Bath Life – Professional Services Guide 2024

LEGAL

BATTENS SOLICITORS

e tt e t the firm...

Battens is a full-service law firm, and our multi-specialist team of lawyers provide outstanding legal advice on a wide range of issues. At Battens we focus on you, the client, to find the best legal solution. With over 300 years of experience we are straight talking, pragmatic. Battens employs over staff across offices within Somerset and Dorset including one in Bath.

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In Battens Solicitors set up a Charitable Trust, to enable grants to be made to registered charities and for charitable purposes in Somerset and Dorset. Since then, the trust had donated over £500,000, beneficiaries have included hospitals, food banks, schools, youth organisations and the

arts. In 2023 over £40,000 was donated locally.

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Did you know Battens has 79% female employee base. With more female in the board room as the board is 80% female. This bucks the trend for law firms where typically it is more male dominant.

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We are proud of the work our Bath team are doing, this year marks our seventh year in the city with the team going from strength to strength. It never stops amazing us how vibrant and a close-knit the business community are. Where business colleagues become friends, allowing for the personal touch whilst still delivering value for clients. Bath is steeped in history through beautiful architecture and a deep-rooted community, everywhere you turn there is something to be admired.

For more: battens.co.uk

GOUGHS SOLICITORS

Sarah Loveless, Partner

Tell us a little about the firm...

Goughs has stood the test of time and been a prominent feature of the Wiltshire high streets since 1882. With 130 team members working across family law, residential and commercial property, corporate and employment matters, housebuilding & land development and will, trusts and probate, we can offer a wide range of services to our clients.

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One of the reasons Goughs’ has stood the test of time is the way in which change, and progression has been embraced and encouraged. In recent times the firm has adapted to remote working for the benefit of colleagues and clients alike. One of the things we are most proud of though, is the introduction of wellbeing and eco committees. Involving our teams in initiatives to ensure we’re working towards being carbon neutral, alongside safeguarding the wellness and wellbeing of our people boasts a multitude of benefits for our teams and clients.

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The firm has worked hard to

embed the values of trust, engagement, accountability, excellence and teamwork within our culture. We look to employ individuals who see these traits in themselves to ensure we deliver them in the work we do, for the long-term benefit of our clients.

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The introduction of a sector approaches a few years ago, means that lawyers from varying legal disciplines knowledge share and work alongside each other to problem solve for our clients and ensure we’re working towards achieving their longterm goals. We specialise in working with high-net worth individuals, those with agriculture and rural land backgrounds, individuals in the armed forces and people operating in the housebuilding and development landscape.

For more: goughs.co.uk

MOGERS DREWETT

LLP

Sean McCabe, Chartered Financial Planner

Tell us a little about the firm...

2024 marks the 10th anniversary of the merger of Mogers and Dyne Drewett.

Both firms traced their origins back to the th century and the combined business created a footprint

that includes offices in Bath, Sherborne, Wells and Frome. Mogers Drewett support both personal and commercial clients across a broad range of legal and financial services, supported by numerous accreditations highlighting the firm’s capability and uality. The benefit for Mogers Drewett clients is that they can access expertise dedicated to the delivery of legal and financial planning in one meeting.

Sean McCabe, a member of the Mogers Drewett Financial lanning team, specialises in later life and retirement planning. m e

fi th the e rt ere er re ett Clients are fre uently surprised at how often financial planning and legal services interact. aving financial planners available in our offices can provide immediate access to information in areas such as receiving an inheritance, planning your own estate, protecting your business and family and planning for care. aving access to financial planning and legal services under one roof delivers a much improved experience for clients.

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Clients are currently facing various challenges as a result of the economic situation and cost of living crisis. In particular we’re helping company owners directors with business protection via keyman cover, pension advice and guidance to support their families in the longer term with

issues such as care costs. Being a financial planner is not just about providing initial advice and then leaving the client alone, it is about understanding your client and reviewing and meeting on a regular basis. This way you get to know your client and can truly help with any challenges they face.

Contact Sean McCabe: 01225 308333 or 0800 533 5349; Sean.mccabe@mogersdrewett.com; mogersdrewett.com

“THE BENEFIT FOR MOGERS DREWETT CLIENTS IS THAT THEY CAN ACCESS EXPERTISE DEDICATED TO THE DELIVERY OF LEGAL AND FINANCIAL PLANNING IN ONE MEETING.”

SEAN MCCABE, Chartered Financial Planner

HELEN STARKIE SOLICITOR

Helen Starkie

What area do you specialise in?

We are a niche ‘private client’ firm the only one in Bath. We specialise in non- litigious work for individuals, families and entrepreneurs Tax lanning, bespoke Wills, Probate, Powers of Attorney, Court of Protection work, Care Home contracts, Care Funding and Property transactions of various types.

he the firm founded and by whom?

I founded the firm thirteen years ago. After training and qualifying at a ondon firm I had for over twenty years run very large private client departments in two si eable regional firms but I became disillusioned by the way that they had become more ‘corporate’ in their approach to private individuals and the loss, as a result, of a personal service to clients. To me that is the essence of being a private client lawyer and the time seemed right to

set up a practice based on the premise of ‘service’ as opposed, purely, to profit. I was right. Clients tell me that they wish I had done it years before I did.

What sets you apart from others in your sector?

Our ethos and our size, which facilitates us getting to know clients’ needs in depth. Many clients have moved to us from larger firms because they value the fact that we know and understand them (and ideally their families, too) and their particular needs. We make time for that. Many complain that in larger firms they never got to speak with the same person twice. Here, they feel they can always get hold of the person they need, and that, if they cannot come to us, we will go to them at no additional cost.

A surprising fact t the firm We are all women.

For more: 01225 442353; helenstarkie.co.uk

STONE KING

Daniel Harris, Partner, Head of International and CrossBorder and Private Client Sector

Tell us a little about Stone King... Stone King specialises in business & social enterprise, charity, education, faith and personal law and next year we’ll be 240 years old! Stone King dates back to 1785 in Bath and, at one time, had offices once home to notable guests - Jane Austen and her family. Since then, we’ve grown to become a national firm with offices in Birmingham, Cambridge, Leeds, London and Manchester in addition to Bath.

What is the most rewarding aspect of Stone King’s work?

Our ethos is doing the right thing for our clients, our people and our communities and that underpins all we do. It gives us great satisfaction to help support our clients in Bath and around the country. This sees us working with our private clients, many of whom are high net worth, schools and colleges, charities, businesses, social enterprises and the faith sector. By supporting schools and colleges, for example, they are able to get

on with the valuable work of educating children and helping them achieve their potential.

What sets Stone King apart from others in the legal sector?

Our clients really matter! Not only that, our firm has some of the best legal brains who can get to the heart of the matter effectively and efficiently. We’ve also introduced some key initiatives to really support our clients; our team of HR consultants provides costeffective employment advice and we regularly hold webinars designed to keep clients up-todate with legal developments.

What awards has Stone King won?

We’ve won quite a few over the years including a Bath Life Award and a Best Place to Work accolade. We’re particularly proud of our legal guide rankings too as these are awarded following independent research with our clients. We’re top-ranked by Chambers and the Legal 500 and named a Best Law Firm by The Times too.

For more: 01225 337599 stoneking.co.uk

THRINGS SOLICITORS

Tell us a little about the firm...

Thrings is an awardwinning law firm that has been advising private individuals, entrepreneurs, family businesses and large corporates in and around Bath for more than years.

With almost staff across the firm, Thrings has become a leading name for Agriculture, eal Estate, Business rowth and rivate Client law.

Embracing a one-firm approach, our ueen S uarebased lawyers work seamlessly with their colleagues in Bristol, ondon, Swindon, omsey, and most recently the Wye alley, bringing together an enviable wealth of experience and knowledge to advise on a range of legal matters that enable our clients to grow and succeed.

What makes working in Bath special?

Bath is a beautiful place to live, work, and visit with a vibrant and historic culture that transcends the eorgina townhouse image beloved across the world.

The growing and evolving

cultural offering is matched by Bath’s enviable game-changing business and tech scene, with incredible new organisations launching and thriving in the city every year. We have had the pleasure of working with many of them over the years, supporting them as they go onto achieving great things.

What challenges are your clients facing?

The uncertainty in the economy is definitely something we are seeing impacting clients and their businesses. Election years always result in uneasiness as sudden changes in policy can affect the market and appetites for borrowing and investment.

As a firm, we specialise in helping clients to improve the resilience of their businesses, fortifying them and their finances to weather the storm of uncertainty.

What do you like most about the work you do?

Every client is an individual, and every business or personal issue is different this makes our work interesting and fulfilling especially when you know you have helped clients on the road to success.

For more: thrings.com

SHARP FAMILY LAW

Richard Sharp

Tell us a little about your business...

Sharp Family Law is the largest niche firm of family law solicitors in Bath. We specialise in helping clients to minimise conflict and maximise results, so that they can move forward successfully into the future.

Since our inception, we have been committed to fostering a constructive and strategic approach to helping clients control costs and achieve the best possible outcome. We are recognised for our expertise in helping clients resolve issues in a constructive, cost efficient manner through out of court options, including Collaborative aw, Mediation and Constructive egotiation

What are the strengths of your company...

An interview process conducted recently revealed that clients felt very supported by our solicitors, received good advice

from them, were encouraged to concentrate on what was important to them and their families, and saw costs managed within budgets. They also believed the firm looked out for what was in their best interest. It is responses like that which explain why we do the work we do. It is the reason I founded the firm in

. It means a lot to us to know we are making a positive difference in our clients’ lives.

For more: 01225 448955; www.sharpfamilylaw.com

“IT MEANS A LOT TO US TO KNOW WE ARE MAKING A POSITIVE DIFFERENCE IN OUR CLIENTS’ LIVES”

RICHARD SHARP

ACCOUNTANTS

MILSTED LANGDON

Karen Williams, General Practice Director

What do you specialise in?

As a firm we’re fortunate to have an incredible breadth of services for our clients from the usual services that you’d expect like Audit, Accountancy and Tax Compliance, to a range of advisory and specialist services such as VAT and Tax Planning, Forensic Accounting, and Restructuring and Insolvency. ersonally, I am a eneral ractice Director with a focus on supporting owner-managed businesses ranging from sole traders and partnerships to limited companies. I also deal with individuals and assist with their Capital ains Tax, and Inheritance Tax, as well as Trusts and Estate Tax matters.

When is the best time to get advice?

It’s important to be in contact with your accountant as regularly as possible. It will become even more important if there are due to be or have been major changes in your life. This will help prevent the possibility of missing deadlines and help you feel more prepared.

For businesses, reviewing management accounts will

help to identify trends and potential issues – allowing for early intervention. The use of software helps significantly to make sure you have accurate, real-time information, to be able to make better informed decisions. With the introduction of Making Tax Digital MTD for individuals, you are also going to need to be aware of the tools available, such as software and apps. There are also certain times of year when you should be speaking with your accountant. For businesses, pre-year end planning discussions ahead of your financial year end, and for individuals, a review before the end of the tax year, helps to ensure that you’re up to date with the relevant tax planning opportunities and allowances available.

For more: 01225 904940; advice@milstedlangdon.co.uk; milstedlangdon.co.uk

“AS A FIRM WE’RE FORTUNATE TO HAVE AN INCREDIBLE BREADTH OF SERVICES FOR OUR CLIENTS”

KAREN WILLIAMS, General Practice Director

PEARSON MAY

Matthew Rutter, partner

Tell us a little about the business

earson May is a leading firm of chartered accountants and chartered tax advisers with a Bath office located in reat ulteney Street. The firm was established in Bath over 180 years ago, and we strive to help our clients realise their personal and business goals.

What makes working in Bath special?

Bath is a vibrant and eclectic mix of business and pleasure. Against the backdrop of our beautiful city, Pearson May provides advice to owner managed businesses, fellow professionals, and private individuals who value a quality personal service – and paying less tax, of course!

What advice would you give to anyone considering Accountancy as a career?

Training in a firm such as Pearson May can give you the opportunity to gain all-round experience in areas such

as accounts, tax and audit.

ook for a firm with good progression prospects – for example all six of our partners started their accountancy training at Pearson May which demonstrates the potential.

What do you specialise in?

As well as being a chartered accountant I am a chartered tax adviser and a registered auditor. I work with owner-managed businesses in Bath and beyond, assisting with both accounting and taxation support as well as providing auditing services.

Did you know…

It is highly rewarding to give back to our community and, as part of this process, Pearson May organises a popular Charity olf Day in support of local charities. The event attracts business teams across all sectors and has been taking place every September for more than 25 years now. In total we’ve raised a six-figure sum for the charities concerned.

For more: 01225 460491; matthew.rutter@pearsonmay.co.uk; pearsonmay.co.uk

PG OWEN

Ian D Gillard, Managing Director

Tell us a little about the m ...

Being Chartered Accountants, as well as the usual array of work you would expect from us, such as online accounting and VAT, annual accounts, corporate and personal tax returns and business advice, we are regulated by our institute as registered auditors and probate practitioners. In addition we are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for mortgages, life assurance, investments and pensions. All these skills allow us to make the difference on your journey and support you from cradle to grave…….. and beyond!

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The adoption of online accounting software like Quickbooks Online and Xero, along with optical recognition software like Dext have allowed

us to stay relevant in this fast changing world. sing Artificial Intelligence AI is becoming a much greater part of our work, however, we are still very much a people business and pride ourselves on being available for face to face consultations.

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We will continue to see more and more frustration with the ever falling standards of M evenue & Customs. It is hard enough for agents to make contact so being an unrepresented taxpayer must be impossible. At least when we make contact we look to ensure the M C officers are held accountable, even if that re uires a lengthy complaints process to achieve satisfaction.

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For us, the continued growth of the team ethos as a whole, especially during times of stress through reduced resources. We have great team players, always looking to go the extra mile and be enthusiastic and professional in their work and client contact.

For more:

iangillard@pgtax.co.uk; pgtax.co.uk

RICHARDSON SWIFT

Tell us a little about the firm...

Richardson Swift is Bath’s largest independent firm of chartered accountants and chartered tax advisers, based solely in the city. Founded in 2009 by Derek Swift, who is still a director and Mike Richardson, now retired, there is a -strong team of experts specialising in accountancy and tax services across all business sectors and charities, as well as and tax planning, IHT, trust planning and probate for individuals and families. There is also a highly regarded audit team.

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Last year we set up the Breakfast Exchange in collaboration with Thrings Solicitors and have been blown away by the reaction of local businesses, with over 200 organisations getting involved. Both ourselves and Thrings perceived that Covid, Brexit issues and the uncertain economic future had led to a high level of anxiety and isolation among the business community. We wanted to create a network that meant nobody felt alone with their challenges, so we started hosting quarterly breakfasts where experts from both firms were

on hand to give informal advice and local businesses could draw inspiration from each other. To date we have hosted four events in Bath.

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It’s great to have an expert adviser on your side, but you also want to get on and enjoy working with them.

Whilst knowledge is vital in our line of work, there are other skills that we look for in our people too communicating clearly, building strong, open relationships with clients and always delivering exceptional service. As a result, we hand pick our team for their integrity, plain speaking, and ingenuity as well as their expertise as an accountant or tax adviser.

For more:

Richardson Swift Ltd, 11 Laura Place, Bath, BA24BL; richardsonswift.co.uk

RECRUITMENT & HR

CMD RECRUITMENT

Dan Barfoot, Operations Manager

CMD Recruitment: Connecting Talent, Empowering Communities

Established in 2004, CMD

Recruitment has been a trusted partner in the Bath community for nearly two decades. Strategically located in Bath, Calne, Devizes, Swindon, and Melksham, our offices enable us to understand local economies and talent pools, while actively engaging in community initiatives to make a positive impact beyond recruitment.

Work/life balance – how does CMD get this right for their staff?

We have always strived to provide a good work/ life balance for our team, even before Covid changed the landscape. With both Directors being family focused, we understand the value of

moments like nativity plays and sports days. ur flexible working environment ensures our employees can thrive both personally and professionally.

What challenges are your clients facing?

Despite a surge in global applications, our clients struggle with the local candidate shortage. A gap remains between job seekers’ preferences and employers’ offerings, notably regarding flexible work and pay. Candidates prioritise compensation, hybrid work, and personal development. However, remote and hybrid job openings declined by 25% in late 2023. This where having a good recruitment partner can really help. They

know the job market and can consult on how to best attract top talent.

What are going to be the topical issues for the sector in 2024?

Looking ahead to 2024, we think that more companies will start integrating AI into their businesses. This could mean that some jobs might not be needed anymore, but it could also create new job opportunities. Additionally, the national minimum wage rise will significantly impact businesses, particularly those with many employees on the minimum wage, because it will directly impact their operating costs and financial stability.

For more: cmdrecruitment.com

HUMMINGBIRD HR SERVICES

Annette, Director and HR Advisory Lead

Tell us a little about the firm...

Hummingbird HR Services Ltd was established in August 2023 and provides HR Support to SME’s. We are based in Bath but can also support clients outside the area remotely. Our clients range from single owners/directors to larger businesses not at the point where they can yet justify employing an HR professional. We help business owners with their people matters so they can focus time on the priorities of their customers.

h re the firm e leaders/founders and managers?

As the founder and Director of Hummingbird HR Services td, Annette is a fully ualified HR professional with many years of HR experience, gained in a variety of different roles and industries.

h t et the firm rt from others in its sector?

There are larger, national HR firms who provide support using a call centre model. At Hummingbird HR Services we will get to know you and

your business, can visit your offices when needed and respond faster and in a more personalised way. Although we can work based on a retainer, most clients prefer the ‘pay for the support you require’ model. There is no charge for initial consultations and for firms who already have support we are happy to discuss whether we would be a better fit and value option.

What challenges are your clients facing?

Clients rightly need to focus on meeting the needs of their own customers and growing their businesses. Our clients understand how important their employees are, however, that does not always translate to knowing what is required from an HR perspective. Before receiving our support, most clients have struggled to keep across the myriad of legal and regulatory requirements. Without the basic foundations such as a compliant contracts of employment, policies, procedures and employee handbooks in place, larger employment issues have arisen. Our focus is understanding our clients’ priorities and providing support on people matters in the best way to meet their needs.

For more: hbhrs.co.uk

RATHBONE HR SOLUTIONS

Polly Rathbone Ward

Tell us a little about the business...

Since 2018, Rathbone HR provides strategic and operational HR support and employment advice to employers in Bath and across the UK.

How does your company ensure equality, diversity and inclusion?

Equality, diversity and inclusion is a crucial element of the modern thriving workplace. This can be a difficult area for employers to get right, or even know where to start. The variety of perspectives, increased creativity and myriad other advantages that come with building a diverse and inclusive gives serious competitive advantage and Rathbone HR promotes strategies for enhancing equality, diversity and inclusion through every aspect of employment advice and HR support when working with clients.

What makes working in Bath so special?

It is a pleasure to support the business community of Bath where Rathbone HR takes pride in being a trusted advisor for local employers. Our approach involves forging genuine partnerships with organisations, understanding their unique needs, culture, and external positioning. Our focus is on guiding employers towards the most effective and commercially sound solutions. We find great satisfaction in creating working environments that promote employee

well-being and longevity, translating into reduced absenteeism, heightened productivity, and increased employee retention – all of which contribute significantly to the financial outcomes of the business.

What challenges are your clients facing?

In the tumultuous landscape of people management, employers are facing unprecedented challenges as a result of economic unpredictability, global tensions, rising costs and supply chain disruptions. Our focus is on helping businesses establish HR practices that ensure legal compliance whilst fostering a working environment and culture that attracts, motivates, and retains top talent and supports employee well-being, enabling people and businesses to thrive.

For more:

polly@rathbonehrsolutions.co.uk; rathbonehrsolutions.co.uk

FINANCIAL

BECKFORD SALTUS

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Bath-based Chartered Financial Planners, Beckford James, merged with Saltus at the end of 2022 (becoming Beckford Saltus) to enhance our clients’ financial planning and investment experience. Saltus was founded in 2004, and our combined entity employs over people and has over . billion in assets under management. Saltus is an independent, awardwinning financial planning and investment management business. ur mission is to improve everyone’s relationship with their wealth and to make it a positive force for their future.

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Saltus is proud of its advanced technology capabilities, which

was one of several reasons Beckford James was drawn to them. ur commitment to being constantly at the cutting edge, and embracing change, means that we can provide better solutions and be more accessible to clients through a variety of media, whilst of course still retaining traditional means of communication for those who prefer this. We have an industry leading app that provides a portal for our clients to view documents, have oversight of transactions and track investment performance all at their fingertips.

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Clients are currently facing many challenges, not least trying to make sense of what has been a chaotic market, as well as changes to pensions and allowances. igh costs remain and we have seen a number of clients changing their position to be able to

support relatives who are struggling with the rising cost of living. Traditional sources of income, and particularly retirement income, have to be reviewed in the light of this changed landscape, and clients are also increasingly aware that their estates are likely to be significantly eroded should they need to pay for future care costs in later life.

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e the firm et th r ht r the r t Saltus is very conscious of people’s different working patterns and the need for everyone to have a good work/life balance, including flexible working hours where possible. We have a weekly company online meeting, allowing us to recognise individual achievements, thank team members for outstanding contributions, make suggestions for improvements, and share best

practices. Although we are based across several locations, we work closely together to support one another, and the Beckford Saltus Bath office continues to grow and thrive in this new structure.

e t the firm mm t h r t eme t Saltus is proud to work with local communities by fundraising and volunteering for our chosen charities. As well as being involved in local sports organisations, we are proud sponsors of Tall Ships outh Trust, who help some of the UK’s most vulnerable young people redefine their hori ons. We organise regular charity activities such as quiz nights and physical challenges to support their work.

For more: Queen Square House, Queen Square Place, Bath, BA1 2LL; 01225 437600; saltus.co.uk

The wider Saltus team in Queen’s Square ready to take on a 21km charity walk

MI WEALTH CONSULTANCY

Maria Isaeva , Founder

Tell us a little about the firm...

After working in asset management for many years, I wanted to use my passion for personal finance to help clients achieve their life goals. aving previously attended a local school in Bath, I am excited to reconnect with old friends and build new relationships within the local community.

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A goal-based approach to financial planning leads to client-centric decisions. When clients contact me saying they they’ve been able to retire earlier than they expected or that they feel confident about their future these are the moments that define my success as an advisor.

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Financial advisory has traditionally been dominated by male advisors perhaps with less understanding of the issues facing young families and professional working-age women. As a mum and female professional, I understand the stresses of bringing up children, while running a business, or working in an intense fulltime job. nderstanding how this impacts financial and emotional wellbeing means I can provide an empathic

service tailored specifically to female clients, working parents and entrepreneurs.

MI Wealth Consultancy imited is an Appointed epresentative of and represents only St. ames’s lace Wealth Management plc which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for the purpose of advising solely on the group’s wealth management products and services, more details of which are set out on the group’s website www. sjp.co.uk products. The St. ames’s lace artnership’ and the titles artner’ and artner ractice’ are marketing terms used to describe St. ames’s lace representatives.

SJP Approved 11/03/2024

For more: miwealth.co.uk

“AFTER WORKING IN ASSET MANAGEMENT FOR MANY YEARS, I WANTED TO USE MY PASSION FOR PERSONAL FINANCE TO HELP CLIENTS ACHIEVE THEIR LIFE .

MARIA ISAEVA, er

OCULUS WEALTH

Paul Fisher, Director and Chartered Financial Planner

Tell us a little about the firm...

Oculus Wealth provides financial planning and wealth management services to private clients via a network of offices based around the country. ur Bath office, based on Walcot Street was opened by Director, aul Fisher in . aul has been with the firm since . As an independently owned business, we work in conjunction with its clients and other professional advisers to deliver sound financial principles and planning strategies.

h re the firm e e er er m er

ur Bath based adviser, aul, has worked as a Financial Adviser since . aul loves building long-term relationships with new and existing clients. riginally from Cheshire, aul moved to Bath in , where he met his now wife, Amanda and has worked for Chase de ere and the private bank, Coutts & Co.

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ising interest rates are changing

retirement income perspectives. Drawdown has become the main way to take a retirement income since pension flexibility was introduced, but it does involve investment risk. With careful planning, drawdown can still be the correct option, however with higher interest rates annuities should also be considered. The right option for you depends on a number of factors including your attitude to risk, capacity for loss, family etc. We would be happy to help you navigate all the options available.

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We chose Walcot Street for our Bath ffice. The street is a hub for independent businesses. We wanted to create an office which is the complete opposite of what you might expect a financial adviser office to look like We want clients to feel comfortable when they visit us. If you are lucky, you may also get to meet the office dog, Buddy a beagle cockerspaniel cross .

For more: oculuswealth.co.uk

UNIVIDUAL

Simon Jones, Financial Planner

Tell us a little about the firm...

Established in 2000, Unividual is a Chartered Financial Planning business with offices in ondon, Bath and Edinburgh. Financial advice is often described as “male, pale and stale” says Simon Jones, a Chartered Financial Planner at the firm based on pper

Bristol oad. nividual are on a mission to change the face of financial services by offering people from all different sections of society a safe space to receive jargon-free financial advice, he continues.

“Unividual’s focus will always be on building the financial wellbeing and literacy of people and businesses, and in turn transforming the lives of all the communities that surround us.”

Tell us about the firm mm t h r t eme t

Our civic work this year centred around ensuring everyone has the opportunity to access financial education. People and businesses are struggling with the cost of living so I launched an initiative to deliver free financial wellbeing workshops to local organisations. So far we have done a number of

workshops with some great local organisations, some who are clients and others who are not. In total we have gifted over 100 hours of time and helped 100s of people better manage their money.

h the firm te t t re e t Unividual has always had this unique talent for adapting quickly. I have worked for the firm for years now and we are constantly flexing the business so it reflects today’s world. In 2020 the Financial Conduct Authority reported only 8% of UK adults received financial advice. Why Because people can’t find a finance expert they can relate to. We want every person and business, throughout our local communities, to have the opportunity to improve their financial situation, safeguard themselves against

their financial fears and overcome financial challenges.

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When you advise someone you become their confident, friend, coach, mentor and I am privileged to be involved in the really great moments of someone’s life. I am also there for those really sad moments too and see it as an honour to guide people through different times in their lives.

There is always a moment in a meeting when I literally watch the penny drop, when I’ve explained how a pension works and someone actually understands for the first time. Or I might talk through an often complex and daunting area of their finances.

Educating people is honestly the best part of my job.

For more: unividual.co.uk

INSURANCE

HOWDEN INSURANCE

Tell us a little about the company...

Originally A Plan Insurance, we transitioned to our new identity, Howden, in October

2023. This transition has allowed us to enhance and expand the services we provide. As your local insurance broker, we like to make sure that you’re always able to get your hands on a wide range of policies. Our Bath branch specialises in the following insurances: Car, Van, Home, Landlords & Commercial. You’re always welcome to visit

us in branch to discuss, with one of our ualified insurance professionals, the cover that makes the most sense for you. For legal advice you go to a solicitor, for insurance advice you come to us.

What challenges are your clients facing?

We are seeing unprecedented increases in premiums this year, averaging between 30-60%. People are being driven towards the cheapest comparison site quotes, only to find out why it’s so cheap when needing to make a claim, or merely contact their insurer. Having a knowledgeable team on hand who can advise our clients is crucial to navigating the current market.

What is the most rewarding aspect of the company’s work?

Engaging with our clients

and providing an exceptional service. This is reflected in our 4.8 star rating on Trustpilot. The acknowledgement and recognition acts as motivation to continue doing the work we do, to the standard we do it. Making peoples lives easier with our expertise is the most rewarding part of our job.

Tell us a little known fact about the company

For many years we only provided personal lines insurance. Since December 2023 we have a dedicated commercial team, providing local businesses with the necessary cover. From public liability, professional indemnity, to business premises. We can cover your business’ needs. All of this created by two men walking their dogs one day in 1995.

For more: howdengroup.com

EIP EUROPE

Richard Gordon-Brown

e tt e t the firm... EI , with an office in Bath since , is an awardwinning patent law firm

advising on high-value and complex patents. ur success has seen us expand to seven offices across four countries, strategically located in major intellectual property hubs the , ermany, Sweden and the S. ur team of includes patent attorneys, litigators, and commercial I lawyers, making us a powerhouse in the sector.

h t h e eme t the firm m t r

At EI , we are proud to safeguard the advancements of our clients. From securing patents to defending them, our involvement ensures that the intellectual property rights of innovators are protected. We also went a step further and were the first patent law firm to open an office in the S, so that we can extend our support where our clients need it. We have been recognised by numerous industry awards both at individual and firm level.

h the firm te t t re e t We stay ahead of the curve by attracting top-tier talent and embracing the latest technology. ur commitment extends to supporting new, innovation-rich sectors with

bespoke products and service lines such as Codiphy our offering for software-reliant and data-rich companies. We ensure our services are not just efficient but cutting-edge, to match the level at which our clients operate.

h t et the firm rt

r m ther t e t r

EI stands out not just for our specialisation, but also for our proven track record in litigation this mixed patent practice was the first of its kind in the . ur dual focus and entrepreneurial spirit mean we’re involved in shaping the future of innovation at every stage. ur clients value and trust us for this holistic approach.

For more: eip.com

PATENT ATTORNEY

PROPERTY

ASPIRE TO MOVE

e tt e t the firm...

Aspire To Move are an independent Letting Agent based in the heart of Bath.

Aspire was set up by Caroline Baxter and Will Maslin in December 2019. Over the past three years Aspire has become a market leader within the lettings sector and distinguishes itself by delivering unrivalled levels of customer service. The team of five have a wealth of knowledge and expertise and look forward to assisting and advising the landlords of Bath and beyond.

e t the firm mm t h r t

eme t

As a company we are very aware that we operate within a fantastic community and that a large percentage of our clients are part of it.

From adopting horses at Bath’s local farm to pay for their food & care, to skydiving 13,500 feet to raise money for the RUH, we like to get involved as part of our company mission statement is to carry out community events and support local charities in some way, every quarter.

We are also consciously trying to reduce our carbon footprint by walking to work and appointments & wasting less energy/ food within the

office in addition to using electric cars.

h t et the firm rt r m ther t e t r

We are dedicated to giving every customer an individual and specifically catered service. We are not afraid to get our hands dirty to ensure service excellence and will happily attend a property to avoid costly call out charges for our clients. We ensure our small friendly team always give honest advice in order to maximise the potential on your investment, we really do care about what we do and that shines through. We pride ourselves on being local and using trusted contractors to ensure a seamless service throughout. This ethos, is what really does put us one step ahead of our competitors.

h t h e ee the h h ht the t m th

Our proudest moment came when we received the phone call confirming that we had won the title of ‘Best Letting Agent in the UK’, after every agent in the country was mystery shopped based on service alone. Explore our impressive collection of five-star oogle reviews, which serves as a testament to our commitment to every customer and our dedication to exceeding expectations.

For more:

01225 444 333; aspiretomove.co.uk

BATH OFFICE CO

Charlie Creagh-Barry and Jamie Williams,

Tell us a little about the firm

Flexible workspaces for businesses with aligned values, located plumb in the respective centres of Bath and Bristol. Proudly independent, locally owned and operated, and dedicated to supporting a thriving local business network. Whether you’re an established business or just starting out, the mix of dedicated desks, private offices, and communal facilities – across two cities – provides spaces for businesses to grow, and a home for their brand.

h

re the m e e er er m er

The Managing Director is Jamie Williams, supported by Felicity Williams as Communications Director, and Associate Director, Charlie Creagh-Barry, who joined the company at the end of 2023, having spent six years working with Savills in London. Charlie, a Chartered Surveyor, specialises in advising companies across the UK on their office strategies, highlighting the benefits of flexible office space and how companies can achieve cost savings and align their real estate with their wider business objectives.

Following the company’s expansion to Bristol, Charlie will be utilising his professional network, market knowledge and occupier focussed expertise to provide the local business community with office space to grow their businesses and create a home for their brands.

e t the m mm tme t t r the th r t

Despite being only 12.5 miles, or as quick as 11 minutes on the train away, the distance

between Bath and Bristol –culturally and collaboratively – can feel like a chasm. With a foot in each boot, we’re challenging ourselves to bring these two linked business communities closer, by offering

• A place to pitch up at the other end of the trainline or cycle path. Cost-effective hybrid working options, potentially widening a business’s recruitment pool and regional presence.

artner benefits at cafes, restaurants, event and meeting room venues.

• Connections and referrals to aligned businesses to aid their development.

h t e the m h e r

Bath ffice Co. are taking on more space in Bath, working on refining their sustainability strategy, and looking to grow their regional network talk to us first if you’re contemplating an office move

For more: 01225632777; hello@bathoffice.co.uk; bathoffice.co.uk

CARTER JONAS

Tell us a little about your business…

ur Bath office, employing close to 70 people, enjoys a prominent position in the heart of the City centre and partners national offices throughout the UK. Our uni ue partnership houses teams with diverse talents to include residential lettings, residential sales both city and country as well as retail, office, and commercial agency. Carter Jonas is now the exclusive affiliate of Christie’s International Real Estate and employ close to 1000 people across the business. We are determined to give the very best advice, combined with service of the highest standard, whatever your property interests.

h t et the firm rt from others in its sector?

What sets us apart from any other national agent in Bath is our diverse multi-disciplinary offering, ranging from sales of beautiful Georgian townhouses to country family homes as

well as farms, estates and commercial agency in both Bath and Bristol. Our key aim is to offer accurate, honest advice while being ambitious for our clients and their needs.

h the firm te to stay relevant?

As the exclusive Affiliate for Christie’s International Real Estate, the world is now open to us with a cross-nation partnership with other affiliates in many countries across the globe, referring business, buyers and clients to each other constantly. We are also engaging heavily with our social media platforms, ensuring Carter Jonas services are available to all, whether tech-savvy or not!

As an agile and diverse partnership, Carter Jonas is constantly looking to the future, and Bath now has a Build to Rent agency which is a rapidly growing sector. Bath residential lettings continues to expand and adapt to ever changing legislation and offers a robust and dynamic service.

For more: 01225 747250;

HETREED ROSS ARCHITECTS

Tell us a little about your business... Hetreed Ross are environmental architects adept at challenging consents for new, existing and historic buildings; using low energy design, sustainable construction and appropriately simple services, we produce delightful buildings to exceed clients’ expectations and improve both life and planet.

What areas do you specialise in?

Bespoke sustainable design: for most of our clients, the challenge is in making the best of their existing buildings; where these are historic, the hurdles are higher but the transformation can be exhiliarating : maximising comfort and delight - and minimising ‘footprint’. Where the opportunity arises for newbuild, we can tailor to clients needs and dreams to Passivhaus standard.

What sets you apart from others in your sector?

Our focus on sustainable design backed by in depth experience of the construction to achieve it: we’ve been designing and building sustainably in this region for many years – some of us since the 1980s – and have positive relationships with the consultants, contractors and authorities that make for successful teamwork for our clients.

What challenges are your clients facing?

The parallel pressures of Climate Change and the CoV pandemic prompt them to reevaluate their buildings - both functionally and sustainably: more flexible better uality spaces for more diverse work-life balances: better performing at lower financial and environmental costs.

Did you know?

It takes seven years to train and register as an architect including two years learning at work: Lyndon has been combining work with the gruelling demands of his part 3 dissertation; Nick has become so adept as a senior assistant he may never take the plunge; Ria registered in Australia so needs to re-register here, and Livia’s been UK registered for 10 years after her early European experience.

For more: 01225 851860; hetreedross.com

KNIGHT FRANK

Sam Daniels, Head of Bath City Sales

me r t r the firm

In the midst of our daily routines, it is crucial to acknowledge those quietly fuelling our office’s efficiency. Therefore, to name a rising star is challenging as it is a team effort, but without a question huge a shout-out to hoebe and Florence unsung champions who consistently enhance our operations. Their hard work ensures a smoother workflow and bolsters the positive outcomes we deliver for our clients thank you both for being the backbone of our office.

h t re t e the firm h e r

As a result of this more positive backdrop at the start of the year, we have revised our UK house price; we now expect UK mainstream prices to rise by 3% in 2024, which

compares to a decline of 4% predicted in October. With low-level single-digit growth in subsequent years, we expect cumulative growth of 20.5% in the five years to . With housing transactions a fifth below their five-year average, we waited until a clear pattern emerged showing prices were bottoming out, which we believe is now the case.

h t the firm eth h h

night Frank is a partnership, we believe that a true partnership is balanced, so we are committed to ensuring inclusivity, diversity, and recognition of individual value at every level. We empower our people with the autonomy they need to succeed as they help us shape the future of real estate. Collaboration is the key to our success.

We’re committed to being a Responsible Business. Our Building Foundations programme provides a charter for all night Frank offices to work by. ur efforts as an employer in, and contributor to, global real estate are guided by an ethos of eople, lace, lanet’. This means we focus on supporting our people fully; giving back to our communities who support us; and caring for our planet by adhering to sustainable business practices.

For more: 01225 325992; knightfrank.com

MEA CONSTRUCTION CONSULTANTS

e tt e t the firm...

Established in 1967, MEA is a professional team of chartered quantity surveyors and project managers serving clients in both the private and public sectors. Our projects range from £500,000 to £50 million in budget, covering an extensive spectrum of sectors within the built environment. From private residential to schools, affordable housing, office spaces, shopping centres, sports arenas, historical landmarks and beyond. As trusted partners to our clients, we leverage our extensive experience to ensure accurate contractual, financial and timescale management from project inception through to practical completion.

What have been the highlights

the t m th

It’s been an exciting year for MEA. Following on from our move to Beehive Yard last year, we were thrilled to welcome Alex Neal as a director. Alex has a real passion for sustainable and energy-efficient construction as well as a wealth of experience in construction consultancy, he’s a valuable asset to the team. Additionally, the past 12 months have seen multiple projects of ours receive prestigious award recognition, of which we are incredibly proud. Notable highlights include East Quay Watchet, a unique community hub, received three RIBA South West Awards and a coveted National Award. Wales Millennium Centre received a Cardiff roperty Award, and a

private residential project of ours received a Constructing Excellence Award. It’s incredibly rewarding for us to see these projects receive wider industry recognition.

h t et the firm e r m ther

Here at MEA, we pride ourselves on our approach, regardless of size, every project we take on gets the same personalised service, with director involvement from the outset. Our team all share the same mindset; they are incredibly passionate about what they do, and always go above and beyond. This ethos sets us apart, ensuring that our clients receive an exceptional service and the best possible outcome for their construction project.

e t the m

h r t mm t eme t

Supporting the community has always been an objective of ours, we recognise our capacity to make a positive impact. While we have consistently participated in local community events as a team, this year we have made a commitment to ramp up our efforts. In addition to our ongoing activities, we have committed to participating in the Circuit of Bath Walk as a team and are actively collaborating with Julian House on dedicated CSR initiatives aimed at enhancing their properties and supporting their mission.

For more: The New Workshops, Beehive Yard, Bath, BA1 5BT; 01225 337793; www.meaconsult.co.uk

OTTERS HOME SEARCH

Abbie Long and Francesca Watson

Tell us a little about the m

Otters Home Search

(OHS), founded in 2023 by experienced chartered surveyors Abbie Long and Francesca Watson, offers a personalised property search service in Bath and the surrounding area which takes a holistic approach to finding your home environment, balancing lifestyle needs with the aesthetics and practicalities of the bricks and mortar.

Living locally and having nurtured widespread professional relationships with businesses, schools and services means we unearth properties not openly available and offer invaluable local insights.

OHS delivers unparalleled purchasing advice saving our buyers time, stress and maximising your budget.

h t the firm eth

h h

Otters are industrious and skilled, playful and nurturing, and we bring all these elements to our bespoke property search service. Our approach combines professional representation, active listening and unbiased advice to support people moving either locally or relocating to the desirable

Bath area. We’re passionate about matching buyer’s needs and aspirations with inspiring properties that meet them, and nothing delights us more than a happy owner settled into their new home. We have a strong sense of a fair deal, making sure everyone involved is pleased with the outcome and work flexibly to ensure a smooth journey from discovery to purchase. We value work life balance and thread this into our meticulous care throughout the process, considering the emotional and logistical complexities of house buying.

h t m e r th e

Working in Bath consistently excites us. Its diverse residential landscape, from elegant Georgian townhouses to contemporary living spaces, caters to every lifestyle. The surrounding countryside provides idyllic retreats and the quality and choice of local schools, culture and entertainment is superb. Bath presents a unique opportunity for prospective homeowners to find their ideal property and we feel privileged to help people enhance their lives in such a remarkable city.

For more: 07400 736436 | 07900 905764

hello@ottershomesearch.com ottershomesearch.com

RENGEN HOUSE

Jo Lloyd

e tt e t the firm...

Established in October 2021, Rengen House is a boutique co-working space in the heart of Bath; a community for co-working, hosting meetings and events. Nestled between Pulteney Bridge and the olburne Museum, it offers a range of flexible membership options for co-working, from pay-as-you-go to dedicated desks. There are also a range of meeting and event spaces available to hire for nonmembers, as well as a regular calendar of events on offer.

e r e the firm fi e

At Rengen House, our ‘homefrom-home’ environment feels comfortable rather than corporate and allows interaction with others with no pressure. It is a positive space that members look forward to coming to. The Georgian townhouse within which we are based has been beautifully restored, retaining all the charm of the building, whilst ensuring we offer our members all the modern facilities they expect from a fully e uipped office. We also have a large outside terrace, perfect for both outside working and sunny lunchbreaks.

h t m e r

th e

It is a joy to be a part of Bath’s

thriving business community. At Rengen House we see a full spectrum of businesses and individuals, from entrepreneurial start-ups, to remote workers employed by national and global businesses, to some of Bath’s most established employers. It is lovely to see how the local business community come together to support each other. Of course, it also never gets boring, working just a stone’s throw from the beautiful sights, shops and food outlets that Bath has to offer

h t e the firm h e r

In 2024, we plan to continue to build our community of members, creating more opportunities for them to connect. We will be ramping up our busy programme of events throughout the year. Our monthly women’s networking event, Her Sphere has continued to grow in popularity and we have some fantastic speakers already lined up for the months ahead. We have also recently become an official sponsor of Bath ugby, in addition to our existing partnership with Team Bath, so watch this space for lots of exciting sporting themed events to come

For more: 01225 532692; enquiries@rengenhouse.com; rengenhouse.com

ROSIE MARLOW

Rosie Marlow, Personal Estate Agent

e t the firm mm t h r t eme t

The business has supported a few local charities. I have a massive passion for animals. The Bristol and Wales cat rescue has been struggling with fund raising and the rising costs of veterinary bill. I walked up Pen y Fan in the worst weather possible and raised £284 for the Bristol and Wales Cat Rescue which they will put towards the neutering of feral cats and rehoming them. When I am not working I also drive cats to their new homes. I also raised £210 for the local air ambulance. At Christmas I organised donations of warm clothing and supplies and offered them to Baths homeless population. I have raised £810 doing a

skydive for the Wessex MS Therapy centre in Warminster.

This year we are getting involved with supporting Julian House through volunteering and fund raising also planning an absail from the Spinnaker tower for the Wessex Ms therapy centre.

h t et the firm rt r m ther t e t r

We offer a personal estate agent service which provides a tailored experience for individual clients requirements. Our clients deal with one person from valuation to completion on their house sale or purchase. The office is open seven days a week and we also take calls and offer viewings and valuations out of normal office hours. We also meet all of our clients at the property on completion day to hand over the keys to their new home.

h t the m t re r e t the firm r

This has to be the amount of amazing feedback both vendors and buyers communicate with me. mostly get told how stressful moving has been in the past for people and the fact that there is somebody available at the end of the phone seven days a week and out of office hours this removes this stress. We currently have five star google reviews.

For more: 01225 941008; rosie.marlow@exp.uk.com; rosiemarlow.exp.uk.com

We

SAVILLS

Tell us a little about the Firm…

Savills is a market-leading business, with a global network of over 700 owned and associates offices. ur friendly and experienced Bath team advises on all aspects of residential and rural property in and around the city, and across Somerset, Wiltshire and South Gloucestershire.

Our in-house expertise in residential sales, residential development, rural estate management and professional services is second to none, and with specialists at our fingertips from across our wider business, we have the ability to offer a complete and seamless service across the market.

Name a rising star the firm

Mia Whitbourn- aughan joined our residential sales team on the Savills apprenticeship programme in February . She arrived with us straight out of school and has taken to the industry incredibly well. Her work ethic and due diligence are admirable, and as a result, she was promoted to a negotiator role even before she successfully completed her apprenticeship

in March last year. We are delighted to have her.

Describe the Savills th fi e

After 35 years in the city, we were thrilled to move into a prominent new flagship office on Milsom Street last autumn. Set within an elegant Georgian building, our new home provides a spacious, flexible and contemporary space for our multi-disciplined team. We love it and particularly enjoy welcoming our clients here.

What are your predictions for the year ahead? was a difficult year for the property market, with historic increases in interest rates and the cost of living crisis. This year, as the economic backdrop has started to look more positive, we have seen a notable shift in sentiment among homebuyers and sellers alike. Bath remains one of the most resilient property markets in the UK, and we expect this year to be a welcome return to normal levels of activity – with many people making up for lost time last year.

For more: 01225 474 500; savills.co.uk

SYNERGY CONSTRUCTION AND PROPERTY CONSULTANTS LLP

Tell us a little about the company… Synergy Construction and Property Consultants LLP is a dynamic multi-disciplinary Construction and Property Consultancy offering Cost Consultancy, Project Management and Building Surveying services. Synergy has had an office in the vibrant city of Bath for over 70 years.

With an 80 strong team of specialists, we work collaboratively across a wide range of sectors including Education, Heritage, Places of Worship, Commercial & Retail, Culture & Community, Hospitality, Residential and Sport. Each of our dedicated project teams are partner led, creating a client experience that sets us apart from others.

What makes working in Bath special?

The heritage and architecture. Over many years our Bath team has had the privilege to be involved with the repair and transformation of some of Bath’s most iconic buildings including Bath Abbey, Assembly ooms, Beckford’s Tower, Romam Baths, the American Museum in Britain, amongst others.

What has been the highlight of the last 12 months?

The highlight for the Bath team has been the completion of the Footprint roject at Bath Abbey Our involvement with the project has spanned over 10 years, where we have provided both roject Management and Cost Consultancy services. The project has had many ups and downs including being on site throughout Covid.

h t the firm eth and philosophy?

Synergy is committed to developing long-lasting client relationships through a bespoke and personal approach. We believe that the key to any successful project is to actively listen to our clients and understand their needs insideout from day one. Beyond the project itself, we appreciate and nurture the partnerships we make along the way.

Synergy promotes an inclusive and coactive culture. Through shared learning, collaborative dialogue and mentoring we provide a supportive framework for our teams to develop and grow. We encourage each other and make time to take stock and celebrate the positive impacts we have all made – together.

For more: 01225 461704; bath@synergyLLP.com synergyllp.co.uk

TECH

BUSINESS CYBER CENTRE

Christina Avison

Tell us a little about the business…

The BCC opened in Spring 2022 after a £3.7m refurb facilitated through the Getting Building Fund. We are a small but mighty team that manage serviced commercial offices primarily for businesses in the defence and cyber sectors with capacity for up to 172, and our conferencing and events space with capacity for up to 140 delegates.

What challenges are r e t

The BCC is home to an ecosystem of cyber businesses dedicated to protecting critical national infrastructure and UK sovereignty. Most businesses are unaware of the modern risks and the factors that hinder their growth. Through our range of products and services, we are uniquely placed to support SMEs in turning cyber complexity into cyber confidence through developing relationships, skills, knowledge sharing and opportunity.

What sets the business apart from others in its sector?

The award-winning design of our building makes for a modern haven with views out over Salisbury plain, on-site parking with EV charge points and a convenient location just off the M4. Not only that, but our catering is all provided on-site

from Franco’s Café & Deli with everything from the best sausage rolls this side of Gloucester Services to the incredible pomegranate-jewelled vegan spiced cauliflower. Our multifunctional conference and training area, co//lab, is adaptable to suit all types of events. Each room is equipped with state-of-the-art technology to enable hybrid meetings, wireless screensharing and presenter and audience speakers and cameras, with breakout areas providing ample soft seating and soft cubbies for quiet working. 80% of the seating in the co// lab is made from recycled furniture! You can even hire the Café space to host your next team building event, product launch, or Christmas party.

What Awards has the Business won?

Shortly after we opened, we were recognised by Insider Media, winning the South West Property Awards ‘Refurbishment of the Year 2022’. While that was before I started working here, the award recognises the standout workspace for our tenants and visitors that the team created here and a testament to the work of our designers that the BCC won. It’s really what sold the job to me, and I am confident when you get the chance to visit the BCC you’ll agree that the workspace we have created is one of the best in the area.

For more: 01249 479370 hello@bcc.co.uk

DIGITAL WONDERLAB

Who is Digital Wonderlab?

At Digital Wonderlab, we’re more than just a digital agency – we’re your partners in creating impactful digital solutions.

Together with our clients, we explore, design, and build positive digital futures. We utilise technical insight, strategy, and people-centric creativity to proactively shape the future we want to be a part of by designing and building effective websites, apps, and software. With a team of 14 dedicated professionals boasting 14 years of experience, we bring a wealth of knowledge to every project.

What sets the agency apart from others in its sector?

As a proud Certified B Corporation® and dedicated members of 1% for The Planet, Digital Wonderlab is passionate about amplifying the voices and visions of purpose-driven start-ups, SMEs, not-for-profits, and global enterprises. We firmly believe that technology can address societal challenges, promoting fairness and elevating organisational ambitions.

Deeply invested in society, the planet, and future generations, we dedicate time, money, and resources to purposedriven projects, making waves of positive change.

Last year alone, we donated 1,476 hours and consistently commit 5% or more of our revenue to pro bono work. Our unique lab fuses the social, commercial, creative, and tech sectors, pushing boundaries and reshaping digital horizons. We are wholeheartedly devoted to our work and our clients, always striving to make a difference one project at a time.

Tell us about the agency’s community/ charity involvement

We care about our community and are proud to work with local organisations that make our lives safer, healthier, and fairer. This often means we are ready to roll our sleeves up and get stuck in. Whether it’s planting trees, rowing boats, running marathons, or tackling inflatable courses for charities, we’re always eager to lend a hand. We also understand that sometimes digging deep into our pockets is what’s needed to support our charity partners, and we regularly donate to causes that resonate with us, ensuring our commitment goes beyond just physical involvement.

For more:

01225 220155; hello@digitalwonderlab.com digitalwonderlab.com

MARLIN COMMUNICATIONS

Richard

Hill

Description of the Company

Marlin Communications is a business communications technology company based in Bath. Established in 1998 and with just over 20 employees, we’ve been providing our clients with best-in-class unified communication & collaboration solutions that increase efficiency, productivity, reduce costs and improve the bottom line, for over 25 years.

We have strategic partnerships with over 30 market-leading technology providers and deliver bespoke solutions to clients with our team of in-house Solutions Consultants and fully accredited Engineers.

What sets the business apart from others in your sector?

Unlike many of our competitors, we pride ourselves on being fully consultative and vendor-agnostic. This, combined with our wealth of knowledge and experience in the sector, allows us to work across the full spectrum of business communications technology. For some projects, we’ll be able to offer clients up to off their initial capital expenditure using our uni ue approach to discounting and financial packaging. All this means our clients can trust us to provide fully supported, cutting-edge solutions

designed to fully satisfy their business needs wrapped in a financial package they may never have thought possible!

Describe the m fi e

When clients visit our offices, they come to experience the technology in our 1000 sq. ft Technology Suite firsthand. On show, we have the full range of business communications technology including the latest in videoconferencing and meeting room equipment, telephony and contact centre, whiteboard cameras, digital signage, room and desk booking and impressive 100” touchscreen displays. It’s a fantastic opportunity to discover and play with the technology and visualise the impact it will have when deployed in their business.

What are going to be the topical issues for 2024?

It’s no real surprise that right now, AI is what everyone wants to talk about! It’s already a very hot topic in board rooms and internal conversations at every level but also at technology events, conferences and other business networking events. We expect the volume of these conversations to keep increasing throughout 2024 and beyond.

For more:

0800 032 8274; info@marlincomms.co.uk www.marlincomms.co.uk

MOORE SW IT

Tom Cannon

Description of the Firm Moore SW IT were established in 2014 to support organisations in Bath and the surrounding area with IT support and solutions. The company has grown each year and now supports hundreds of businesses, charities, and schools. We have recently completed our own Cyber Essentials lus certification to show our dedication to Cyber Security, and help our clients with their certification.

What’s the hottest topic in your industry for 2024?

Definitely Cyber Security and Cyber Crime, and it has been for the last few years now. Unfortunately, Cyber Crime is constantly on the rise and getting harder to tackle – which we hear about often on the news with large organisations getting attacked. There are lots of ways to prevent it and protect your organisations, a big one being multi factor authentication or MFA – make sure that is enabled on all of your accounts. We can offer most organisations a free IT audit or review which would highlight any weaknesses. Please

visit www.msbit.co.uk/free-itaudit for more information.

How can you help with the way the pandemic has changed the way we all work?

Moore SW IT provide cloud IT systems, VPN’s, remote desktop and VoIP (telephones). We have helped a huge number of clients switch, during the last three years to be able to work from anywhere/home. Some organisations have already adapted to permanently working from home, which we were equipped to help with. We can supply a whole range of software to enable established businesses, or startups to be fully cloud based.

How has the pandemic altered the way you work, professionally and personally?

We have been able to allow staff to choose whether to work from home the last couple of years and be more flexible. We are looking to continue that as a lot of us have realised that we don’t need to be in the office every day.

For more: 01225 486100; www.msbit.co.uk

BUSINESS SERVICES

BATH RUGBY

Tell us about your venue, Farleigh House...

Bath Rugby is opening up its doors as a one-of-a-kind events venue in the Somerset countryside. Situated just minutes from Bath city centre, Farleigh ouse is a magnificent Georgian mansion set in 135 acres of outdoor space, with plenty of parking and a host of flexible spaces.

We’re really excited to officially launch Farleigh ouse as an event space. The venue offers the best of both worlds from our elegant traditional mansion house to our state-ofthe-art auditorium. The spaces available can be configured in different ways to accommodate parties, corporate events, team-building days and more. At Farleigh House, nothing goes unnoticed. Attention to detail is paramount. Both indoor and outdoor spaces are all immaculately and lovingly maintained. This is a space like no other, made by the people who tend to it, week in and week out. This is not a soulless venue. There is an energy buzzing around the house and grounds. Working alongside a professional sporting environment gives us our competitive edge. We are preparing to perform all week.

Who are your partners?

Supporting and working with local people is something we are incredibly passionate about. We have huge trust in our

Farleigh House Partners, selected for their locality but also their attention to detail, energy and genuine passion for their area of expertise. When sourcing our partners, we focused on supporting, and providing opportunity for the local economy and the passionate, fantastic local business owners in the Bath and Bristol Area. Farleigh House Partners include:

• Pasetti & Boote (catering)

• Wild Fork West (catering)

• Queen & Whippet (catering) Buffalo Tipis Archers Mar uees

Tell us about your packages...

We have a number of packages available to suit different needs, event and budgets. Please do get in touch and we’ll help you create an event that’s memorable for all the right reasons.

Farleigh House

For Milestone parties, together days and networking events.

Board Room – 12 seated, 40 standing

Music Room – 40 seated, 80 standing

Grand Hall – 85 seated, 120 seated theatre style and 150 standing

Castle Court

For Christmas parties, wakes and panel talks

70 seated

100 standing

Grounds

For summer garden parties and team building activities.

Up to 200 seated

Up to 200 standing

Auditorium

For talks, screenings and more. 90 seated

For more: events@farleigh.house; farleigh.house

GUEST HOUSE HOTELS

How would you introduce No.15, Guesthouse, Bath to businesses?

No.15 is the impressive roof under which sits 36 gorgeous rooms and suites. We’re home to our much-loved bar serving delicious small and large plates plus craft cocktails, and the Pulteney room - a bright space ideal for all manner of meetings. Further down still, you’ll find the uiet retreat of our Spa at No.15, with soothing treatment rooms.

We’ve all heard of bluesky thinking, and sometimes getting the team out of the office into the fresh air is just the ticket. Take things up a notch with a meeting in Bath at No.15 - a destination as easily reached from the North & South (less than 2 hours from London by train!), with No.15’s uber-charming decor, and incredible hospitality, it’s a recipe for success!

With packages including:

• Meeting space for up to 16 guests.

• 24-Hour Rates from £299 including VAT

• Day Delegate Rates from £80 including VAT

What plans do No.15, Bath GuestHouse have for 2024? 2024 is very much a year of reinventing our wonderful space on Great Pulteney Street. Here at No.15 we are growing our audience from beyond bouti ue hotel stays and into an untapped market of event hire. For many competitors of ours this is a forthcoming trend so, as a decadently designed hotel with designed hire spaces, we are developing our opportunities with which individuals can experience No.15 by GuestHouse, Bath. From business meetings in our private Pulteney Room onlooking the historic city,

through to incentive travel experiences or special events with the opportunity to book all 36 rooms within our hotel, we are keen to welcome individuals for just the day to overnight.

Our hotel is a hybrid creative-designed space which we call ‘Bath’s best kept secret’, and we are ready to spread the word! We can all imagine a corporate strategy stay in a standard hotel. Forget the upgraded rooms, take things up a notch and book your team into a creative-led hotel with a bespoke Spa treatment for that post-work treat. That’s motivation to increase productivity!

What Awards has the hotel won?

Last year we were uber-proud to announce that we were awarded Bouti ue otelier Bar of the Year 2023. The Bar at No.15, Guesthouse Bath has been a working project to create a relaxing mood, whilst maintaining its uintessential meets modern art essence. This award reflects the team’s flair in mixology, curation of wine collections, and zest for modern fine dining.

And we are excited to announce with our popularity we are launching a brunch menu in the upcoming weeks for both guests and locals to dine until noon.

For more: guesthousehotels.co.uk under No.15, ‘Away Days’ or call No.15, Bath on 01225 807 015

KATHERINE SHIELDS PRIVATE STAFF

Katherine Shields, founder and managing director

Tell us a little about the company…

Founded by Bathonian Katherine Shields during the year of the pandemic, amongst all the challenges the world faced at that time.

We are a boutique household staff agency that really care about our clients and candidates. Drawing on over 50 years of combined experience looking after the household staffing needs of private families, VIPs, and high-networth individuals, Katherine Shields rivate Staff recognises the paramount importance of listening to and understanding the exacting needs of our valued clients and esteemed candidates. We are really proud of having achieved over eighty Five Star google reviews.

What areas of recruitment e e

We specialise in private household recruitment, handling placements for clients throughout the UK and

overseas. Our services cover a range of positions including Nannies (live-in, daily, temporary, and/or permanent), as well as all domestic staff, such as Butlers, Housekeepers, Cooks, Gardeners, domestic Couples, Chauffeurs and Estate Managers.

What distinguishes you from other recruitment agencies?

What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to personalised service and attention to detail. The majority of our business comes from recommendation and word of mouth referrals. We prioritise understanding the unique needs of both our clients and candidates, ensuring a perfect match that goes beyond just ualifications on paper. Our extensive industry knowledge and network allow us to source top-tier talent and exclusive opportunities.

Moreover, we pride ourselves on building lasting relationships, offering continuous support throughout the recruitment process and beyond. At our agency, it’s not just about filling a position—it’s about forging connections and fostering success for all involved.

For more:

.ks privatesta .com; hello@ks privatesta .com; 020 7101 4684

“WHAT SETS US APART IS OUR UNWAVERING COMMITMENT TO PERSONALISED SERVICE AND ATTENTION TO DETAIL.”

KATHERINE SHIELDS, Founder and MD

MINUTEMAN PRESS

David Ghent, founder / managing director

Tell us a little about the company…

We are a design, print and signage company also offering vehicle graphics and all your exhibition display requirements. In April this year we celebrate our 25th year of trading and we were extremely pleased in 2022 to have had one of our best sales growths ever. Our success last year is down to our excellent growing team of 13 and our successful move from Walcot Street in late 2021 when we moved to our Commercial unit at Pines Way.

How has the company adapted to stay relevant?

Having opened in April 1998 we soon realised that to grow the business and to be the top printer in the city we needed to have the best and most up to date equipment available. Over the years we have upgraded our equipment many times and when we moved into our new unit we invested in two of Xerox’s top of the range

digital presses worth £900,000. These machines can print speciality colours such as white, fluorescents, gold and silver which enhances the print jobs resulting in printing that really stands out. We have also added foiling in house and our vehicle bay means that we can do vehicle graphics on cars and vans.

h t e the firm have for 2024?

We will be celebrating our 26th anniversary. Having opened on April 1st 1998 we have established ourselves as Bath’s leading Print and Signage company. We will be marketing ourselves more than ever with special anniversary offers and we will have another of our successful open evenings soon so look out for details. In May 2022 we bought a Trotec laser cutter which now means we can produce laser cut and engraved products such as Acrylic, leather, glass, wood etc.

For more: 01225 442000; david@minutemanbath.co.uk; minutemanbath.co.uk

At Goughs Solicitors we are unique in our approach to working with businesses. Having the privilege of a team of specialist lawyers from a range of disciplines that can work together truly ensures that advice is personalised and tailored to you and your business needs. We will put stepping stones in place to protect your business whilst allowing it to grow and flourish.

LEVERAGING YOUR BUSINESS THROUGH COMMERCIAL PROPERTY

To start, my top tip to all tenants would be to appoint an agent at the outset to ensure that the Heads of Terms are balanced and well drafted. Few tenants realise that they are also entitled to appoint a specialist agent to act on their behalf. A well thought through

STEPPING STONES

Want to know how commercial property can boost your business? Olivia Holden of GOUGH'S SOLICITORS explains how she can help…

set of Heads of Terms and advice early doors can save considerable time and legal costs.

dialogue with your solicitor will aid a swift sale and identify potential issues early on.

“ IN THE CURRENT MARKET, FLEXIBILITY WILL BE KEY…”

Moreover, in the current market, flexibility will be key. For commercial property investors and tenants alike, having an exit strategy at the outset is something that often gets overlooked. For a tenant, considering things like well drafted break clauses or the ability to assign or underlet can save the need for time-consuming lease variations or protracted negotiations if an early exit is required. For a landlord, active portfolio management is key. Do not leave it until the last minute to appoint a solicitor if you are considering a sale – a well-timed health check and a regular

Whether you are a tenant or a landlord, I'd love to chat about what policies and strategies you have in place to protect yourself now and for the future. n

With offices located throughout Wiltshire, we'd love to see you at one of our office to discuss your business needs so please email commercialproperty@goughs.co.uk or call Olivia Holden directly on 01249 475886 to make an appointment; www.goughs.co.uk

MENTAL CAPACITY

Local

legal expert HELEN STARKIE explains the meaning of a common, yet complex term…

It’s a term bandied about in conversation but what does it actually mean? “Jim’s very vague; I think he’s lost his mental capacity.” We’ve all heard comments like this, but a total lack of capacity to do, or decide anything, is actually quite rare.

The Mental Capacity Act provides that “a person lacks capacity in relation to a particular matter if at the material time he is unable to make a decision for himself in relation to the matter because of an impairment of, or a disturbance in the functioning of the mind or brain”.

The question of capacity is, therefore, both time and issue specific, so, for example, Jim might be unable to manage his own finances as well as once he did, but be perfectly capable of making decisions about where he wants to live, what he’d like to wear, what he would like to eat etc. Or he may have times when he finds decision-making easier than at other times. This is often the case where someone like Jim is on medication.

The Act specifies that an individual must be treated as having capacity until proven otherwise and we may not draw conclusions simply from his age or appearance or because he behaves in a particular way. We need proof.

From a legal perspective, where there is some doubt about a person’s capacity, lawyers need to be sure that a person has the ability to make a decision which will affect them or other people before they go ahead with it. We use specific tests for specific exercises.

The test applied for a person’s capacity to make a will includes a number of elements and, as with other tests, we have to be satisfied on them all. We need to be certain that the person understands (a) what a will is and what its effect will be (b) what, in broad terms, is the extent of the property he is leaving and (c) who he might be expected to benefit in the will. (This does not mean that Jim must leave something to everyone who might be hoping for a share of his estate! But it does mean that he has to have reasons for deciding who he does want to benefit and to what extent.)

Capacity to make a lasting power of attorney is similarly multi-faceted and involves an understanding (a) of the authority being granted by the donor of the power to his attorney (b) that the attorney will be able to do anything with the donor’s property which the donor could himself have done (provided that that

“ THE TEST APPLIED FOR A PERSON’S CAPACITY TO MAKE A WILL INCLUDES A NUMBER OF ELEMENTS AND, AS WITH OTHER TESTS, WE HAVE TO BE SATISFIED ON THEM ALL”

is done in accordance with the provisions of the Mental Capacity Act) (c) that the authority being given will continue if the donor becomes mentally incapable and (d) that whilst the power of attorney can be revoked by the donor at any time whilst he has capacity to make a revocation, if the donor becomes incapable of revoking the power, it will only be able to be revoked with the consent of the court of protection.

When a client wants to make a gift of property we must be sure that he understands (a) that it’s his property and he is entitled to dispose of it (b) who the recipient is (c) its effect on other

potential or actual beneficiaries (d) that the asset is being gifted not loaned and he cannot claim it back (e) whether or not he is to receive anything in return (f) whether the gift is immediate or to happen later – for example when he dies (g) the proportionality of the gift to his assets and the circumstances of himself, his dependants and the recipient and his family (h) whether he has already made substantial gifts to the intended recipient (i) whether the gift is a ‘one-off’ or intended to be part of a larger transaction or series of transactions and (j) the underlying reason for the gift.

We have a responsibility to ensure that we give a client like Jim every opportunity to ‘have capacity’ – asking open questions in a relaxed environment and at a time when he is most likely to be able to decide things for himself. n

Helen Starkie Solicitor

38 Gay Street, Bath, BA1 2NT. tel: 01225 442353; www.helenstarkie.co.uk

ATHE END OF THE TAX YEAR – DO YOU NEED TO TAKE ACTION?

Jacqui

Bowden from Bath-based chartered accountants and

tax

advisers PEARSON MAY looks at some areas to consider before the end of the financial year…

s the end of the 2023/24 tax year approaches on 5 April, it is also a good time to review your affairs, making the most of opportunities to maximise your income and minimise your tax. Some tax planning may require action to be taken before 5 April. I will highlight below a few of these.

GIFT AID PAYMENTS

Don’t forget that, in respect of the 2023/24 tax year, higher rate taxpayers can claim an extra 20 per cent of the ‘grossed up’ donation from H M Revenue & Customs (HMRC) for donations made during the tax year. For example, if a donation of £80 is made to charity under gift aid during the year, the higher rate tax relief that HMRC will give you will be 20 per cent of £100 i.e. an additional £20. For additional rate taxpayers (those with taxable income above £125,140 for the year), the extra relief would be £25.

PENSION CONTRIBUTIONS

You may wish to consider making an additional payment into your pension scheme before 5

“ IF YOU ARE IN A POSITION TO DO SO THEN YOU SHOULD CONSIDER USING YOUR ANNUAL INVESTMENT ALLOWANCE IN AN ISA.”

April 2024, particularly if your total income for the current year may take you into the 40 per cent (or even higher) income tax rates. For most individuals, the 40 per cent rate starts to apply once income reaches £50,270. The tax relief for personal pension contributions works in a similar manner to gift aid payments and as a result, tax relief is available at your marginal rate of tax. You may however need to bear in mind and take specific advice concerning the annual allowance, which limits the amount that can be contributed to a pension each year while still attracting tax relief. For most individuals, the annual allowance is £60,000 but this could be more or less in certain situations, depending on factors such as the level of your income, amount of pension contributions made in earlier years and whether you are already drawing a pension etc.

HIGH EARNERS

High earners also need to bear in mind that they may be at risk of losing their personal allowance. Those with ‘net adjusted income’ in excess of £100,000 for 2023/24 will lose the whole or part of their personal allowance of £12,570. For every £2 of income in excess of £100,000 the allowance is reduced by £1, leading to an effective marginal rate of income tax of 60 per cent in the band between £100,000 and £125,140. Once net adjusted income reaches £125,140 the allowance is completely eliminated.

With both gift aid donations and pension contributions, it is certainly worth considering making a one-off payment before 5 April 2024 if you are in danger of losing all or part of your personal allowance or being subject to the High Income Child Benefit Charge (which applies when ‘net adjusted income’ exceeds £50,000).

The gross amount of any gift aid donations and pension contributions are deducted from total income when calculating ‘net adjusted income’ for these purposes. For example, if you are expecting your total income for 2023/24 to be £110,000 (and assume for these purposes that you haven’t yet made any pension contributions in the tax year), by making a net pension payment of £8,000 on or before 5 April

2024 (equivalent to a gross contribution of £10,000), could save you additional income tax of £4,000, over and above the basic rate relief, meaning the effective cost (after tax relief) of the pension payment is actually only £4,000. In other words you obtain the benefit of £10,000 being contributed to your pension scheme at a cost of only £4,000 – a massive 60 per cent relief.

INDIVIDUAL SAVINGS ACCOUNTS (ISAS)

If you are in a position to do so then you should consider using your annual investment allowance in an ISA. The maximum allowance for 2023/24 is £20,000 and this can be paid into a cash ISA and/or an investment ISA. The key message is to use it or lose it, since it can’t be carried forward.

The above are only a small selection of some of the tax planning points included in our annual publication – End of Tax Year Guide Spring 2024 which will be available later this month on our website or to anyone who would like to telephone our offices or e-mail us at mail@pearsonmay.co.uk. Copies of this will be provided free of charge. n

The above is for general guidance only and no action should be taken without obtaining specific advice. Such advice in relation to pension schemes should be obtained from your pension adviser or an independent financial adviser.

Jacqui Bowden BSc(Hons) ACA

Pearson May Chartered Accountants & Chartered Tax Advisers

Bath, Chippenham and Trowbridge

37 Great Pulteney Street, Bath BA2 4DA 01225 460491; mail@pearsonmay.co.uk

www.pearsonmay.co.uk