Case Studies

ArthurSteenHorneAdamson Limited

Brand and marketing agency ArthurSteenHorneAdamson is used to dealing with big names.

The Cheltenham-based firm's clients include the British Film Institute, BUPA, the Global Angels charity, Gadgetshop and clothing chain Mackays, and its growing reputation was highlighted with success in the 2007 Cream Awards and Roses Advertising Awards, both of which recognise talent within the industry outside London.

Setting up shop well away from the glitz and glamour of London's marketing and media worlds clearly hasn't stood in the way of ArthurSteenHorneAdamson since the firm was founded in 2003, although many of its clients are based in the capital.

So long distance relationships are a way of life for the agency, not only with customers but with its accountant ER Grove, which is based 50 miles from Cheltenham in Halesowen. The agency's relationship with ER Grove's Steve Lomas is so crucial to the business that he is effectively considered to be part of the team and even features on ArthurSteenHorneAdams own website in a gallery of staff photos.

Founding partner Marksteen Adamson explains: "He is a man who understands business and the challenges involved. He is incredibly proactive, and his input has helped us to shape this business."

The relationship began when the agency was looking for an accountant in its earliest days and a life insurance advisor working with the parents of Louise Adamson, Marksteen's wife and fellow founding partner, recommended ER Grove.

ER Grove provides the agency with traditional accountancy services, like annual accounts, audits and tax advice, but it is the added value of Steve's business acumen that Marksteen particularly appreciates.

He says: "We meet once a month, talk regularly in between meetings and we don't have our quarterly board meetings without him – he is effectively our financial director, and invaluable in strategic planning.

"We will say to him: 'This is what we are planning to do' and he will explain the financial impact in every way, on our cash flow, our overheads and our bottom line.

"He'll advise us on how to use our money in the best way and helps us to achieve bespoke solutions that are not only perfect for us, but are also ethical – and we really like him for that."