Chartered Accountants Celebrate Their National Award Success In Style In Aid Of Local Charity

Haines Watts North Devon LLP based in Bideford, held a glittering event with fast cars and diamonds in aid of Children’s Hospice SW (CHSW).  It was hosted at the new state-of-the-art Roger Young Jaguar Land Rover showroom in Saltash the only of this design in the World with the two other dealerships based in Dubai and Los Angeles.  Spectacular staging and lighting was supplied by independent Warwick Corporate Events who kindly waived their fee and all costs asking that the monies be donated direct to the charity. 

Photograph by Alex Law of Roger Young Jaguar Land Rover, lighting courtesy of Warwick Corporate Events

More than 130 guest enjoyed canapés and a Cornish champagne reception, toasting Haines Watts winning the ‘Accountancy Firm of the Year – Small, Medium Size Entities (SMEs’)’ Award for 2014.  The Haines Watts Group was voted as the top firm nationally at the recent annual Financial Directors (FDs) Excellence Awards.  This award follows on the back of the Haines Watts group winning ‘Auditor of the Year’ in the SME category for two consecutive years.  

East-Devon based businessman Nick Agg-Manning of OAC Limited, acted as auctioneer at the high-profile event and auction prizes included a hot air balloon from Virgin and a helicopter ride for three people kindly donated by Richard Puchase of Yarnscombe.  This together with a charity raffle raised over £4,600 for CHSW.

Haines Watts North Devon and Roger Young Jaguar Land Rover were joined by independent South West jewellers, Michael Spiers showcasing their precious collection of fine diamond and gem jewellery and prestigious timepieces from major Swiss brands. 

John Edwards, Managing Partner Haines Watts North Devon LLP says: “I am absolutely delighted with how well attended this event was and raising so much money for a very worthy local cause.  I would like to take this opportunity of thanking local businesses who kindly donated charity prizes and Roger Young Jaguar Land Rover for acting as hosts.  The precious gems and new range of Tudor Rolex watches showcased by Michael Spiers all added to the glitter of the evening.  I was particularly impressed with the staging and lighting by David Warwick of Warwick Corporate Events who very kindly waived his fee and all costs asking that this be donated direct to the charity.”

Children’s Hospice South West have three hospices including ‘Little Harbour’ which opened its doors to its first families in December 2011 and is most conveniently situated for families who live in Cornwall, Plymouth and parts of South Devon.

The Cornish hospice is set in a spectacular coastal location overlooking St. Austell Bay with beautiful views out to sea. Designed and built with a view to celebrating Cornish building traditions and its close proximity to the sea, Little Harbour has the feel of a ‘holiday home’ in a relaxed seaside setting. 

 Alana Marie Smith, Director of Fundraising, CHSW adds:  “We were absolutely delighted to be the chosen charity of Haines Watts North Devon for this fantastic celebratory event, as we  rely almost entirely on voluntary donations to run our three hospices. It’s the generous support given by local communities and corporations that allows us to give the respite, emergency and bereavement care that is so appreciated by each and every family we support.  Haines Watts kindly also raised monies for us at this year’s Holsworthy & Stratton Showa and we can’t thank John Edwards and his wonderful team enough for all they do in supporting the charity, which helps us to make the time that the children have with their families so treasured.”

Anthony Ainslie (Director of Sales, Roger Young) /Adam Spiers (Director at Michael Spiers / John Edwards (Managing Partner of Haines Watts North Devon LLP) /  Alana Marie smith (Director of Fundraising at Children's Hospice South West) / Nick Agg-Manning ( Director of Outside Adventure Consultants Ltd.) / Naomi Dymond(Corporate Partnerships Fundraiser Children's Hospice South West) / Roger Young (Dealer Principal, Roger Young) / Darren Hardy (Service Manager, Roger Young)

www.hwca.com/acccountants-north-devon

LOCAL PROFESSIONALS PITCH AGAINST EACH OTHER FOR CHARITY

A local worthy cause was bowled over when they received a cheque for £500 raised at a charity cricket match.  The event held at Sidmouth Cricket Club, was organised by Sean Priestley, Assistant Director of Brewin Dolphin Wealth Management Company Exeter office who is a long-term player and member of the club.

BREWIN DOLPHIN TEAM -Standing - James Evans, Foot Anstey; Richard Pike, Brewin Dolphin; James Osborne, Brewin Dolphin; Sean Priestley, Brewin Dolphin; Ed Fowler, Stephens Scown; Richard Wheeler, Southernhay Financial Planning.  Kneeling - Stephen Walker, Ashfords;  Graham Cridland, Ashfords; Andy Welch, Francis Clark; Richard King, Tozers; Kirill Kruchinin, Ashfords;

Directors and staff members of Brewin Dolphin donned their whites and challenged local professionals Kitsons Solicitors to the match in aid of Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW), charity of the year for both firms.  The 20 /20 match was won by Brewin Dolphin and monies were raised with a charity prize raffle.   

The Exeter office of Brewin Dolphin, one of the UK’s largest independently-owned private client wealth managers, chose CHSW as their charity of the year 2014 in January and has raised more than £2,500 to-date.

Tim Walker, Divisional Director and Head of Office Brewin Dolphin Exeter says: “Sean is a keen cricketer who lives in Sidmouth and we are delighted to be shirt sponsors for his local club.  He has worked hard to organise this charity match supported by Kitsons Solicitors, who also have CHSW as their chosen charity of the year.  The Exeter office of Brewin Dolphin has carried out a number of fun and interesting fund-raising activities throughout the year and all the staff have fully embraced this very worthy cause. I would like to thank Sean, Sidmouth Cricket Club and also Kitsons for joining us in this friendly match.  Although on the night Brewin Dolphin was the winning team, the real and deserving winners are CHSW.”

Children’s Hospice South West helps and support children and their families who are living with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions: every day is dedicated to making the most of every moment. Because life is unpredictable the charity is there day and night, all year long - whenever they are needed.

Naomi Dymond, Corporate Partnerships Fundraiser – CHSW says: “We are absolutely thrilled to have the support of Brewin Dolphin this year and for organising the charity cricket match against Kitsons who also support us.  It was another fun and fantastic event and thank you to everyone involved.  Including the funds from the cricket match, Brewin Dolphin has raised an incredible £2,532 so far this year, which would fund one of our specialist children’s nurses for a whole month. This really is such an incredible total, thank you. We rely almost entirely on voluntary donations so each and every penny raised helps us to continue to provide vital care and support for local families, when they need us the most.”

Photographs by Guy Richardson 

www.brewin.co.uk/offices/exeter

Wealth Management Company launches New Charity of the Year with a ‘Drop & Shop’ fundraiser

Local Wealth Management Company Brewin Dolphin Exeter launched Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW) as its new charity of the year with the creation of a ‘Pop up Shop’ at their offices on Pynes Hill. Brewin Dolphin organised a ‘Drop & Shop’ to raise funds and awareness for the charity by inviting neighbouring business colleagues to help fundraise.

Rhiannon Bates- Brewin Dolphin Exeter / Naomi Dymond – Corporate Partnerships Fundraiser Children’s Hospice South West / Richard Pike – Head of Charities Brewin Dolphin Exeter 

The Brewin Dolphin team, headed up by Administration Manager Rhiannon Bates, arranged two separate collection days for the donation of unwanted items including clothes, jewellery, toys and home-ware.  The businesses on Pynes Hill rallied behind the cause by bringing in donations and also dropping in at the Brewin offices throughout the two designated shopping days to browse and buy.

Darren Welch / Jason Bleazard / Declan Shanahan – all Natwest

A temporary shop was set up in the company’s conference room and delicious homemade cakes baked by members of Brewin Dolphin staff and tea were on offer, proving very popular with neighbouring business colleagues.  £500 was raised and the unsold items were taken to the two Exeter–based CHSW charity shops located in Sidwell Street and Fore Street to raise further monies.

Helen Curtis / Sally Chapman / Karen Arney – all Brewin Dolphin Exeter

Richard Pike, Brewin Dolphin Head of Charities South and South West says:  “We are looking forward to supporting CHSW as our new Charity of the Year and it has got off to a flying start with the ‘Pop up Shop’ event.  The donation of unwanted items was very generous and the event created a wonderful community spirit with great support from nearby offices on the business park.  There were lots of bargains to be had, and the tea and cakes went down extremely well.  Because of the inclement weather, Rhiannon and other members of staff made further monies by personally delivering a selection of the sumptuous treats to busy office workers whilst they worked at their desks which was warmly welcomed and also a great way to meet the neighbours.”

Naomi Dymond, Corporate Partnerships Fundraiser – CHSW says: “We are extremely excited to have been chosen by the Brewin Dolphin team as their charity for 2014 and the ‘Drop and Shop’ event was a brilliant way to get their fundraising underway.  We want to say a massive thank you to all the Brewin Dolphin team on behalf of all the children and families you help us to support. Every single penny raised will make a huge difference and help us to deliver our promise to make the most of short and precious lives.”

www.brewin.co.uk/exeter

www.chsw.org.uk

To see more photographs of this event visit our Facebook page

Local firms get into the Christmas spirit for charity

Two local professional firms joined forces to organise two seminars which raised monies for ‘Stop Abuse For Everyone’ (SAFE).  Haines Watts Forensic, a national chartered accountancy firm and professional chartered financial planners and wealth advisers Towry, held the joint seminars in central Exeter.  The events, aimed at family law barristers and solicitors, focused on financial volatility during the divorce process and offered solutions to the impact on clients’ financial settlements.

Chris Thorpe, Tax Director - Haines Watts Chartered Accountants/ Lisa Crockford, Associate Partner ­ Haines Watts Forensic / Chris Collier, Chair of Trustees ­ SAFE and  Eliana Sydes, Wealth Adviser ­ Towry

The two events helped to raise money for Exeter-based SAFE with donations from delegates individually match-funded by both Haines Watts and Towry to a total of £400.00.

Lisa Crockford, Associate Partner – Haines Watts Forensic says: “Haines Watts Forensic and Towry offer complementary services during the divorce process and we quickly identified common issues we face and the benefit of offering a joint seminar to local family lawyers.  The seminars were well received and as a result we are looking to roll out more events across the South West region in the New Year.  As a business we always look to give something back to the local community and we are delighted to have raised much needed funds and awareness for this worthy cause.”

The majority of the monies raised will be utilised to buy Christmas presents for the women and children accommodated in the Exeter Refuge which offers refuge to victims fleeing domestic abuse.  And part of the proceeds will fund a special Christmas party for the dedicated charity volunteers who missed out on a festive celebration last year because of lack of funds.

Mark Wilkins, wealth advice manager, Towry says: “Given Towry’s work in the area of financial planning for families, it is a natural fit to join up with Haines Watts Forensic in providing these seminars, which  proved successful with local professionals. It is fantastic that the funds raised at the seminars for SAFE will help abused mothers and children in Exeter and the surrounding region.”

Stop Abuse for Everyone (SAFE) works with all affected by, and experiencing all forms of domestic violence and abuse in Exeter, East and Mid-Devon.  The work of the charity is part of a multi-agency strategy and is both effective and independent. 24% of the total recorded violent crime reported to Devon and Cornwall police is domestic abuse.  It is estimated that every £1 spent on SAFE services, represents a minimum saving of £3.20 to the public purse. SAFE’s Crisis/Helpline offers free and confidential support and every year receives about 2,000 calls which increase significantly over Christmas.

Chris Collier, Chair of Trustees SAFE says:  “The charity was established in Exeter 35 years ago and now has several services. Our Outreach team work in Exeter, East and Mid Devon offering a range of specialist services while a smaller team work alongside specialist police with high-risk victims. Our large and welcoming Refuge has 11 rooms and is available 24/7, 365 days a year.  This year, 71 women, 62 children and young people escaping domestic violence were accommodated there. Christmas is a very difficult time for these victims and I am so grateful to Haines Watts and Towry for providing much needed funds and raising awareness of our services.  We can now buy the children and the mothers, who normally put themselves last, Christmas presents and inject some fun and laughter into their lives.”

170 YEARS ON AND STILL PION"EAR"ING

Independent hearing specialist Broom Reid & Harris are celebrating their 170^th year in business making them one of the oldest running independent companies in Exeter. Cast your mind back to 1841, the year that BR&H opened their doors on Queen Street as a pharmacy and opticians. Less than a decade earlier the city had suffered an outbreak of cholera and there was a real need for pharmacies to make healthcare of the day readily available.

The pharmacists would wrap prescriptions for ailments like indigestion, influenza, coughs and headaches in a white paper bag and seal it with wax. Many of these were exclusive to BR&H and over 120 recipes can be seen hand written in a book over 100 years old now on display at BR&H's practice in the Guildhall Shopping Centre, along with other artefacts from their 170 year history.

Looking closely at old photographs of BR&H reveals an Aladdin’s cave of items: artificial eyes and knee caps, oxygen, cameras, binoculars and barometers. But it was none of these things that the company would eventually be famed for.

BR&H introduced electric hearing aids in the 1920s. At the time they were considered to be something of a gimmick; a fad. Today over two million people in the UK use hearing aids and another four million would benefit from them. 

In the early days it was the opticians who would fit them, and even they didn't realise just how pioneering they were.  Practice owner Curtis Alcock explains, “They would run upstairs to the glasses workshop to announce the sale of a hearing aid which, I'm told, was greeted by great cheering and hollering! You have to remember that those first hearing aids were so large and cumbersome you would have to set it on the table or wear it on your body; no wonder people thought it would never take off!” 

In the early 1940’s, Ron Silmon joined BR&H, carrying out general work within the pharmacy. He was to eventually develop BR&H's dedicated hearing aid dispensary. The invention of the transistor in the 1950’s meant hearing aids were fast becoming smaller and more discreet, a far cry from the original bulky designs. As demand increased, it was no longer enough for hearing aids just to be a “bolt-on service for opticians”: to do it properly required dedicated experience and expertise, and Ron began laying those foundations, implementing the best practices of the day and sourcing cutting-edge technology to ensure his clients had the best results.

When talks of a new Guildhall Shopping Centre for Exeter meant relocation for BR&H from their premises on Queen Street, plans were made to merge the optical and photographic side with other businesses. BR&H was now free to focus on hearing aids. Ron moved the practice into the Guildhall Shopping Centre, where it remains to this day “tucked away discreetly” on the Higher Market Gallery. 

Ron has long since retired, but his commitment to providing unrivalled private hearing care in Devon continues today through Curtis Alcock, who now owns BR&H with his wife. After 170 years, it's reassuring to know that not only is Exeter home to possibly the longest established hearing care practices in the country, but BR&H is still a name synonymous with personal service, traditional values and pioneering cutting-edge technology.

OPEN DAY TO CELEBRATE 21st ANNIVERSARY & RE-BRAND OF SHIELDS BUILDINGS

SATURDAY 8th SEPTEMBER 2012 – 9am – 5pm

IN AID OF DEVON AIR AMBULANCE TRUST (DAAT) 

registered charity # 1077998

 Join us in a glass of Bucks Fizz and light refreshments

Enter our charity prize draw for the chance to win a bottle of champagne

Showcasing the launch of our brand new ‘Garden View’ range of contemporary garden studios

Be the first to preview our exciting new architect-designed contemporary garden office studio

View our extensive range of traditional style garages / studios / garden offices / sheds / workshops and stables

Special Open Day Offer – FREE rain-saver kit and water butt worth over £100 with all orders for buildings following enquiries on the day.

Treat yourself to something special with a jewellery display by local silversmith Helen Lepper

Venue: de Bathe Farm, North Tawton, Devon, EX20 2BE

T: 01837 82442

M: 07812 893328

www.shieldsbuildings.co.uk

www.shieldsstudios.co.uk

www.shieldscommercial.co.uk

Brewin Dolphin Plymouth Charity Golf Challenge

I am delighted to announce the inaugural Plymouth Brewin Dolphin Charity Golf challenge.  This year Brewin Dolphin celebrates our 250th anniversary, and to mark the occasion, we are pleased to be supporting BLESMA (British Limbless Ex Service Mens' Association). The event will be held at the Boringdon Park Golf Club on the 26th of September 2012. The event will be on an 18 holes, 4 ball Stableford format with prizes for the longest drive and nearest the pin. There will be a two course meal after the game followed by the prize winners' presentation and raffle. As this is a charity event we are, of course, looking to raise funds for BLESMA, so there will be the opportunity for businesses to sponsor a hole at £50 per hole. Sponsors names will also appear on a thank you note placed on each table. We would also be pleased for any prize donations for the day and raffle. The cost for the day will be £40 per head to include 18 holes of golf and a two course dinner. The cost for the team will, therefore, be £160. Please email claire.perry@brewin.co.uk if you are interested in supporting this event and return completed entry forms to the Brewin Dolphin Plymouth office: Ashleigh Court, Ashleigh Way, Langage Business Park, Plymouth PL7 5JX along with cheques made payable to 'Boringdon Park Golf Club'.  www.brewin.co.uk/plymouth www.blesma.org

250 mile charity walk celebrates 250th anniversary of local Investment Managers

Employees of Wealth and Investment Management company Brewin Dolphin, based in Langage Business Park Plymouth, walk 250 miles in heavy summer rain to raise monies for St Luke’s Hospice.

The team together with partners and four-legged friends each set off for a 12 mile walk. The combined trek covered a total of 250 miles to celebrate the company’s 250th anniversary and raised a total of £584 for the local charity. The route commencing at Mount Batten incorporated Jennycliffe, Bovisands, Wembury, Newton Ferrers and Noss Mayo with the last leg of the hike ending at Stoke Beach.

Brian James Divisional Director – Brewin Dolphin Plymouth says: “We always support local Plymouth charities where we can and in particular St. Luke’s. Although taking place at the height of the British summer, it was an unseasonal cold day and the rain was relentless and we all got soaked to the skin. It did not, however dampen the spirits of the team and was a great way to celebrate our 250^th anniversary year by raising much needed funds for a very worthy local cause.”

www.stlukes-hospice.org.uk/events/Swimathon.aspx

www.brewin.co.uk/plymouth

SIGHT CHARITY ORGANISES UNUSUAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED

Innovative Topsham based charity Devon in Sight (formerly known as Devon County Association for the Blind) is organising a series of unusual activities for visually impaired people. These will include computer training, an interesting and innovative photography group being established in August and a game of bowls at Topsham Bowling Club founded in 1928.

The first organised event is a guided walk with Topsham Society on Monday 8^th August at 2 pm, culminating with tea and a talk at the Topsham Museum.  The cost will be just £1 and walkers will meet at the Resource Centre recently opened by local celebrity Bill Pertwee MBE well known from the British comedy classic, Dad’s Army.  

This will be quickly followed by the first of a series of computer training sessions from the 11^th August. The charity is working with the British Computer Association for the Blind who are going to run a series of computer training sessions at Station House under the EyeT4All programme.  The workshops are designed to help participants with writing letters and emails; shopping; reading; entertainment and using the web.  The free workshops will run from 10 am – 3.30 pm with refreshments and lunch provided.  The Charity is asking for a small £3 contribution towards the refreshment cost.

A photography course will commence in early September. The aim of the participatory photography workshops is to provide a means of empowerment and engagement to the service users of Devon in Sight by engaging them in creative photography workshops. 

 

Clive Chilvers Photography says: “Participatory photography, also referred to as “photovoice,” are terms used to describe a form of photography whereby a group of individuals are provided with photographic equipment and through guided workshops offered the opportunity to document an issue or problem that affects themselves and or the people and the communities around them by the use of photographic imagery.  The resulting images can form the basis for discussion that can lead to heightened awareness, advocacy and potential social change.  This allows individuals to communicate their story or situation to a wider audience. It fits perfectly with the members of the charity.”

Director of Services Martin Pallett says: “With the recent opening of the new larger Resource Centre we are holding a variety of taster sessions to give visually impaired people an opportunity to try things out and help improve their quality of life.  It is a very exciting development with a large number of activities including we hope some art classes. It also helps build links with the local community as well as providers of training and activities.  Anyone can join us; they just need to have some level of sight difficulty to qualify and will need to pre-book as we are limited to numbers although we currently have availability.  We are looking to run the majority of sessions free however we will ask for a nominal contribution where appropriate towards the cost of refreshments or material costs.”

To find out more about the activities or to book your place please telephone 01392 876666

Fancy a VIP nights stay at the famous Burgh Island?

Charity  Silent  Auction

Exeter  based  Chartered  Accountants,  Haines  Watts  is  pleased  to  offer   the  chance  to  win  a  fabulous  overnight  stay  at  the  luxurious   Burgh  Island  Hotel.  

All  proceeds  from  this  ‘not  to  be  missed’  online  silent  auction  will  be   donated   to   our   Charity   of   the   Year,   The   West   of   England   School   and   College  for  young  people  with  little  or  no  sight. Keep  an  eye  on  the  total  and  bid  as  any  times  as  you  like!

Escape  to  the  unique  English  Art  Deco  hotel  Burgh  Island  Hotel.  History   is  present  in  every  aspect  of  your  stay,  hand  in  hand  with  21st  century   standards  of  service  and  facilities.  The  famous  hotel  sits  sparkling  in   its  special  island.  The  beauty  and  intrigue  of  an  island  visit  has  always   drawn  guests  who  are  looking  for  something  different,  an  experience that  is  timeless; a  genuine  step  back  in  time.

Ends  5pm  on  07.07.11

Bid  now  at 

 www.hwca.com/accountants- exeter/auction 

SIGHT CHARITY & OPTICIANS TEAM UP FOR NATIONAL EYE HEALTH WEEK

Devon In Sight charity and Topsham based Bill & Taylor opticians teamed up for National Eye Health Week to offer free spectacle servicing in Topsham last week.

Director of Services (DIS) Martin Pallett & Paul Ayshford of Bill & Taylor

Martin Pallett, Director of Services for Devon In Sight and Paul Ayshford, Practice owner of Bill & Taylor Opticians set up at the charity’s head quarters at Station House in Topsham between 4.00 – 6.00 pm to offer free advice and spectacle servicing for the local community.

Paul Ayshford who owns the Bill & Taylor opticians practice based on Topsham High Street, offered free spectacle servicing including sonic cleaning stubborn dirt from between lenses and frames, spraying lenses for clarity of vision, screw tightening, nose pad adjustment and a frame heater to adjust the fit of frames.

Visitors using the service also got a free case / cleaning cloth and the chance to get a sneak preview of the charity's new Resource Centre before its official opening in July. Director of Services for Devon In Sight Martin Pallett carrying out a survey on eye healthcare with passersby on how they look after their sight. All of the completed questionnaires will be entered into a fantastic free prize draw for a pair of desirable and fashionable RayBan sunglasses generously donated by Bill & Taylor.

The purpose of the week is about raising awareness of the importance of people looking after their sight and in particular how regular sight tests are a vital part of good eye care and looking after your sight.

Martin Pallett says “We are delighted to be working closely with Bill & Taylor during National Eye Health Week raising awareness about the importance of people taking good care of their sight. Many people took advantage of the free service we were offering and our questionnaire generated some very interesting results. Regular sight tests are an essential part of good eye care and looking after your vision and by doing activities such as these we hope to continue to raise awareness about this.”