Sarah Wood, HR Manager of Grenfell James, to find out what makes this group of progressive accountants stand out and why she was keen to sponsor the Visitor & Hospitality Business of the Year Award.

Tell us a little about Grenfell James and what you offer?

Based in Stratford-upon-Avon, Grenfell James works with ambitious companies across Warwickshire and London to revolutionise their businesses through better accounting practices. Our team recommends progressive accounting technology that supports your goals, enables better decisions and inspires your company to grow. In short, we aim to make your life easier.

What sets Grenfell James apart from other accountancy firms?

Our client’s success is our number one priority. Beyond ensuring your financials are compliant and your reporting is up to date, we will help you achieve your long-term business goals by partnering with you. Our people use their knowledge, skills and expertise to give our clients tailored accountancy support. We go above and beyond to fulfill your businesses’ needs because all of us care deeply about what we do and how we do it.

Why did Grenfell James decide to support these awards?

We jumped at the chance to get involved with this event as it is one of the only organisers in the UK to recognise existing businesses alongside student-run enterprises.

At Grenfell James, we’re passionate about supporting young entrepreneurial talent. We have worked with Chipping Campden school to offer work experience for pupils, enabling them to gain an insight into what an accountancy career can look like, as well as the types of businesses we work with and learn what is means to be a business owner.

Each of our directors began at the company as ‘juniors’ and we have an extraordinarily strong apprenticeship scheme. We intend to continue the scheme as we develop those who join us, year on year.

The entrepreneurial spirit should be encouraged and nurtured. Pupils should be acknowledged for their business acumen and achievements. By supporting awards like this we one day hope to have played a role in helping tomorrow’s future business leaders!

Equally, from a business perspective, taking time to recognise the hard work and positive impact teams and their businesses make every day is a wonderful way to bring people together and drive development.

The competition to stand out as an independent business, often working to tight margins, is tough. Often outsourcing the marketing function isn’t financially possible for smaller firms, but awards like these are a cost-effective way to gain recognition and celebrate success.

Why did you choose to sponsor this category?

Professionally, Grenfell James work with many businesses in the hospitality and tourism sector. The pandemic lockdowns and later staffing issues have truly pushed many in the sector to the limit – we want to champion these businesses for their resilience.

Personally, as local homeowners, in Chipping Campden we support local businesses wherever possible. We feel privileged to have such great offerings in all industries, literally on our doorstep. We believe you must ‘use it or lose it’ so we want these businesses to thrive, encouraging a vibrant local business community for all.