Testimonials
20th June 2011
Dear Mike
Your Presentation to our managers on 31st May 2011
Thank you once again for a challenging, provocative and inspirational presentation tou our managers, which was just what we needed in these difficult times.
As I mentioned to you when you were leaving, we belive that this was the best business development presentation we have ever had, and I think will prove to have a significant impact on our future profitability
With best wishes,
Yours sincerely,
Push Patel FCA
CEO Westgate Healthcare Group
1st October 2009
OBC have been our accountants for a good number of years and during that time they have been extremely helpful and proactive. They regularly keep us informed about all the things we need to know, including business and taxation matters, by weekly emails as well as over the telephone and at various events.
We are delighted with the service we receive and gladly recommend OBC to anyone.
Gary T Neal
Managing Director
Leo 7 Limited
30 September 2009
OBC have proved to be one of the best investments we have made while running the business so far, they are always there when we need them and are happy to answer questions and queries if we are having any problems.
Its really refreshing to have an accountant like that, as other ones we have met have placed themselves on pedestals as if they were “Tax-calculating-gods”; OBC just take something quite complicated and make sure you’re aware of what they’re doing.
As well as preparing our accounts they have also been able to offer great support and advice during what has been a very difficult year for us in business.
Working with OBC makes us feel confident in the knowledge that an important part of our operation is being expertly taken care of.”
Darren Kent & Phill Brady
Spitfire Architecture
(01323) 431892
07595 820 351
www.SpitfireArchitecture.co.uk
30 September 2009
Grove Road Surgery
59 – 63 Grove Road
Eastbourne
East Sussex
BN21 4TX
Direct Tel No. : 01323 744363
Fax: 01323 744369
E – Mail stephen.fowler@nhs.net
Dear Mr Ogilvie,
As a practice we are pleased to hear that OBC are being considered for this years Eastbourne Business Awards and, by submitting this letter to you, wanted to show our fullest support to your cause.
The practice has commissioned the services of OBC for the past 5 years and this followed interviewing several prospective accountancy firms from within a 25 mile radius of Eastbourne. One key factor in the decision process was the AISMA registration that OBC held, as this clearly demonstrated that the firm had unique knowledge in the workings and complexities of a GP's surgery. It also allows for anonymised comparisons between the various surgeries that OBC provides their service to.
Throughout the time that OBC have been the practice accountants we have always found the service on all levels to be extremely professional. The forward thinking of the teams has clearly helped shape and drive the practice forward. Over the last 5 years the practice has emerged as one of the leading practices in Eastbourne, for which some credit is entirely due to OBC's input and advice.
We have always aimed to have our end of year accounts to OBC within 4 weeks of the practices year end. The prompt turn around in receipt of the draft accounts, followed by an all partners meeting with OBC within 3 months of the year end, means we are able to make decision and set new targets and goals very quickly into the new financial year. This promptness is recognised as a key element in keeping the practice proactive and ensuring the practice reputation with both the local population and our healthcare political masters.
The practice find the newsletters, circulars and general information received from OBC either electronically or hard copies on all matters relating to the business, taxation or other personal matters extremely useful.
The practice hopes that your bid in this years awards is successful and that in some way this letter has helped to support that bid, as you have always been supportive to us.
Yours sincerely.
Stephen Fowler
Practice Manager
28th September 2009
OBC The Accountants have looked after us for several years. Their advice has been invaluable and coupled with their approachability, they have provided us with a service we have not experienced any where else.
All of the team go the extra mile to ensure customer satisfaction and we are always confident that our queries will be dealt with promptly and in a professional manner.
We would have no problem whatsoever in recommending OBC to anyone requiring accountancy services and we are sure the service provided would be of the highest standard.
Jane Tilling
Director
GALLERY FURNITURE SYSTEMS LIMITED
24th September 2009
Good Morning Mike,
OBC have been carrying out our annual audit for many years and have always been very flexible in their time allocation especially with the challenges we have faced over the last few years; resulting in allotted audit times having to be re-scheduled which has been done with our needs coming first.
Your teams always prove to be very professional and cause little disruption when on site.
The professional and flexible approach of OBC is also reflected in your payroll bureau Sovereign Business Services who, over the last four years, have administered our payroll of 170 staff, saving us money and time as well as relieving us of some of the burden of PAYE paperwork."
Please thank your team on our behalf
R J Billenness
Finance Director
St Leonards Motors Ltd
23rd September 2009
Dear Michael
I am writing to thank you for the work you have been doing for Larissa, me and Global Telecommunications Consultants Ltd.
When we were recommended to you, we were told that you and your firm were very proactive and actively looked for ways to help their clients to improve profitability, where appropriate, and to save tax wherever possible.
You have not disappointed us – we are very pleased with the way you, Nick and Yvonne have looked after our interests, and we will not hesitate to recommend your services to anyone needing an accountant and tax adviser
Peter & Larissa Covell
Global Telecommunication Consultants Ltd
22nd September 2009
Dear Mike
I am writing following the completion of my recent accounts to express my pleasure with the work you and your team have done for me.
I was aware of your firm’s reputation as specialists dealing with the Healthcare sector including Doctors and Dentists, but when you change advisors you always wonder if you are doing the right thing or not.
Well, I can tell you I am delighted I changed to you and your firm.
You have embodied what I expect from a firm of proactive accountants – you have not only helped me to organize my financial affairs in the most tax efficient way, you keep me up to date with all changes that you feel are relevant to me, and most importantly you regularly discuss with me opportunities not only to save tax, but also to invest for the future.
I am happy to recommend OBC to anyone looking for a modern proactive accountant
Nick Violaris
Consultant Surgeon
22nd September 2009
Hi Pippa
Further to your suggestion, I am delighted to jot down a few words to describe the service that OBC have offered both Intercon Scaffolding and also myself on a private level.
Over the years the service has been extremely helpful, both with accounting and tax related issues, and also on more minor personal issues like you arranging to have passport papers signed at short notice.
The weekly and quarterly email bulletins and newsletters I receive are very informative- but more importantly than that - they make me STOP and THINK, and consider different ideas and processes - not a bad thing in todays environment when everyone is busy rushing around - this can often lead to other ideas
I have been invited to excellent breakfast BBF meetings where I have learnt a lot and also to evening meetings where the team at OBC have arranged for outside speakers to come and give talks on financial matters - these meetings have been informative and fun to attend.
And my final thought - is the fact that Mike and Andy practice what they preach!
Both have set stretch goals and pushed themselves on a personal level to do something extraordinary, with Mike reaching for mountain tops in Borneo and Andy completing the London marathon
Good luck to you all
Kindest regards
Carl Lynn
Intercon Scaffolding
18th March 2009
Dear Michael
I hope you had a successful time in Iran and that you have returned safe and sound. Please see below an extract from an email that I recently sent to our new Bank of Scotland 'relationship' (sic) manager.
''Coincidentally I was engaged when you rang because I was speaking to my accountant/auditor (Yvonne Miles from OBC The Accountants in Eastbourne) about her becoming a signatory on the Huntington House Limited cheque account.
As of today I am passing over the entire day-to-day bookkeeping function to OBC.
This is very significant because over the past year we have been getting to know the individual personnel within OBC as well as getting an in-depth understanding of how they operate as bookkeepers, payroll bureau, accountants and auditors.
As company directors, Marilyn & I are extremely impressed with their unrivalled knowledge of the care industry (Michael Ogilvie is a keynote speaker to care home conferences), their desire to help, their passion to make us more profitable, and their attention to detail, the like of which we have not experienced before whether it be from a one-man-band accountant or a top firm such as Baker Tilly.
Since taking back the bookkeeping function from the management company BML, I have struggled to find an in-house administrator who can perform the necessary day-to-day nursing home admin duties as well assist me with the bookkeeping. We are so happy to have found the solution to this particular problem.
The lady who will be responsible for the bookkeeping itself is Kerry Baldwin and she is spending the whole day with me today. She has in fact already started as she is able to access our Sage accounting programme, which sits on our in-house company server, via a VPN from her office in Eastbourne.
Despite the distance between our respective offices OBC have made a commitment to us that Kerry will visit us on a regular basis so that she feels an integrated part of the Huntington House operation. Even though she could adequately do the job for us remotely over the internet, it is a very important part of our company culture that people feel that they belong to the overall team.
From your point of view it will thankfully bring to an end the chasing of management accounts, as OBC will be driving the process and very much keeping us on our toes to keep the flow of information as up to date as possible so that they can instantly advise us when and where costs are rising, and help us to mitigate against future corporation tax as much as possible.''
The bottom line, though, is that finally, after many, many efforts at trying to achieve it I know categorically that I finally have the right team in place.
Regards
Geoff Hoare
Huntington House Nursing Home
Testimonials from a seminar on how to succeed in business
presented by Mike Ogilvie with Business Link in Hampshire July 2008
I’ve heard Michael Ogilvie speak before – he is so inspiring that I wanted to bring
some of my staff to hear him…
Louise Hallett, Hallett Independent
Always pick up interesting points, tips from your events
Elaine Taylor, Seadown Veterinary Group
This was an amazing presentation and I am in the 20% gang!
Shazia Mahmood, Shazia Mahmood Paintings
Very motivational and interesting
Debbie Sawyer, DLS Consulting (UK) Ltd
Very inspirational talk with realistic points that can be put into action
Fiona Moir, Gophysio Ltd
A great insight in how to succeed in business
Chris Davies, Westbourne Southern Ltd
Have gone away with some goals to set and a better understanding of pricing. A very profitable evening, looking forward to the future
Mandy Manning, Amews Falconry
Great ideas, thought provoking and motivational
Lorna Jackson, HWB Chartered Accountants
3 May 2007
Hi Andy
We would also like to thank you for all your efforts in this – particularly while Fiona was on holiday; you have been a great support to me and I am very grateful. All I can say is thank god we have you to help us through this – I don’t think I’d have survived and .... would have achieved the same result.
I’ve no doubt we will speak soon.
With kind regards
Tracy Smith, MNAEA
Director
HOMESpartnership
(T) 01293 529999
(F) 01293 439999
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19th March 2007
Dear Kerry
Please let me use this opportunity to thank you for excellent service in the previous year. Very much looking forward to working with you in the forthcoming business period.
Best Regards
Martin Kaspar
Robbens Systems Underfloor Heating
69 Castleham Road,
St Leonards on Sea,
East Sussex TN38 9NU
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11th January 2007
Dear Michael,
Thanks so much for today. We all found it very helpful – refreshing, inspiring, and extremely worthwhile. You are just what we need!
Thanks Michael. Hope to hear from you soon.
All best wishes,
Louise Hallett
Hallett Independent
Asset House,
7-9 Quay Street,
Lymington,
Hampshire SO41 3AS
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Friday 2nd June 2006
Dear Michael,
Sally has sent a testimonial for you, please see below. I would also like to thank you for such a fantastic session, I also came away feeling very positive about myself, something which I really need at the moment as I am planning to get more involved in marketing Pentlow Training. Thank you again.
Best wishes
Angela Pentlow Care Training Centre
Learning at Work Day – held on Thursday 25th May 2006 "ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING” with Michael Ogilvie
Personal Statement:
When I walked into the Pentlow Dining Room at the end of a busy afternoon, I had no idea that within the next hour my old pattern of negative thinking would be challenged and totally turned upside down.
I have attended many “self-help” workshops in the past and wasn’t expecting to learn anything new by this brief (30 minute) workshop. However, Michael was an entertaining and enthusiastic speaker.
He asked us to look at someone successful, who we admire, and list their qualities (confidence, self belief etc.) We then talked about what got in the way of us reaching our goals i.e. fear of failure, criticism.
When Michael asked for a volunteer of break a piece of wood, 2 cm thick, with nothing more than the force of a bare hand I knew I had to do it. First of all, Jeanette our Pentlow Training Manager demonstrated how it should be done. Michael asked me to write my goal on the wood, as a positive affirmation that by breaking the wood I can break through my challenge to success.
However, as I went to the front of the room my old habits came flooding back – “I can’t do it, I’m looking stupid, everyone’s going to laugh at me”. After two attempts I nearly bottled out completely but Michael was calm and encouraging.
I knew he’d seen many people do it and he knew that I could. “You just need a bit more zip!” he said. I squeezed Jeanette’s hand for support, had a drink of water, closed my eyes, took three deep breaths and 1, 2, 3, whack, crack and I’d done it!
I was rather overcome, not only because I broke through the wood but because I had so publicly committed myself to a new course of action to make my goal a reality. I know that by making such a bold statement I am already halfway to making it happen and can remember that if I start to go off track. When the old “I can’t do it” thoughts come up I have my piece of wood as evidence that I CAN!
At the end of the session I was surprised to hear Michael was an Accountant. His “Attitude for Success” is catching – I think he should be working in the field of teaching others how to overcome their fears and reach for the stars. With his support and a positive attitude then anything is possible.
Sally - Home Carer - Pentlow Community Care Services
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30 May 2006
Dear Michael
Thank you for your impressive demonstration, convincing people that they can do anything if they've got attitude! As I said, you should invite the people who attend the breakfast meetings to do the same. The girl you worked with, really went through a complete learning process and came in today, to say how much you have helped her. Thank you again.
Kind regards
Jeanette
PS Maybe I should try a thicker bit of wood - or even walk on hot coals. I have always learned when attending your sessions.
Pentlow Training Centre Ltd
26 Church Street
Eastbourne
East Sussex BN21 1HS
Telephone : 01323 439911
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16 March 2006 EAST SUSSEX LANDSCAPES LTD
Dear Steve
East Sussex Landscapes Ltd would like to thank Mike and everyone at Ogilvie Booth Coles for helping us through a very difficult financial period for our company. Even with the experience of our senior staff and Director, who thought we could trade through this position, we now wish with hindsight that we had listened and acted on your advice at an earlier stage.
The result of your advice has been spectacular and our Bankers have congratulated us on the progress made even in just a few months on the items you highlighted we must improve upon and make changes. We would not hesitate to recommend your services to anyone needing forward looking accountants to help them their business more profitable. Thank you all at Ogilvie Booth Coles.
Bryan Wells
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14 March 2006 SENSIBLE MEDIA
Dear Andrew
Many thanks for this, you have put the spring back into my step!
Regards Sue Orton-Flynn
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19 August 2005 VERONICA ALESSANDRELLO
Dear Eve
The meeting with Andy was very helpful. He is an excellent person and gave me lots of confidence with his advice. Thank you for your email and for the spreadsheet. I will certainly go through it and let you know if I need further assistance.
Kind regards.
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26 July 2005 INTERFACE DEVICES LIMITED
Neil,
Thanks for the accounts I am just going through them now. I have just read the Financial Performance Review; it is a very good and useful report to have. I like the seperate analysis of the key figures to the business (ie. sales, GP, NP, bank etc), the graphs reflecting these figures show very clearly at a glance the last 5 years performance and comparing the graphs to each other is very informative.
Even though the figures are always available having it condensed into one report with graphs and which is explained thoroughly, makes management discussion easier and quicker.
Thanks again.
Kind regards Holly
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9 April 2005 T R CANDLER - DSC SUPPLIES LIMITED
Dear Michael
It is not often I write to say that I am delighted with the service I get from anyone, but I felt it only right to let you know how pleased I was with the response I got from you when our computer gave up the ghost on Wednesday.
Your team were so helpful with meeting me at Comet and helping me with the purchase of a new computer, and then tranferring all the data over from the old one, this is one of the reasons why I use Ogilvie Booth Coles because of the commitment to your clients, who without I would find certain things in business very difficult. Sorry I am not very good at putting things in writing but I felt it only right to let you know how grateful I am to you.
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6 January 2005 DAVID ROBBENS
I felt it was time I put pen to paper to thank you for all your sterling efforts over the life span - conception to sale - of DRUFHS Ltd.
It is fair to say that without your efforts in the very early days, and you and your team efforts over the last 11 years, both with AH and OBC that I would not have got to the position where I had a company to sell, let alone to have sold it!
Long may you all prosper.
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18 November 2004 EVE WICKENDEN
Hi Mike
Following this morning, I was chatting with some people outside about how motivating your speaking is I said I thought "Mike could even motivate me to do the ironing" and they said that's a great testimonial
So I thought I would send it to you.
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7 July 2004 JIM FLETCHER - Commercial Director, Marshall Tufflex Limited
Dear Mike
Just a quick note to thank you once again for your superb contribution to our sales conference dinner. Your use of props has certainly made a memorable impact - at least on the male elements attending on the night! I just hope that the message behind it is also remembered. As discussed please find enclosed the SSTW disk. We did review it at one of our team meetings and found it quite interesting and useful and have already developed some fresh ideas from some of the results that came of it.
Once again, many thanks and regards.
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16 May 2004 ANGELA YOUELLS - Managing Director, Youells Lang Associates
Hi Michael
I just wanted to drop you an email asking you to pass on my thanks to Clare and Pippa for their help last week. I am in the midst of three personal property transactions and I needed help with both an Inheritance and Capital Gains tax query. As ever in these situations, I needed advice then and there and as you were away Pippa realised the urgency and passed my enquiry onto Clare.
Clare was brilliant and not only rang me back with the answers within a couple of hours but immediately followed it up with an explanatory email.
What an amazing service.
Total efficiency.
You have obviously drilled your team superbly.
My thanks to all concerned from another satisfied client
Kind regards
Angela Youels
youels lang associates Ltd.
email : angelayouels@youelslangassociates.com
Tel : 07748 653 880 27
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April 2004 DAVID ROBBENS - David Robbens Underfloor Heating Systems Ltd
Dear Mike
I know we are not quite at the end of the Audit yet but I would like you to thank Matt and the team for the sterling work they have done on getting some useful figures to us. If they were a lifeboat crew it would be "thanks on velum" at least.
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23 January 2004 STEVE HOLLAMBY - Managing Director, Chandlers Printers
"Michael's monthly BBF session is a stimulating shot in the arm of business common sense combined with creative commercial ideas - I cannot afford not to attend."
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16 January 2004 MARTYN BILLING - Calibre Martketing
"The content and presentation of the meetings is always very thought provoking and stimulating, giving many ideas and action notes for improving not only my own business but also those of all my clients as well. Thank you."
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3 December 2003 JO CLARKE - Mainstay Clarke Insurance Brokers
Dear Mike
I would like to congratulate you in creating such a refreshing system and structure which helps to stimulate ideas, and to take us forward to achieve a more concentrated focus on areas of our business which we probably neglected previously. Our monthly meeting enables me to focus on achievement performance for Mainstay and provides an opportunity to share innovative strategies with my fellow Directors.
As you know Mainstay are travelling through momentous changes currently, having for some years been one of the largest commercial insurance brokers in Sussex but regrettably one of the least well known. We are raising our profile and taking time out to work on our business and not just in it, for the benefit of all. You are assisting us in this transition by allowing us to concentrate on our core principals of service, promise and professionalism. Your environment of knowledge sharing is a first class philosophy and prompts innovative thinking, greater collaboration and teamwork in our organisation. Well done and many thanks.
Yours sincerely
JO CLARKE DIRECTOR - MAINSTAY INSURANCE
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SIMON DODDS - MAYO & PERKINS SOLICITORS
Dear Michael
For some time I have been meaning to write to thank you for your support and encouragement over the two years or so since the start of the Business Builder Forum. The sessions that you ran for the staff were of considerable assistance. When we achieved IIP recognition the auditors indicated that your "WOW" sessions had been a major contributory factor.
As you know we have since moved forward to achieve Lexcel accreditation. The regular breakfast meetings have proved invaluable. At best they provide ideas which are relevant and immediately applicable. Even if the subject matter is not immediately of interest or use the mere attendance provides a memory jug to ensure that we are not too busy attending to client matters to concentrate on our own business.
We will of course be discussing the content for this years' staff support sessions and provided you can bear it, I fear these will become an annual fixture.
Kind regards
Yours sincerely
SIMON DODDS
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