Year starts on optimistic note

Rapid small business growth over the last 12 months has led to optimistic forecasts for the year ahead at a leading northern Lincolnshire accountancy firm.

Rapid small business growth over the last 12 months has led to optimistic forecasts for the year ahead at a leading northern Lincolnshire accountancy firm.

RNS Chartered Accountants have seen the numbers of start-up firms more than double compared to the previous year.

Partner John Heeney reflected on a successful 2014.

“Overall, we’ve seen growth across a number of sectors,” he said. “The start-up numbers are particularly encouraging, not just for this firm but what it may be saying about the general state of the economy.

“It remains tough for many businesses after a prolonged recession but there are signs that things are picking up.”

Associate partner Alex Douglas, who specialises in start-up businesses, agreed.

“The numbers of start-ups has actually seen a 109% increase compared to the same period 12 months ago,” he said.

“It’s not in one sector but across the board, from manufacturing to retail.”

One such success story is Jayne Dealtry, who has enjoyed excellent growth since starting her online retail business in April.

Jayne trades on eBay, specialising in workwear and is an official distributor for JCB.

“I thought of the idea before Christmas last year and decided to go for it in April,” she said.

“It started quite slowly but there has been a snowball effect. It has since taken off and I’m really pleased with the response I’ve been receiving. I have a number of returning customers.

“I don’t get involved in the so-called eBay wars, with people wanting the cheapest.

“My concern is providing a good service, with a fair price that makes me a profit.

“JCB is a prestigious, quality brand and it is terrific to be an official distributor.

“I’m always looking to the next season and the new products coming in. At the moment, I’m thinking about next spring and summer.”

Jayne’s focus is on all industries, with strong sales in plant and agriculture.

“I’ve always been in the agricultural sector. I did a biology degree and a masters in agriculture.”

She and husband Graham have two young boys and the online business fits around a busy family life.

He is self-employed too, as an electrician, and had recommended RNS when Jayne wanted advice on setting up in business.

“John’s is a great guy who is approachable and has always been able to help with any business queries I’ve had,” she said.

“He’s somebody I trust to look after financial aspects while I concentrate on the sales.”

Mr Heeney said: “I was delighted to advise Jayne and ensure she got off to the best possible start in business.

“I’m looking forward to her continuing to be one of the large number of small business success stories that we have seen over the last 12 months.”

“ It is great to see that clients continue to benefit from our specialism in start-up businesses, and that the time and effort myself and fellow partner Alex Douglas put into publishing our ‘start up’ booklet is coming to fruition”.

Jayne Dealtry JD Quality Workwear can be found on eBay and contacted at jdqualityworkwear@outlook.com or telephone 07711 222301; while RNS can be contacted on (01724) 842713.

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