how we can help you

You will need many different skills and areas of knowledge to run a business. We have experience in the fields of accounting, financial management and control, financial services, tax and general business issues, to name but a few, where we can help you. Above all we encourage our clients to maintain regular contact with us and discuss all major decisions affecting the business.

a purpose-built facility built on green belt

THE word unique is overused but there is no better word to describe Crow Wood Health and Leisure Club. It has a well equipped gym, 25 metre pool and sauna, like many others, but it also has racquet facilities, 3 dance studios and an equestrian centre. The fact that it is set in 100 acres of green belt land makes it even more special! Director Andrew Brown said: “Most leisure centres are converted industrial buildings on industrial estates. We are a purpose-built facility built on green belt.”

After the sale of family business equipment company FH Brown, Andrew, who was aged 40 at the time, concluded that he was too young to retire. Instead he decided to establish a leisure facility in his home town. He said: "I am Burnley born and bred. I can see the club from my lounge window." He revealed that he had always wanted to own a tennis club and was inspired by the success of the David Lloyd tennis clubs. He added: "It's a nicer business to be in than photocopiers."

"We look after our customers because we want them to stay. And that's how we feel Cassons treat us. We have a good relationship with Cassons and are delighted with the service they provide."

Andrew Brown

Crow Wood has now been established since 2001 and has facilities to please the most discerning sports fan. There are four indoor and four outdoor tennis courts, two squash courts and a 25 metre indoor swimming pool with a 15-seat Jacuzzi and steam room. The 5,000 square foot gym has 150 stations including the latest cardiovascular and resistance equipment. The £1 million all-weather equestrian centre has 50 horses at livery. Andrew, once a keen rider, no longer rides after a serious fall.

It is with some justification that Andrew said: “We are the premium facility in the area.” In the current economic climate, Andrew is glad that Crow Wood is independent and able to make its own decisions. The leisure club industry’s average membership turnover per annun is 70% but the figure for Crow Wood is less than half this percentage. Andrew said: “We have a different modus operandi here. We look after our customers because we want them to stay. In fact we even send out a “We’ve missed you card” to those members who have not visited for a while!” In addition to the fitness facilities there is the Woodland Spa for members to pamper themselves and the 100-cover Brasserie/Cafe bar for fine dining.

Andrew Brown has been advised by Cassons since the time of the family business FH Brown. Carlton Cooper is their client partner and he looks after the day to day business. Carlton explained: “We look after the annual accounts and audit but we provide a number of additional services to help with the smooth running of the business. We have set Crow Wood up to use Sage which they do themselves very efficiently. We then pick up the information and produce monthly management accounts for them which we discuss on a monthly basis. We also run their payroll each month. And of course I’m always available to discuss any issues relating to the day to day running of Crow Wood.”

In addition Andrew works very closely with Cassons’ tax partner Colin Tice who advises on developments at Crow Wood as well as many of the family’s other interests, and in particular looks very closely at the tax angles, always seeking out tax efficiencies. Andrew commented: “I have been working with Colin for many years and I always trust his judgement.”

Colin said: "I have been advising Andrew and his family since the FH Brown days, helping them to run and develop their business interests. It gives me a great deal of satisfaction to see how much they have achieved."

Andrew continued: "We have a good relationship with Cassons and are delighted with the service they provide."

Having great advice available at the end of a phone is something that Andrew appreciates. And it means that more of his time goes into ensuring the facilities at Crow Wood are second to none.