Chartered Accountant Makes the Right Connections
Antrobus is a firm of Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors, based in Petersfield, Hampshire. When Mike Kirby took over the business two years ago, he was a relative newcomer to the area and wanted to establish himself in the local business community quickly.
“Whilst I only lived 25 miles away in Guildford, I recognised that Petersfield is a very close community. It was important to get involved with local businesses, particularly as so many of our business leads come via word of mouth.”
Solution
Mike believed that joining several established business networks would enable the firm to be more proactive in engaging with local business leaders, but was keen to identify the right organisations before committing himself.
“I looked at a number of options, but eventually settled on the local Chamber of Commerce as a key organisation with which to be associated.
The Chamber would provide us with a wealth of opportunities to mix with local business people, whilst giving us access to the kind of help and advice that can be so important for any small firm.”
Antrobus joined the Portsmouth & South East Hampshire Chamber of Commerce in July 2007, a year after Mike took over the firm.
Outcome
Mike feels that joining the Chamber has helped Antrobus to take a more structured approach
to business networking, “The Chamber enables us to network with firms we can realistically view as potential clients – smaller and mid-size businesses. It has helped us to be more visible to the right people, which can only be good for business.”
Antrobus has also benefited from access to the Chamber’s HR advisory services, “We approached the Chamber’s HR service for advice on a specific issue related to employment law. There is no doubt that the guidance we received gave us the confidence to make the right decisions and successfully resolve the issue.”