Julian Shambrook Limited

Five years ago, Julian Shambrook custom fishing rod builders ran its accounts like any other firm, placing much of the financial management responsibility in the hands of its accountants. At the time, much of what went on was a mystery to the owner Julian and because he didn’t understand the subject he felt removed from it, lacking any confidence in what he was told.

Then Durtnall Rowden took over. “When Durtnall Rowden took over the firm, they kept on the existing staff because they recognised that they’d bought a client base, not just a company.” said Julian Shambrook. “Those team members knew the clients and helped Alan and John to become familiar with their history and future needs.” And this ‘clients are people not numbers’ philosophy adopted by the firm is what attracted many clients and helped long-standing relationships with others.

After the first meeting, Julian felt confident that the new relationship would work. The company always presented everything in laymen terms, giving him a better understanding of his finance and boosting his confidence in not only his own abilities, but in their obvious authority. All problem solving was collaborative and as a result, Julian Shambrook himself feels he has learned much.

“I really believe that without Durtnall Rowden I would have dug my own grave by now. They provided me with support and motivation. Surely that’s beyond the role of an accountant. To them, they’re doing business with people, not businesses and everyone is dealt with on an individual basis.” Julian Shambrook Limited has since expanded and will soon be in new premises.