Phoenix Specialist Solutions

Our Client

Phoenix Specialist Solutions is a Scottish business that provides (since 2012) street lighting, road marking and signs installations, offering a ‘one stop’ service to local authorities, schools, contractors and private companies with clients throughout Central Scotland.

Our Role

AAB have provided regular accounting services and occasional HR services to the Phoenix Specialist Solutions team for over 12 years. Acting as a retained advisor to managing director David Clark on all things finance-related since the firm’s incorporation in 2012, providing guidance on and practical delivery of accounting, payroll and tax services, management accounts and advising on financial performance trends.

As well as managing the weekly and monthly payroll for the 42-strong staff team, we provide quarterly management reports, tax guidance for shareholders and directors and recommendations and guidance on remuneration strategies for shareholders.

Our Support

The emphasis in our relationship with Phoenix Specialist Solutions is on maintaining ultra-consistency, stability and timely practical support. This is a business that appreciates tried and trusted methods in its finance management and a close, detailed understanding of how the business prefers to operate.

On the HR side, our team conducted a review of the longstanding basic HR Handbook to bring it in line with developments in legislation and HR policy, adding new content and creating a more user-friendly presentation for staff to engage with regarding any HR and employee wellbeing issues. Our consultant created a new, simplified structure, updated the language and tone and included hyperlinks to support services.

The revised HR handbook included updated details on pension scheme options and a new support section for independent complaints, to provide an opportunity for staff to consult outside advisors with any employment concerns.

In preparation for possible construction industry downturn and in anticipation of temporary budgetary constraints, we provided guidance on potential changes in employment contracts and the communication of any incoming changes to relevant staff. We advised on the what and the how of potential changes in working hours, ensuring complete clarity on timescales, notice periods, document templates and processes around reduced hours and short-term working.  These are important measures to safeguard the business against redundancies.

Our Impact

The AAB team covers all accounting and certain ad-hoc advisory HR needs for Phoenix Specialist Solutions. Always on hand to advise and support the management team, our consultants are there when the business needs us.

Managing director David Clark particularly appreciates the prompt actions and responsiveness of the team and their respect for keeping things consistent.

“I appreciate the good, solid working relationship that we have. AAB knows what I need and gives me what I need so that I can concentrate on the wider issue of running the business. I’m not one for change, and consistency is important. I know I can trust them to deliver and to keep longstanding arrangements just how I prefer them to be.”

“They consult with us on ways forward for the company regarding structure and finances, and I know we can bounce off each other and not always agree, but always reach a good compromise!”

“On the HR side when I have an occasional need, I know I’ll get good guidance and clarity on what needs to be done. In anticipation of a possible downturn in one of our three business divisions recently, AAB prepared us well for what would need to be in place if changes in working hours became necessary. It’s reassuring to have that just-in-case support and knowledge.”