CHAMPIONING COUNTRY LIFE
From its roots in rural Lancashire, the agriculture team at accountants Towers & Gornall has grown to be trusted by farmers nationwide. Stephanie Sparrow reports
British farmers are renowned for their tenacity and dedication, but faced with a myriad of business pressures, from Brexit uncertainties to fixed milk-price schemes, they depend on forward-thinking, expert advice.
Garstang-based accountants Towers & Gornall has been offering such a service for more than 50 years, working closely with clients to understand their business needs and to help them plan for the future.
Renowned for its work with the farming community across Lancashire, and increasingly nationwide, the firm offers a dedicated agriculture team. Headed by director Jonathan Cross, the 13-strong team can draw on a combined experience of approximately 183 years.
“From Scotland to Cornwall our work with farmers has shown us that effective accounting for this industry is about a different brand of advice than that seen in other sectors,” says Jonathan.
“And, from book keeping, to troubleshooting on profitability, or advising on inheritance tax, our team is available to help.”
“We can also help source advice from our network of farm consultants and financial advisers, on matters such as grants, pension planning and diversification, which includes maximising income for example, through activities such as campsites, farm shops and cafes.”
Jonathan and his fellow Towers & Gornall directors Mick Gornall, Liz Cliffe and Kevin Taylor are proud of the firm’s Lancashire heritage. They are showing their support for the county by taking stands at two of its premier agricultural shows, Great Eccleston (13th-14th July) and Garstang (3rd August) and are using this opportunity to boost a local charity.
“We are known for our hospitality and fundraising and our chosen charity this year is the Garstang Memory Café, which is a free drop-in centre for those living with dementia, and their carers,” says Mick.
A visit to the stand (just look for the bunting and hay bales outside) will also offer the chance to meet the agriculture team, to book appointments and try out useful business software.
“The team at Towers & Gornall appreciates that farming is more than a profession, it is a way of life,” says Mick.
“It is a 365 days-a-year commitment, often involving two or three generations of the same family. We totally understand this, and we like to see ourselves as part of their business.”
Towers & Gornall
Abacus House, Rope Walk, Garstang PR3 1NS
01993 600600
www.towersandgornall.co.uk
