opportunities to learn,” she says.
Client manager Melissa – a ‘newcomer’ of 10 years – loves the variety the firm offers. “If you show an interest in a particular field, they will make space for you,” she says.
“The firm has a lovely approach. Everyone is supportive and no two days are the same. I deal with clients of different sizes and differing needs that I wouldn’t get at a larger organisation.”
Sue Chinn started at Richard Place Dobson more than 12 years ago as a part-time accounts assistant and progressed to full-time client manager. “The four directors are all keen on workplace balance and have built a family atmosphere at the office,” she says.
Melissa and Sue agree that the good retention rates of the firm are partly down to the “longevity and continuity of staff and the trust built up with our clients” as both have worked with many of their clients throughout their time at the practice.
All four practice directors are long-stayers themselves.Matthew Tysonjoined as a trainee in 1988, becoming a partner in 1995. Phil Hayden, the longest serving director, joined the firm in 1976.
As the firm advocates: ‘We don’t just work for you, we work with you. We are not just here to ensure you meet your statutory obligations but also to help develop your goals and to get you where you want to be’.
[http://www.placedobson.co.uk/] www.placedobson.co.uk
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