Our News
4th March 2013
Accountants pull team together to help Somerset businesses.
With the latest announcement of a potential triple-dip recession looming, local accountants BJ DixonWalsh have gathered a team of professionals together who are willing to offer free advice to individuals and businesses in exchange for a small donation to a local charity.
The professional advice evenings will be held on the first Thursday of the month at Rumwell Hall between 6pm- 8.30pm starting Thursday 4 April. Apart from the services of a senior accountant, there will also be representatives from the legal profession, insurance brokers, financial advisors insolvency practitioners, governance advisers, marketing and HR professionals. The invitation is open to all, individuals and businesses no matter how big or small. Visitors are able to drop in between the hours of 6pm and 8.30pm and for a donation to charity they are able to get high quality free advice on key issues.
Director and Partner of BJ DixonWalsh Jim Lewis, who is spearheading this initiative said, “Whether you are doing exceptionally well and need advice on growth or raising finance, struggling with cash flow issues and need advice as to what to do or, have a general business query then we will hopefully have someone to guide you in the right direction.”
For more information please telephone 01823 462400
Mayor officially opens Rumwell Hall
The Mayor and Mayoress of Taunton along with the Deputy Mayor of Wellington officially opened Rumwell Hall, the new business venture situated between the two towns represented by their respective dignitaries.
Guided tours around the newly-refurbished Grade 11 listed building and converted coach house suites proved extremely popular with the 200 invited guests, as did the displays on the history of the Hall and on the environmental strategies of the consortium on site (BJ DixonWalsh accountants, Amicus solicitors, Jonathan Rhind architects, The Red Field Kitchen catering, and New Leaf counselling and support.)
Sally Terry, event organiser from BJ DixonWalsh, commented, “We were absolutely delighted that the First Citizens of our two local towns were present to mark the occasion by cutting the celebratory cake.
“The feedback has been tremendous, with people talking about the ‘buzz’ of the event as well as the impressive range of facilities here and our delightful setting. As a result we have already had enquiries from businesses considering relocating, and bookings for conferencing, training, meetings and private dining were coming in within a day of the launch. For anyone who missed the event we’d be delighted to show them round or provide further information, or they can find us on www.rumwellhall.com”
BJ DixonWalsh sponsor TAOS production
Rumwell Hall-based accountancy firm BJ DixonWalsh is delighted to be sponsoring the forthcoming Taunton Amateur Operatic Society production of Jesus Christ Superstar.
Director Rory O’Donnell said, “One of our long-serving members of staff and her husband are stalwart members of the society and we are delighted to support an organisation which brings such pleasure to the local community. The bar was set particularly high last year with The Hot Mikado so we are looking forward to a great show this year”.
Meet the neighbours
The inaugural consortium organisations joining the new Rumwell Hall business community, located between Wellington and Taunton, recently held a ‘meet the neighbours’ event so that staff could get to know each other.
Over drinks and a huge paella cooked by consortium member Sue Burton of The Red Field Kitchen, staff were encouraged to find out more about each other’s work. Rory O’Donnell, senior partner of BJ DixonWalsh Accountants, said, “The consortium is a group of like-minded businesses seeking attractive and functional office space for staff, an elegant and peaceful environment for their clients with extensive free parking, and all at lower premises costs than many sites elsewhere. It was a great opportunity to learn about the work of others sharing the site.”
Pictured left to right
Jo Stevens (BJDixonWalsh Accountants), Richard Haste (Amicus solicitors), Sally Terry (BJDW), Lindsey Mullen (BJDW), Russell Gray and David Bridges (Jonathan Rhind Architects). Missing from photo – The Red Field Kitchen and New Leaf.
BBC TV presenter drops in on Rumwell Hall
BBC TV wildlife presenter Chris Sperring MBE recently visited Rumwell Hall, the new business community between Wellington and Taunton, with the aim of advising on how the businesses on site can make a positive impact on the environment.
Representatives from New Leaf, BJ Dixon Walsh Accountants, Amicus Solicitors, Taunton Beekeepers and Huntspill Projects braved the rain to take a tour around the grounds in the company of the expert, learning more about incorporating a wildlife haven into future plans.
Said Becky Wright of New Leaf, "It was a great honour to have Chris take the time to visit us and provide advice. Our consortium is keen to ensure that our use of the site is not at odds with supporting wildlife initiatives - in fact it was the unique opportunities this location provides in harmonising business and environment which helped influence my decision to relocate here recently.
"Thanks to Chris we all gained increased knowledge - and respect - for the wildlife we already have on site and ideas for a future Wildlife Strategy."
BJDixonWalsh support charity day in aid of SANDS.
The charity SANDS (Stillbirth and neonatal death) is the latest to receive support from BJDixonWalsh who were delighted to donate a case of wine to their raffle at a charity fun day held recently in Cafe Junior, Cardiff.
Rumwell history help needed
The consortium of BJDixonWalsh accountants, Amicus solicitors and Jonathan Rhind architects who are the new occupants of Rumwell Hall (more recently known as Rumwell Manor hotel) have issued an appeal for more information regarding the history of the well-known Grade 11 listed building. A client recently kindly forwarded some details they had stumbled across which pertain to the sale of the building in 1856 when it was known as Rumhill.
Rory O'Donnell, senior partner of BJDixonWalsh, said, "Having just moved into this beautiful building we are refurbishing it. Whilst we are creating a forward-thinking multi-purpose business community we are embracing tradition and aiming to retain as many of the period features as possible - even the old servants' call bell system.
"We are all fascinated by the building's past - it has had several names and has purportedly been connected to the famous Cadbury family and the Duke of Wellington. We have posted the building's history on our website and we'd be extremely grateful if anyone who has any additional information would share it with us, as ultimately we aim to create a permanent display in our reception area. If they contact us we will be happy to acknowledge their help and invite them to our opening event in September."
Accountancy dignitaries hosted by Taunton firm
Taunton accountancy firm BJ DixonWalsh recently hosted past regional Presidents from the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. Delegates attended a black tie dinner as well as a programme of visits to tourist attractions in the area. Rory O’Donnell, senior partner of the firm, said, “I was delighted to welcome senior accountancy colleagues from all over the UK, who chose the south west for their event. The Institute is an important infrastructure body, and we have all been past presidents of our regional branches. Many are volunteers and we donate our time and use our expertise to support colleagues through, for example, the ethics committee or individual member support. We play a key role in maintaining the highest standards of professionalism in the accountancy world.”
BJ DixonWalsh go the extra mile for charity
Staff members of Taunton-based accountancy firm BJ DixonWalsh challenged each other to run in the Bristol 10k race. Rather than go to the ‘usual suspects’ to sponsor them in their endeavours they made a corporate charity donation to St Margaret’s Hospice.
Senior partner Rory O’Donnell said, ‘Taking part in events like this ticks a few boxes for us – helping to keep ourselves fit, reminding us that we can raise money for charity, and introducing an element of staff team building – or rather, appealing to our competitive natures! We all managed respectable times and we look forward to our next challenge’.
Bacchanale an opera gala 8th July – support for the arts
BJ DixonWalsh provided sponsorship for a concert held on the Quantocks in July 2011. The firm wants to encourage greater awareness of the arts within the region.
BJ DixonWalsh support local performers
Taunton Amateur Operatic Society received support from BJ DixonWalsh who provided sponsorship towards this year’s production of ‘Hot Mikado’.
Said senior partner Rory O’Donnell, ‘One of our employees is a stalwart member of TAOS along with her husband and we decided that as TAOS is a charity it was deserving of our support. We were particularly delighted to support ‘Hot Mikado’ as it is an outstanding production of the highest standards’.