Testimonials

These are David‘s Testimonials:

After realising I had undisclosed tax to pay from letting out a property over several years, I looked for someone to help me. I found David through his website. He advised me on the most effective route to pay this missing tax. David advised that the HMRC’s Let Property Campaign would be my best route to resolving my tax issue and rectifying the errors.  He also identified that I had a problem with the High Income Child Benefit Tax Charge which I had to pay. I had complete confidence in David all the way through the process in full knowledge that he really understood the complexities of the LPC and how best to complete my disclosure. Everything was done within the rules but I felt that David was definitely on my side and he went out of his way to help me. It was really important to me to find an accountant who had specific expertise in property tax and the LPC process and I therefore wouldn’t hesitate in recommending David to anyone who is in a similar situation. Getting the letter from HMRC saying that my tax affairs were in order was a great moment and I breathed a huge sigh of relief! – Private landlord, West Midlands

David has a rare combination of business knowledge, flair, tenacity and courtesy. His enquiring mind gives him the ability to take a complex business problem, see it differently, identify the key issues, do his research and create a logical but innovative plan of action. He determinedly works through the plan to a successful resolution. Once my problem with undisclosed rental income was in David’s capable hands, all my stress evaporated. He is amazing! Private landlord, London

Huge thanks to David for helping us with a sensitive and tricky matter surrounding our rental properties on which we had previously received incorrect tax advice. This required our personal and business tax returns to be corrected and large amounts of additional tax to be paid to HMRC to correct the mistakes. This has resulted in a significant dispute with former advisers. David’s knowledge, diligence, patience and tenacity is appreciated beyond words. We were very impressed and more than delighted with the care, attention to detail and professionalism he showed us. David was satisfied that we had a strong case and his experience and encyclopaedic knowledge was put to good use to present a very detailed and robust case to the insurers. David was aware what information was required and how to obtain it. In many instances he was able to pre-empt a good number of the counter arguments the insurers hoped to use, to try to avoid paying compensation, for their client’s incompetence. At all times David made us aware of what was and was not possible and the likely outcome depending on the tactics used. We were able to use informed decisions as to how to progress, and all the costs involved. The outcome exceeded our expectations. We could not recommend David more highly. Business owners, Essex

During the year that I have been working with David, I have seen the breadth of his problem solving skills as applied to finance, marketing and people. David is creative, customer focused and a pleasure to work with. He is thoughtful, committed and makes a significant difference to his clients.
Nigel Temple, Founder of The Marketing Compass

David is a great mentor. He takes a real interest in people and gives a fresh new perspective on someone’s skills and value to others. I am very grateful to him. He has a knack of looking at things from the other end of the telescope. Lots of people say they care, David actually does.

Thomas Wells, Regional Business Manager, Aspen Waite (formerly Relationship Manager, NatWest Bank)

I was fortunate to be given some of David’s time recently. Never having met him before, I found him very friendly, open and easy to talk to. Being in the process of setting up my own consultancy business, he gave freely of his advice based on his own experience as a finance director and business owner together with that of others he has worked with over the years. In short, his advice, some of which I have already put into practice, was sensible, practical and tailored to my circumstances. David can add real value to the businesses he supports. I am looking forward to working with David again in the months and years to come. – Roger Evans, 360FD Services (formerly FD, Chiumento)

David is a very talented and passion driven mentor, I had the opportunity to meet up with David at an event recently. We spoke for a while and within that limited space of time he was able to impact me with his wide range of knowledge, energy and enthusiasm. He is a solution driven man with a very good approach to guiding people, David is someone whom I would recommend as a mentor to anyone that is success driven. – Tim Ayoola, Mechanical Design Engineer, Wilson & Partners LLP

David gave me a very clear finance coaching session where we explored the differences between, and purpose of, a cash flow forecast, profit and loss account and balance sheet financial statements. We looked at profit vs cash, depreciation and amortisation. We even had a basic introduction to double entry book keeping! I found the session extremely useful and was surprised at how much we managed to cover. I am feeling much more confident already and more equipped with the fundamentals to apply to my work projects. David’s has a really clear, friendly teaching style and he is practical in his approach. I am really looking forward to our next training session! – Laura Robinson, Visitor Attractions and Cultural Manager (Employer is confidential).

Whilst I was commencing a new area of work David helped me with valuable actionable advice delivered in a friendly and personable manner. David has an authentic and sincere approach which I felt was most supportive. – Rashad Shamim, MD, Finance Transformation Executives Ltd

“The consultancy advice and assistance provided by David and his colleague, Dr Roumteen Keshe at SME Strategies, with the launch event at the House of Commons of the Alliance for Human Relevant Science hosted by Sir David Amess MP were invaluable. David and Roumteen’s experience with social media and event planning helped to maximise the impact of our launch event creatively and professionally.” – Kathy Archibald, Director of Safer Medicines Trust, a founder member of the Alliance.

“David and I have worked together over the past few years on a number of innovation projects. His analytical mind, combined with his skills in innovation, enables him to effectively diagnose and offer unique solutions to complex business problems, always exceeding client expectations. His width and depth of experience in business helps him to empathise and interact well with his clients and develop strong relationships. His enthusiasm and passion to help, energises him to go the extra mile each time, adding further value to his already delighted clients. I wish David well as he consolidates his mentoring and consultancy business and recommend him to SMEs and larger businesses in all sectors.” – Yevi Ilangakoon MBA, Innovation Adviser, Greenwich Research and Enterprise, University of Greenwich.

“I have had the privilege of working with David in a professional capacity for over 10 years.  During our work together I have witnessed at first hand his skills as a business owner, dedication to his clients and ability to problem-solve complex issues and obstacles with new ideas.  Having dealt with many businesses myself, both of SME and of corporate size, I can honestly say I have never met any who work harder or have a better ‘can-do’ attitude and mentality than David.  I recommend his services wholeheartedly for businesses of any size looking to grow and achieve their potential.” – Laurence Crichton, Commercial Insurance Account Executive, The Lark Group.

“David’s level of both energy and enthusiasm while working with me on a number of different projects sets him apart from the rest; his level of attention to detail is like I have never experienced before. Once David is working on a project he is able to provide problem-solving solutions and apply his skills across a wide range of sectors. I would recommend David to any SME that is looking for top level professionalism and both the ability to take you to the next level and provide continued support and guidance.” – Paul Robins, Contracts Manager, Terra Therma Ltd.

“David has gifted me a new perspective on how I approach business matters and developing my brand. With encouragement and mentorship from a seasoned professional, he has given me the passion and knowledge to revitalise and restructure my business. He is ambitious for his clients and he has constructively challenged me. My self-belief is growing as a result. As his strap line says, it is ‘a World of New Horizons’ for me and I am excited to have David on my journey now. I don’t think David ever stops working – I’ve had emails at all hours of the day (and we Skype regularly). It is this enthusiasm of immersing himself in your business that I value and for which I thank him.” – Jay Downing, Director, ProWP.

“David brings a genuinely curious mind to your business, helping you see it through fresh eyes, question old ways and find new revenue streams. He is sensitive, personable and I felt comfortable letting him talk to staff, suppliers and my associates.” – Andrew G Marshall, Author, Marital Therapist and Director, Marshall Method Therapy.

“I had the pleasure of working with, and for, David and his team over a number of years. David is an impressive man, not least because of his immense integrity, kindness and decency. Intelligent and quick-thinking but also very aware of everyone around him so meetings were productive and helpful. A leader with the right kind of leadership skills and a man who has the respect of everyone around him. In summary, a thoroughly decent man and someone who I’d go into battle for time and again.” – Martino Giaquinto, Construction & Engineering Lawyer, Dispute Resolution Expert & Partner, Mills & Reeve.

“I was fortunate enough to be approached by David on a recent project that required the assistance of a Lift Consultant. The project brought many demands and was extremely challenging on a number of issues, including commercial, engineering design and contractor liaison. David was supportive and professional in communicating to all parties. His business knowledge is only outweighed by his strength of character. He displayed great innovation and creativity when tackling demanding and frustrating obstacles that were placed in our way. David is a true gentleman and it is a pleasure to work with him. It would be my aim both to develop that working relationship further in years to come and also develop a friendship with him. I wish him well in the future.” – Steve Webb, Consultant, Hemsworth Associates.

“I met David at an ICAEW ‘Better Networking’ event as I had been out of work for four months and feeling a bit low. I would like to thank David for the interest he showed in me, his mentoring skills and giving me his pro-active support, encouragement, positivity and providing me with the tools to believe in myself and to focus in on my strengths. I was delighted to secure a new role shortly afterwards which I am thoroughly enjoying. I will be keeping in touch with David.”   – Paul Warren.

“David was the contractor ‘Project lead’ for the Cellarium Project at Westminster Abbey. He was involved in all aspects of the Project and was integral in the successful delivery of the Cellarium. His calm manner and patience helped the Project run smoothly. David’s management of his team ensured that the construction team responded quickly and effectively to any problems that arose.  David was extremely good to work with due to his team player attitude and keenness to get the best out of the Project.”  – Katie Innes, Project Manager on the Cellarium Project.