Simon Leigh

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

August, 2016

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Simon

Didn't actually hear from Simon Leigh himself, but others in his company. They seemed to have interpreted my submission in an inexplicable way (They wanted to do a half hour presentation on what services they had to offer at a face-to-face meeting with two of their staff initially). In the meantime, the other accountant VouchedFor put me in contact with sorted me out with a few phone calls and emails in a very short time.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

May, 2016

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Simon

Started communication by e-mail. Arranged a meeting for 7th June while I am in UK.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

February, 2016

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Simon

Did not get in contact "Rubbish "

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

November, 2015

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Simon

I didn't speak with Simon - I spoke with his colleague who was extremely helpful and provided all the assistance I needed over the telephone. I was not charged - so my answer to the next question "Were they sufficiently clear about their charging" is redundant

Review from verified client

September, 2015

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an accountant?

I needed personal wealth management advice and planning.

How has Simon Leigh helped you?

He did a proposal for myself and my wife to get the most out of our capital and ensure a lifestyle we needed was viable - and manage our self employed tax liability well.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes - we are able to live the lifestyle we planned.

What could they have done better?

In all honesty, nothing - very good service.

Review from verified client

August, 2015

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an accountant?

Support with personal tax efficiency.

How has Simon Leigh helped you?

Excellent service.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely.

What could they have done better?

Nothing.....Excellent service

Review from verified client

August, 2015

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an accountant?

I took redundancy to start my own business.

How has Simon Leigh helped you?

As I had no business acumen and very little confidence in the administration side of self employment Simon and his team have always been at the end of the telephone with their expertise and honesty enabling me to do what I know best, Engineering. Nothing is too much trouble for them and I have no hesitation in ringing them if I have a query or a problem I am unable to solve.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I am now a Limited company with a comfortable lifestyle. I no longer work ridiculous hours and am able to delegate.

What could they have done better?

I have no complaints at all. Whether it be an accounts problem, payroll or tax, and in later years a wealth management query Allens are always just a telephone call away. I would never consider leaving them.

Review from verified client

August, 2015

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an accountant?

Our business outgrew the capacity of our previous providers.

How has Simon Leigh helped you?

He helped us to negotiate our succession planning and advised me personally on the most tax efficient means of investing in start ups.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

We have achieved our aims heading succession to members of the family and successfully exiting the first start up I invested in.

What could they have done better?

Very little. We are trembly pleased with the services provided.

Review from verified client

August, 2015

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an accountant?

Ltd company audit and accounts preparation.

How has Simon Leigh helped you?

Prepared and submitted accounts to HMRC.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Always had a good outcome for 35 years.

What could they have done better?

I am not aware of anything he could have done better

Review from verified client

August, 2015

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an accountant?

Starting up in business.

How has Simon Leigh helped you?

Gave good and sound advice.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

We have been in business for 28 years - speaks for its self.

What could they have done better?

Nothing - other than lower fees naturally

Review from verified client

August, 2015

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an accountant?

Lack of care, support and guidance from previous accounting firm.

How has Simon Leigh helped you?

Allens took full control of my accounting and have proved to be an invaluable asset. Helping the business incorporate in a tax-efficient manner and providing continued advise on tax planning and business strategy.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Without question. The response time and depth of answers I get from Allens is second to none. Despite the fact we may be a smaller client for them, they absolutely don't make us feel like it. The care and attention to detail is fantastic.

What could they have done better?

Genuinely nothing. Its rare that I can never find fault with a supplier, but in this case, there is nothing I could suggest for them to improve their process.

Review from verified client

August, 2015

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an accountant?

We were looking to change auditors several years ago as we were unhappy with the service we were getting from our previous advisors.

How has Simon Leigh helped you?

Simon and his colleagues explained their services in a helpful and confident way. The audit and tax partners are excellent at what they do and it is good to know we can rely on them for advice.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

We have now been with Allen's for several years and have an excellent ongoing relationship.

Review from verified client

August, 2015

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an accountant?

No forward planning or advice from previous accountants.

How has Simon Leigh helped you?

Gave advice and a personal service and got to know our bussiness and how we worked and our ethics.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Been a client for around 20 years and the outcome has been better than we expected, with solid advice and solid savings.

What could they have done better?

I genuinely can't think how it could be better, as ive said our expectations were not only met but bettered

Review from verified client

August, 2015

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an accountant?

When I stated my own sole trader business many years ago I was advised by a friend to contact Allens.

How has Simon Leigh helped you?

Over the years my business activity as grown from a sole trader to a group business and at each step of growth Simon has been involved in providing financial and business guidance. All of this support as been invaluable to the buiness.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The outcome is a very strong trading business which is set for even more growth as well as assistance with managing my personal wealth.

What could they have done better?

From my experience they have provided me and my business with solid professional advice and service

Review from verified client

August, 2015

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an accountant?

Poor performance from previous advisers.

How has Simon Leigh helped you?

Resolved complex taxation issues caused by previous accountant . He personally dealt with the matter in hand and did not delegate any aspect the problem solving process.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Due to Simons advices our company trades far more efficiently.

What could they have done better?

Perfectly happy with Simon and his team particularly Emma Heywood

Review from verified client

August, 2015

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an accountant?

We'd outgrown our previous auditor and Allens were the best candidate to audit and advise us on our growing business.

How has Simon Leigh helped you?

Insightful and experienced with various businesses both in our market and looking at target clients.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes.

Review from verified client

August, 2015

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an accountant?

Setting up a new business.

How has Simon Leigh helped you?

He advised on business structure, tax efficient working and was there to advise as I went through the process.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

All good so far!.

What could they have done better?

Forgotten to charge me!

Review from verified client

August, 2015

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an accountant?

MBO of other directors.

How has Simon Leigh helped you?

Advised in the transition and took over the accounts.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

More time to spend on my account

Review from verified client

August, 2015

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an accountant?

Business Accounts etc.

How has Simon Leigh helped you?

Accounts and Book keeping.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

I can't fault them

Review from verified client

August, 2015

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an accountant?

Problems with a previous practice.

How has Simon Leigh helped you?

Has been a great support In both legal compliance for the business and personal tax advice; the latter has extended to extracting me from some difficult investments unwisely purchased.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Complete confidence in the advice I receive.

What could they have done better?

I really cannot think of anything

Review from verified client

August, 2015

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an accountant?

We are a small SME - and Engineering Consultancy - with clients in the UK and abroad. We needed a no-nonsense accountant that offered competency in international trading and value for money.

How has Simon Leigh helped you?

Simon Leigh (Allen's Accountants) have been conscientious and thorough throughout the fifteen or more years that we have worked with them. In particular, they ensure that the VAT, Corporate Accounts, tax liabilities, payroll and personal tax aspects are transparent and fully under control.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

We have consistently received prompt and effective service in all aspects of our accounting requirements.

Review from verified client

August, 2015

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an accountant?

Allens had previously successfully dealt with a tax issue for us so when we had a need for a professional book keeping service we had no hesitation in approaching Allens.

How has Simon Leigh helped you?

Allens now manage all our book keeping requirements.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Our book keeping is now completely up to date it runs smoothly and we are completely satisfied with the service they provide.

Review from verified client

July, 2015

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an accountant?

Starting my own business.

How has Simon Leigh helped you?

I have been a client of Allens for 40 years this tear. I started my own business in 1974 and had a large firm of Manchester accountants. Soon realised this was not for me. I changed to Allens in 1975 who have been there for me through thick and thin ever since.The fact I am still with them should in itself be sufficient to tell you that I am more than happy, never had to question any advice or had a cross word in 40 years. Its been fun!I have had four business disposals and two acquisitions and still in business with Allens my accountants in this new venture.If you want a totally professional helpful and genuinely good bunch of people to deal with you really cannot do better than Allens.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Chairman of a small limited company.. Not yet still expanding.

What could they have done better?

Nothing more than helpful

Review from verified client

June, 2015

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an accountant?

I was looking to move accountants after my first year in business and I was dissatisfied with my accountant.

How has Simon Leigh helped you?

Simon helped me to understand where the profitability was in my business so that I could plan for growth. As the Company grew, he helped me protect the wealth it generated.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I sold the business in 2012 and have invested the consideration with Simon as a wealth management client.

What could they have done better?

Nothing really - we had very good open communication which resolved any small issues had they occured.